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Clocks, Watches/Chimes not playing melody
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QUESTION: I have a Howard Miller Model 660-116. It is accurate, and the chimes play at the appropriate time, but they don't play the melodies - I think that the mechanism is just out of sync. How do I reset it (or do I need a pro)?
ANSWER: Eric, I cannot identify most movements by the clock case number. The movement model number is found on the back of the clock movement plate. However, I might be able to help you without it. Do you mean that the clock strikes out the hour but does not chime the melodies? If this is the case there might be a chime selection lever on the dial at the "3" position. Some models allow you to turn the chime to silent and will still strike the hour. One way to tell is to observe the weights. Are they all decending during the week? If so, the chime is disabled and you can start it again by selecting one of the chime positions. Let me know what happens. If it doesn't do it, send me the model of the movement found on the back.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The number on the back of the plate is MSU02. Both sound elements work - the clock strikes on the hour and the melody plays every 15 minutes. However, the melody is playing random notes, rather than the correct melody. I believe that the cylinder with the pins that play the melody is just not set correctly.
Eric, your movement is a Kieninger triple chime, cable drive with a 1 second pendulum beat. There is a lever, usually on the right side of the dial which selects the tune. It is attached to a step detent that allows the music drum to stop at the proper position for the tune to play. It has to be precisely positioned or you will get random notes. There is an adjustment, but there could be a link that is bent or worn that is causing the problem. I do not have a cable drive in the shop but do have a similar chain drive unit of which I could send you a couple of digitals, if you want to tackle the job. Other than that, I would suggest taking it to an experienced clockmaker. Let me know. If you want the digitals send me your email address to mine below.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
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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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