Expert: William J Perkins - 2/26/2010

Question
We have a Waterbury mantel clock.  The minute hand only moves for fifteen minutes after the strike on the hour and the half.  We took off the hour hand and had the minute hand go by itself but the same thing happened.  When you move the minute hand, it feels loose from the 12 to the 3 and then it feels tighter and the same after the six. We move the minute hand manually so it will strike and then it starts to move on its own.

Answer
I suspect the problem is located in what is called the time works.  (The gears and lever that are mounted between the dial and the movement, i.e. on the face of the front plate).  I would suggest you take the clock to a qualified clock repair person for inspection and repair.  Regards WJP