Clock Shoppers Guide
Your Source for Mantel & Carriage Clocks
30
Sep

Does anyone have advice on how to set a grandfather clock?

Posted in longcase grandfather clocks  by admin

I purchased a clock a few months ago and have recently moved and would like information on how to set this grandfather clock properly any help is greatly appreciated thanks in advance

The main thing is to NOT wind the hands backwards. That can cause serious internal damage. When we moved ours, I just made sure it was level — both with the floor’s horizon and level vertically with the wall. Otherwise the pendulum will stop. Lengthen the pendulum swing to slow the clock and shorten to speed the clock with the screw at the bottom of the pendulum weight.

3 Responses to “Does anyone have advice on how to set a grandfather clock?”

  1. blessed_thang Says:

    The main thing is to NOT wind the hands backwards. That can cause serious internal damage. When we moved ours, I just made sure it was level — both with the floor’s horizon and level vertically with the wall. Otherwise the pendulum will stop. Lengthen the pendulum swing to slow the clock and shorten to speed the clock with the screw at the bottom of the pendulum weight.
    References :

  2. sue Says:

    I have a german ship clock with bimbam chimes.

    To set the thing, wind it up, then turn the minute hand to the next chime time and allow it to chime. Continue this way until you have it to the correct time and chiming sequence.
    References :

  3. GVW Says:

    Lucky you.

    Just wind the minute hand around clockwise. You don’t have to let it chime or anything. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, wait until it’s the correct time (2x daily) and wind it up then. (My Dad was a watchmaker.) Make sure you have the base of the clock level with a leveler to help it keep the correct time.
    References :

Leave a Reply