AboutJohn Newman Expertise Because of the variations of clock values throughout the world, and particularly the lack of data on modern production clocks, I regret that I CANNOT DETERMINE CLOCK VALUES. 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 involved in building, repairing and restoring clocks for about 30 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.
Question I have a cable driven Howard Miller grandfather clock. The chimes all work at each quarter hour, but the clock won't strike the time at the hour. The left weight does not move down very much. Is it possible for me to make an adjustment to correct this?
Answer Don, I have been working off my laptop in another location while on vacation. I thought I had answered your question, but it reappeared, so I will try again.
If the left weight is moving down at all, something is working on the strike all of the time. You did not give me the model information on the back of the movement, but I'll try to wing it! Does your clock have the auto night-off feature? A lever on the dial to the left of the "9" would indicate something like, "silent, night-off, strike," or similar indications. If it does have this feature, it could be out of the 12 hour sync and striking at night but not during the day. This would cause the left weight for the strike to move down 2/3 the distance of the others in a 12 hour or any 12 hour increment for a day , days or a week. Another possible cause would be that the clock hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years and the mechanisms have become sluggish, either because of gummy lubricants or worn parts. In this case the chime function is usually the first to show some symptoms. Let me know what you find.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
