You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Howard Miller quartz Wall Clock with pendulum

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/21/2010


Question
I have inheritied a Howard Miller quartz wall clock with chimes.  We have set the clock to the correct time, but the hour hand continually moves faster.  The clock keeps time, but it is sometimes hard to differentiate if it is 11:30 or 12:30.  When we try to adjust the minute hand, then the chimes are off.  When and how do the chimes operate?  Once on the half hour, and then # of times for the hour?  
Any information would be helpful, we have absolutely none.

Thank you!

Answer
Teea, there were many different types of quartz chiming clocks manufactured and they all have different configurations as far as chimes and setting.  Without knowing the model of the movement, I cannot tell you what the configuration would be and some movements I am completely unfamiliar.  Some have just the strike where the hour is counted and one strike on the half hour, others have some type of chime.  If the hour hand is not consistent, it could be that there are some broken gear teeth, the ration wheels are not engaging properly or something is slipping.  It would have to be looked to determine the problem.  Also consideration has to be taken in as far as a repair is concerned.  Diagnostic ane repair labor can soon exceed a new replacement movement.  Because of the almost non-existent availability of diagnostic documents and replacement parts, most repair shops will not attempt repair of these movements.  It is usually to replace them.  If you want to send me a photo of the front of the clock and one of the back of the movement, I will see if I can locate a replacement movement that would work.  My shop email address is below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.