Expert: Michael Radi - 9/9/2010

Question
My grandma has this clock and it will not chime on the hour anymore they tried to wind it and it ticks and keeps time but it like springs back when winding the right side (looking at it.2 places to put the key.What can we do she lives alone and it keeps her company (She's 92 and misses the chime) thank you hopefully you can help me help her..Susan

Answer
Hi Susan, this is probably one that should not be worked on by a novice. Judging by your description that you turn the key but it springs back I think you have a problem with the click.
The click is a small piece that drops down into a gear and keeps the spring from unwinding. There is a spring that pushes down on it. Either the spring is broken or the click popped out of the gear and is either under the spring or back behind it. If it just popped out, it can be set back in place. If the spring is broken the job is very difficult and the movement has to be disassembled for the repair.
One reason I don't suggest that the clock be worked on by anyone other than a professional is that if this piece fails while the clock is being wound the key will spin backwards and injury is very likely.
The mainsprings on these clocks are very strong and I have seen them put clock repair people in the hospital by the click failing. I would hate to have that happen to your grandma.
If you still want to work on it, the face will have to be removed and I would need a photo of the click so I could tell you what is required for the repair.
Michael Radi
http://www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair