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Clocks, Watches/Pearl Grandfather Clock won't chime
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Question
I cannot get the Westminster chimes to work on my clock. There is a sliding bar that turns off the chimes, but I have it on "chime" and it only clicks at the hour and quarter hour. I have taken the back off of the clock to expose the inner workings and cannot find anything that might be a fix. According to the information book about the clock, the right weight is linked to the chimes, and of course the weight is not descending as the clock ticks away. The clock does keep good time but I can't enjoy the beautiful chime it used to have.
Barb, I don't know which model movement you have, but that's not important right now. You can find the information on the back of the movement plate. One of the more popular movements was the Hermle (sometimes another name was imprinted on the back) 451-050 94cm. With the back cover off, look at the chime hammer assembly which is to your left. You should see 4 hammers. Are they all at rest in the same line? Or is one of them raised? There should be a couple of gears next to the chime assembly. Gently rock them back and forth to see if maybe one of the hammers has jammed. This sometimes happens when the chime/silent lever is moved during a chime operation, but not very often. The other factor is the lubrication. How long has it been since it was last serviced? After about 7 to 10 years, the lubricants start becoming gummy and the first symptom is that the chimes start slowing down and finally stop. The strike will stop as it is dependent upon the chime function completing the hour chime. Therefore you will not see the right or left weights decending. If this is the case, it is probably time to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. That's about all I can think of. If you see anything further or have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
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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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