How to set chime sequence correctly

Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 6:31 pm     Post subject: How to set chime sequence correctly

I've bought a french mantle clock with works by Vincenti and cie dated 1855. It keeps good time but chimes the hours at six and the 1/2 hour at 12. Based on some info I found on the internet I moved the minute hand from the 6 to the 12 immediately after it started chiming the hours but that didn't work. Any other suggestions short of repositioning the hands - something I'm not comfortable doing myself..
Thanks,
Bruce

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:04 pm     Post subject:

I know that with currently produced minute hands (for Hermle movements Klockit carries), you can simply remove the minute hand from the center shaft and re-mount at an alternate position. The center hub of the minute hand on most (if not all) Hermle movements is square in shape. This means that the hand can be removed, turned, and re-mounted to indicate a different time position. This is a useful feature for synchronizing the time/chimes.

I am not certain if your movement has this feature, but it may be something to check into. Obviously, do not try to remove the minute hand if you should have any apprehension. Also, make certain to check back frequently for more responses. There are many forum members who have quite a bit more experience than me with movements of a mechanical nature (to include older movements that are no longer manufactured).

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:26 am     Post subject: Chime/strike sequence

Many older clocks (including this one) had what's known as count wheel striking, meaning that it's possible for the striking and the hands to get out of synch.
On a clock of this vintage the hands are usually held in place by a pin through the hand shaft. Remove the pin and the washer. The minute hand has a slotted hub to match the hand shaft. Remove the minute hand and then reposition it so that it points correctly to the hour or half, depending on what just struck and then replace the washer and the pin. This should correct the striking. Do not move the hour hand.

If you find that the hour hand is not pointing to the correct hour that has just struck it can be also be moved. The hour hand is a friction fit on the shaft and can be pried off (with care) and repositioned to point to the hour just struck. Be sure to grasp the hand close to the hub otherwise you may bend it, or worse, break it off. Note that the hour hand can only be adjusted in this way after the minute hand has been removed from the shaft. As before replace the hands, washer and pin.