Expert: Martin Meyer - 8/7/2007

Question
Our mantle clock has started striking 16 notes and the correct hour chimes at quarter after the hour. It then advance correctly through the chime sequence until the next quarter after the hour when it sounds 16 notes and the correct hour.The movement is Franz Hermle 340-020A.  Our fiddling with hand position hasn't helped!

Answer
Hi Rick,
    There a two distinct situations involved in this problem.  First, you seem to be saying that you removed the minute hand. The minute hand has four possible positions, and must be attached in the one correct position. You may have reattached the minute hand in an incorrect position. Try moving the hands (stopping to let the clock chime at each point) to the position where the clock chimes and strikes. Then remove the minute hand and reattach it pointing to the "12" position.
    This may solve your problem. If it does not, the clock is attempting to chime at the hour (or another chime point), but not completing the chiming due to dirt or wear in the movement. It then finally completes the chiming at the next quarter. You can verify this by turning the minute hand forward SLOWLY to each of the four chime points. The clock should chime at every quarter. Do this several times around the dial to be sure. If, at any quarter, the clock does not chime, this is your problem. In this case, you should have the clock lubricated and inspected for wear by a professional clock repairer.
    Thanks for your question.   Martin