Expert: John Newman - 2/18/2010

Question
We purchased this clock September 20, 1982 when we lived in Washington, IL.  We moved to Arizona ten years ago and are clock is still keeping good time and runs great.  The problem is that it does not chime on the quarter past the hour and does not chime on the half past the hour.  On the quarter to the hour it chimes about three cycles and on the hour it chimes three and a half cycles but it strikes the hour correctly every time.

I called a clock Co. in Scottsdale, AZ and they told me it could not be fixed and that it would stop running very soon.  This started in May of 2009 and although it doesn't chime correctly it is still running and keeps good time.

Do I need a certain part or some adjustment to get it to chime correctly?

Answer
Dean, the movement you have was manufactured by Urgos.  They are now out of business.  Hermle bought a portion of the Urgos tooling and parts and now produces some of the models.
 
The description of the chime synchronization sounds a little unusual, as I have never heard of if failing in this way.  I would have to observe the motion of the chime and strike functions to actually see what is going on.  It could be that because of gummy lubricants and/or worn parts it is failing.  Or it could be a sync problem.
 
You contacted a clockmaker and they told you it could not be fixed.  I don't exactly do that.  Let's say the movement, being 28 years old, is worn enough that is requires a complete overhaul.  When a clock has a major problem in one area, it will have to be dismantled, cleaned, inspected for worn or broken parts and repaired.  Any experienced clockmaker will do the complete job, as other areas could be close to failing.  This could possibly cost as much if not more than a replacement movement.  When I run into a situation like this, I give the customer the option of restoring or replacing.  Some customers, because of sentimentality of the clock and movement, tell me to restore it, no matter what the cost is.  The bottom line is that the movement can be restored, but do you what to pay for it?  

By the way, when a clock movement starts failing, the chime, and strike which depends on the function of the chime, usually are the first to go.

The answer to your question is that, yes, there is possibility of it needing a certain part or adjustment, but for you to correctly diagnose and adjust it to correct the problem, you would need a week's instruction in clock repair.  Probably the best thing for you to do is have an experienced clockmaker evaluate it for you.  Sorry I could not help you more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama