Expert: William J Perkins - 5/31/2007

Question
How do I get the hour hand off a Waltham 31 day chime wall clock (grandfather type, dual wind, with faux weights)? I can't tell if it is a slip fit, or constrained by the threaded piece holding the minute hand. The minute hand came right off after removing the outer nut.

Answer
Most of the "Waltham", clocks were of Korean origin, and depending upon who did the actual manufacturing a number of different fastening methods were used.  You will need to remove the minute hand and carefully examine to determine.  If friction fit there will be nothing but the hand bushing viewable on the hour tube.  If it is fastened in this manner simply pull the hand off.  Should there be evidence of another type of fastener, i.e., a nut, a pin, a split washer etc., you will have to remove whatever fastener it might be before attempting to remove the hand.  BEFORE PROCEEDING MAKE A VERY CAREFUL APPRAISAL OF THE CONSTRUCTION METHOD.  Regards wjp