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Clocks, Watches/How accurate should I expect my clock to run

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Expert: - 4/30/2010


Question
I recently purchased a Howard Miller Presidential 610-952.

I have it adjusted  within 7 seconds of being accurate. Is this as close as a compulsive person can expect?  Every attempt at fine tuning it further seems to go back worse the other way.

How accurate have you ever gotten a Howard Miller to get?

In addition, once set, should the moon phase always be dead on, or because of the 29 1/2 day moon cycle , we should expect it to be off a day or two of a full moon?

Answer
You should be able to get a weight driven clock to run within 30 seconds a week. Any variations in time keeping beyond that can be blamed on temperature changes.
The moon dial should be geared to a 29-1/2 day cycle and should stay in sync with the full moon.  

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Volunteer

Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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