Emperor grandfather clock chimes not working

Question

QUESTION: I purchased a used Emperor grandfather clock about 3-4 months ago and I pulled up the chime weight right exactly as the clock started to chime (I wasn't paying attention to what time it was otherwise I would've waited until the chimes had finished striking before winding). Now the chimes don't work at all. I checked everything that I can. I've advanced the clock hands and hear a click as I reach every quarter hour but nothing. I've checked everything in the owner's guide that I was given with the clock and still nothing. You may remember this clock a while back as I had mentioned while transporting it home the dog stepped on the glass in the clock face door and broke it which has been fixed since then... Do you know what might possibly be the problem?

ANSWER: Don, it could be that the change in weight on the chime train caused it to lock up. Look in the back of the clock and check to see if the chime hammers are in alignment. If not, the train has stalled in mid-operation. Carefully pull the hammers back and see if the train starts running. You man have to run the minute hand around to the hour and listen for the click so it trips again. Other causes could be that the chime was very close to failing due to gummy lubricants and/or worn parts. If this is a Jauch movement, all weights should be the same weight. If it is Hermle, the chime weight (right side as you face the clock) should be the heavier one. Check this out and let me know.

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QUESTION: I did as you requested. The chime hammers are in the rest position alignment. I advanced the clock hands until a click was heard and then pulled back the beginning chime hammer to no avail. It is a Hermle movement. The right side weight is the heaviest of the three...

Answer

Try gently rocking the chime drum back and forth. This might free it up. Also check the strike hammers. Sometimes if the strike stalls in the middle of an operation, it will cause the chimes to fail, as everything has to be reset. If it still won't work, get back with me. If you will, contact me at my shop email address below and it will keep my Allexperts question queue free, as I am limited to 3 questions a day. Thanks.