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Clocks, Watches/adjusting the clock to strike on the hour
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Question
I have a Sligh wall clock and lately it strikes the hour on the 15 minute mark after the hour. I would like to know if there is a way to adjust it back to striking on the hour.
Maureen, without knowing the make and model of the movement, I cannot be sure in advising you on this problem. If it is a mechanical movement, this information can be found on the back plate of the movement. Sometimes you can use a flashlight and mirror to get this information.
Let's say it is a mechanical wind up clock. If it is, the minute hand is mounted on a square shaft. It is common for the small round hand nut to come off causing the minute hand to fall off. When replaced, it can be put on any of 4 positions because of the square shaft. Only one can be correct. To correct the problem, turn the minute hand around until it strikes the hour (note the number of strikes). For your description, It should be pointing to the 3. Without turning anything further, carefully loosen and remove the hand nut. Then remove the minute hand and put it back on pointing to the 12. Now put the hand nut back on and tighten. I usually use a small pair of pliers to carefully turn the nut just a little bit further to insure it will stay on. The last thing to do is to make sure the hour hand is pointing to the hour that just struck. If not, carefully slip it around to that hour and then use the minute hand to reset the time. Being a Sligh modern production clock, the movement is what we call a "safe back" clock and you can turn the minute hand backwards to set the time. Most manufacturers of these clocks recommend that you set the clock by turning it backwards. If this doesn't help, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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