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Clocks, Watches/emperor phases of the moon

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/14/2007


Question
I have inherited an emperor grandfather clock that i was told my grandfather bult from a kit.  unfortunately, we do not have any information on how to properly set the mechanism that shows the phases of hte moon, any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Rebekah,
    Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
    The moon dial can be set either by just pushing it in a clockwise direction from the front or, if you have removable side panels, by reaching into the movement and turning the dial clockwise by pushing on the teeth around its outer edge.
    When you see the whole moon image centered in the moon dial opening, this indicates a full moon; seeing no moon is a new moon, one-half moon showing on the left is a rising quarter, and one-half showing on the right is a waning quarter.
    The easiest way to set it is to check a calendar and find the last full moon or new moon. Set the moon dial at that position, and then move the moon dial one click per day from that date until today's date.

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Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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