Family Life

How To Reset the Time and Resynchronize the Chimes on an Antique Mantel Clock

In the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, mantel clocks were popular and many people have acquired them from antique dealers.If you're one of those people, you need to know how to set their time or re-sync their chimes to match the hour if they become out of sync.The hour the little hand shows is different than the number of times an out-of-sync clock strikes.The instructions only apply to the mantel clock in the photos below.There are different ways of setting and synchronizing chiming clocks.

Step 1: The wind-up mechanism can be accessed by opening the glass cover of the clock.

Step 2: The key needs to be inserted into the hole.

It becomes difficult to wind when it iscounterclockwise.If you do not stay out of the wind, you will damage the mechanism.

Step 3: To access the clock's hands, open the hinged glass cover.

Step 4: The big hand should be moved to the 11 o'clock position.

Step 5: Listen for the sound of a spring.

Step 6: The big hand can be moved to the 12 o'clock position.

Step 7: The clock should hit the number of times indicated by the little hand.

The little hand should chime 5 times if it is on 5 o'clock.

Step 8: Go clockwise to the correct time.

If you want the clock to show the correct time, you need to repeat the pauses at the 11 and 12 o'clock positions.

Step 9: To get to the clock's hands, open the hinged glass cover.

Step 10: The big hand should be moved clockwise to the 11 o'clock position.

Step 11: A sound like a spring is what you should listen to.

The sound is subtle.

Step 12: Stop the big hand at the 12 o'clock position.

Step 13: The number of strikes should be counted.

The hour the little hand shows is different than the number of times an out-of-sync clock strikes.

Step 14: The big hand should be moved clockwise to the number 9.

You should hear a spring sound.This sound is subtle.The time is now 15 minutes before the hour.