Expert: John Newman - 5/15/2007

Question
We recently bought a grandfather clock (emperor) that my dad purchased in 1993 from a kiosk in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN.  I thought it was from the clock manufacturer when he purchased it, but now see it was from Emperor which is a kit clock?  Anyway it runs slow by at least 10 minutes and the chime does not sound right.  The chime sounds like vibration or something like that sound.  It is not a medoly ring like other grandfather clocks sound.  Could you give me some help on how to get it to run accurately and anything regarding the sound.  The world picture at the top of it does not rotate either.  It is sitting in our foyer on parquet wood flooring.

Answer
Karen, most Emperor clocks bought at places as you describe would probably be factory finished units.  Emperor did offer the same models in finished units and kits.  About the only differnce is that the owner's manual and model number for a kit would have a "K" suffix, indicating that it was a kit.  

As far as the timing, we determine the percentage of error by the error in a certain time frame.  So, is it slow by 10 minutes an hour, a day or a week?  To correct the error, stop the pendulum.  Then adjust the regulating nut (a small round nut under the pendulum bob).  It is turned (tightened) to move the pendulum bob up and will increase the rate.  It would be turned (loosened) to move the pendulum bob down and decrease the rate.  I don't know the model of your clock movement (found on the back plate of the movement) so can't give you an exact answer, but generally on floor clocks, turning the nut one complete turn will change the rate 1/2 minute a day.  So if it is running 10 minutes a day slow, the nut should be tightened 20 turns.  Each time the nut is adjusted, make sure the bob is seated firmly on the nut or the adjustment will not be effective.  This applies usually when the nut is loosened.  After the adjustment, reset the time and start the clock.  Let it run for 24 hours and check it.  If it is still running slow, continue tightening the nut according to the runle on turns above.  If you over adjust it will run too fast and you will have to back the nut down a little.  This will take a few tries, but you will finally find a good rate.

The chime (and strike) hammers should each be at rest 1/16" to 1/8" from its chime rod.  It should be centered so it hits the rod head on.  If you hear a double strike or thud, form the hammer wire back a little until you hear a good tone.  If it is too soft, form the wire a little closer until you reach a median sound.  Also use a screwdriver to insure the chime block assembly screws and the sound board screws are tight.  Loose screws will quickly dimish the quality of the sound.  And different clocks do vary greatly in the chime and strike sounds.  

I am not sure what you describe as the "world picture."  If it is a globe with the words "Tempus Fugit" (which is Latin for "Time Flies"), it does not move.  If it a colored moving moon dial, there would be a problem with the moon dial drive that would probably have to be looked at by an experienced clockmaker.  A wood floor is a good suface for your clock,  Just make sure the leveling feet are adjusted so the clock is stable and does not rock.  Good luck and if you have any further questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama