Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 6/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I have a Hermle wall clock with 3 main springs. The clock chimes 4 times at 15 minutes, 8 times at 30 minutes, 12 times at 45 minutes, and 16 times on the hour following with the number of chimes indicating the hour. Is there a way to disable the chimes at 15, 30, 45, and on the hour, but still keep the number of chimes indicating the hour. Thanks so much.

ANSWER: You would have to continue to wind all three springs- but if you access the back of the movement there is a gear on the outside of the movement that is not mounted on a shaft but is only held on by a "E" clip--remove the clip and turn the gear over and replace the clip.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ken thanks so much for the prompt answer. I looked at the back of the movement, but couldn't find the gear which is not mounted on a shaft. There are 3 gears mounted outside the movement, and it looks like they're all mounted on a shaft. I'd like to send you a picture of the back of the movement, such that you could see what it looks like, but I don't know how to do it. Please advise.

Thanks so much. Joe

Answer
Joe: the smaller gear in the middle ( other two are top and bottom of the smaller gear) is not mounted TO the shaft with set screws but just slipped ON the shaft -- this smaller one is held on by the clip which you can pry off with a small screwdriver being careful to hold your finger on it so it does not escape --then just turn the gear over so it does not mesh with the top and bottom any more and put the clip back on.