Before you start setting the time, make sure to place your grandfather clock on a level surface. Grandfather clocks rely on gravity to keep accurate time. If your clock is on a surface that tilts it in one direction, this will throw off the timekeeping mechanisms. Try adjusting your carpet or bringing the clock away from the wall.
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To set the time, slowly move ONLY THE MINUTE HAND counterclockwise (backwards) until hour and minute hand are at the correct time.
We recommend to do not move the hour hand when setting the time on a grandfather clock. This hand will move automatically when the minute hand is moved.
If the clock begins to chime while setting the time, stop moving the hands until chiming is complete. The clock movement has a self correcting feature which synchronizes the chimes with the time.
Similarly to the grandfather clocks with chain-driven weights, to set the time, slowly move ONLY THE MINUTE HAND counterclockwise (backwards) until hour and minute hand are at the correct time.
CAUTION ON MOVEMENTS WITH AUTOMATIC CHIME SEQUENCING: The chime selection lever should not be in the “Auto” position when moving the hands. Moving the hands in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction while the automatic chime sequencing is in operation could damage the chime mechanism.
CAUTION ON MOVEMENTS WITH DAY/NIGHT SHUT-OFF FEATURES: The Day/Night lever must be in the strike position (all the way up) when moving the hands.
DO NOT MOVE THE HOUR HAND WHEN SETTING THE TIME. The hour hand will move automatically when the minute hand is moved. If the clock begins to chime while setting the time, stop moving the hands until chiming is complete. The movement of most grandfather clocks has a self correcting feature which synchronizes the chimes with the time.
● If after setting the clock on time, it does not chime properly, permit it to operate 2 hours to correct itself.
● Use the time on your cell phone for the most accurate time reading.
● If the clock is 2 hours fast, wind the minute hand counterclockwise 2 full rotations.
Step 1: Stop the Pendulum.Gently stop the pendulum to avoid interfering with the clock's mechanism.
Step 2: Determine the Correct Time.Check the current time using a reliable source.
Step 3: Move the Minute Hand
● Forward Adjustment:If your clock is only off by anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, it will be faster to move the minute hand in a clockwise direction. Use your fingertips to move the minute hand (long hand) clockwise to the correct time. Move the hand slowly and allow the clock to chime if it is a chiming model. Stop at each quarter-hour point (3, 6, 9, and 12) to allow the clock chimes. For example, if setting the clock to 3:15, move the hand to 3:00, wait for the chime, then move to 3:15.
● Backward Adjustment:If you need to set the time back, some clocks allow you to move the minute hand counterclockwise, but check the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, it's safer to move the hand forward and cycle through the hours to avoid damaging the mechanism.
Step 4: Restart the Pendulum.Gently restart the pendulum by giving it a small push. Ensure it is swinging evenly.
Step 5: Adjust the Speed.If your clock is running too fast or too slow, adjust the pendulum's bob (the weight at the bottom of the pendulum).
● To slow down the clock and set proper time, lower the pendulum bob by turning the adjustment nut (usually found beneath the bob) to the left.
● If your clock is losing time, you need to speed up the clock; raise the pendulum bob by turning the adjustment nut to the right.
● Make small adjustments and observe the clock's performance over 24 hours before making further changes.
Moving the hour hand on a grandfather clock can have different consequences depending on how you do it and the specific design of the clock.
If done gently and correctly, moving the hour hand independently usually doesn't harm the clock. Most modern grandfather clocks are designed to allow for this adjustment without damaging the mechanism.
If the hour hand is not synchronized with the chimes or the strike mechanism, the clock might chime or strike at the wrong time. For example, it might chime three times at 4:00.
For older or more delicate clocks, forcibly moving the hour hand can damage the gears and mechanism. Always check the manufacturer's instructions or consult a professional if unsure.
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