Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/21/2007

Question
Hi,
I am so glad to have found your web site. Hope you will be able to help me. I inherited a mantel clock from my Grandparents.  The chimes do not work and it looses about 5+ minutes every week. There is not a clock repair anywhere within 70 miles from me. This is what is on the back:73,W.Haid,two121jewels,made in Germany,unadjusted,340-020. Thank you, Pat


Answer
Pat: your movement was made in 1973 by the Hermle Co in Germany - they still make the movement. Most of these are in need of overhaul after 20+ years- yours is way overdue and the chimes are the first thing to quit. If all three winders are fully wound up and the locking arm in the back on top of the hammers is UP and the possible on -off switch in the dial by the #3 is in the chime position- then it should chime as the hands are moved clockwise thru the quarter hours. On the back of the movement on the left side are 3 gears on the outside of the plate. These drive the chimes --try turning them by hand to help the movement chime as you move the minute hand around. Something ought to give. Advise what happens.
 As to the loosing 5 min./week: Little tricky but..here is photo (below)of the regulating unit on the top rear of your clock movement- hold the rim of #6 while moving any one of the 3 prongs on #5 as far as it will go to the right with a pencil. This will make it go as fast as it can without overhaul.

http://www.members.aol.com/pendclocks/P1010055.gif