Ethan Allen Grandfather Clock chimes not matching the hour

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:41 am     Post subject: Ethan Allen Grandfather Clock chimes not matching the hour

I have an Ethan Allen Clock with a West German Movement. No Moon Movement. It was a gift several years ago and has sat in our living room for all this time because the weight chains had become off track and pulled up to tight. I got brave this past week and fixed the chains so that they are all working. The clock is keeping time and it chimes on the quarter, half, three quartes and hour but the hour chimes did not reset to the correct time when I turned the hands to set the time as is the case when I reset my Waterbury Mantel Clock. Is there something I am missing or can do to correct this problem or must I take it to a Repair Shop?
Maury McGrew

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:32 pm     Post subject:

While my mechanical knowledge is general at best, I can offer a suggestion. It may be something as simple as removing the hour hand (smaller hand) and re-mounting it onto the shaft at the correct time. For example: The hour hand indicates 5:00, however there are six "hour strikes" at the top of the hour. For Hermle movements we sell, you can remove the center cap nut (which secures the minute hand), and then carefully remove the minute hand. Pull the hour hand off the clock and then re-mount it at the 6:00 position. Re-mount the minute hand and secure the hand with the cap nut. After this point, you may set the clock to the current time.

If you have a mechanical movement manual, consult it first to make certain there are no instructional variations between manufacturers. Also - - With movements we sell, it is generally a BIG "No-No" to try to rotate the hour hand while it is mounted on the hand shaft. I assume this would be true with other movements as well.