You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Chimes off on clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/12/2011


Question
Grandmother Clock by Trend Clock, Zeeland, Michigan. Chimes are off by 15 minutes (eg. chimes ring hourly chimes at 15 minutes past the hour, then quarter hour chime rings at 30 minutes past the hour, half hour chimes ring at 45 minutes past the hour etc.) How can we correct this?

Answer
Louis, evidently the minute hand nut came off and then the minute hand.  When the hand was replaced it was in the incorrect position, 15 minutes ahead.  The handshaft is square as is the minute hand bushing.  Therefore, the hand can be installed in four positions, only one is correct.  To fix this problem, advance the minute hand through each chime until it chimes the hour chime and strikes out the hour.  Count the number of strikes.  Without turning the hands, remove the hand nut, remove the minute hand and reinstall it pointing to the 12, securing it with the hand nut.  Then slip the hour hand to the hour that just struck.  That should do it.  If you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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.