Expert: William J Perkins - 8/28/2007

Question
I have a 100 year old Seth Thomas mantal clock that works great except that the chime occasionally skips ahead 30 minutes. For example, when it should chime once at 4:30, it chimes 5 times, and continues on that schedule until it skips ahead again a couple days later. It happens every 2-3 days. Any ideas?

Answer
Your problem description suggests your clock needs cleaning and andjustment.  I believe the release mechensim for the chime train is hanging up and has to be cocked again and again before it will release.  Without cleaning this condition will continue to worsen and other parts of the clock become effected.  Regards WJP