Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/9/2007

Question
my westminster clock chimes the hour on the quarter hour...hour do I adjust this?

Answer
Hi Donna,
    There are two possible problems here, and you must first determine which one your clock has.
    Your clock should chime 4 notes on the quarter, 8 notes on the half, 12 notes on the three-quarter hour, and 16 notes plus the hour strike on the hour. Turn the minute hand slowly to each quarter and determine if the clock is striking this 4-8-12-16 sequence every time, even though it is doing it at the wrong points. If it always chimes this sequence properly, the problem is that the minute hand has been removed and replaced in the wrong position. To correct this, turn the hands until the clock strikes 16 notes plus the hour strike. Then remove the small nut holding the minute hand, pull the minute hand straight off (without turning it) and replace it pointing to the hour ("12" position). This should correct your problem.
    The second possibility is that the clock is missing a chime at one of the four points (usually the hour point). In this case, what happens is that the clock fails to chime at all on the hour (or other chime point), then "catches up" at the first quarter and does its hour chime. If the clock is missing a chime, the cause can be needing lubrication, wear in the movement, or incorrect adjust of the chime mechanism. In these cases, you will need to have a professional clock repairer service your clock.