Recently, a reader contacted me because his mantel clock showed 7 o’clock but insisted on striking eight times. He assumed something had broken inside the movement. In reality, the fix took less than a minute. One of the most common questions asked by owners of mechanical clocks is:
“Why does my clock strike the wrong hour?”
For example, the clock may indicate 5 o’clock on the dial but strike six times. Or perhaps it is showing 8 o’clock and striking only seven times.
The good news is that in many cases, nothing is actually broken. Mechanical clocks occasionally become “out of sync,” and the problem can often be corrected in a matter of minutes.
Why Does This Happen?
Mechanical clocks rely on two separate systems that must work together.
The time train controls the movement of the hands and keeps the clock running, while the strike train controls the hourly striking sequence.
Under normal circumstances, these two systems remain synchronized. However, if the hands are moved incorrectly, the clock is interrupted during a strike sequence, the strike mechanism becomes temporarily jammed, or the clock has not been wound, the strike count can become out of step with the position of the hands.
When this happens, the clock may display one time but strike another.
If the clock has recently run down because it was not wound, the strike train and time train may have fallen out of synchronization. This occurs where one spring or weight powers the time train and another powers the strike train. Once both sides are fully wound and the clock is allowed to complete several striking cycles, the problem may correct itself or be easily adjusted using one of the methods described in this article.
First Determine What Type of Clock You Have
Before attempting any correction, determine whether your clock uses:
- A count wheel strike system
- A rack-and-snail strike system
Most American shelf clocks, mantel clocks, and many regulators use one of these two methods.
The correction procedure can vary slightly depending on the design.
The Simplest Fix
Many clocks can be corrected by allowing the striking mechanism to “catch up.”
Suppose the clock shows 5 o’clock but strikes six times.
When the clock next strikes, carefully count the strikes. Then move the hour hand only to the hour indicated by the number of strikes.
For example, if the clock strikes six times, gently move the hour hand to point at six.
The hour hand on many clocks is friction-fit and can be rotated independently without damaging the movement.
Once the hour hand matches the strike count, the problem is solved.
If the Hour Hand Cannot Be Moved
Some clocks do not allow the hour hand to be adjusted independently.
In that case, allow the clock to strike naturally and continue advancing the minute hand through each striking cycle until the strike count and the displayed time agree once again. This is particularly true of rack and snail clocks that are self-regulating.
This process may take several strike cycles, but it is generally harmless if done carefully.
Important: In most cases, only the hour hand should be adjusted. Avoid removing or repositioning the minute hand unless you understand how it is mounted and synchronized with the striking mechanism.
Check for Loose Hands
Occasionally, the problem is not in the strike train at all.
A loose hour hand can slip on its pipe and gradually move out of position. When this occurs, the clock may actually be striking correctly, but the hour hand is no longer pointing to the proper hour.
Inspect the hour hand to determine whether it has shifted from its intended position.
What If the Clock Is Still Wrong?
If the strike remains incorrect after synchronization attempts, there may be an issue within the strike train itself.
Possible causes include:
- Worn count wheel teeth
- Bent strike levers
- Incorrect rack operation
- Improper warning action
- Excessive wear
- Dirt and dried lubricant
In these cases, a closer inspection of the movement may be required. However, if you know nothing about mechanical clocks, this procedure is best left to an expert.
Avoid Forcing the Hands
One of the most common causes of strike synchronization problems occurs when owners force the hands backwards or rapidly move the hands through multiple hours without allowing the clock to complete each strike sequence.
While some clocks can safely be set backwards, only if the instructions that came with the clock allow you to do so. Many older clocks are happier when the hands are advanced slowly, and the strike mechanism is allowed to complete its cycle before moving on.
As a general rule, I highly recommend that the minute hand not be moved backwards.
When in doubt, patience is the best approach.
Final Thoughts
A clock that strikes the wrong hour can be frustrating, but it is often one of the easiest mechanical clock problems to correct. In many cases, the movement simply needs to be resynchronized with the hands.
Before assuming something is broken, take a few minutes to determine whether the strike train and the hands have merely fallen out of step. You may discover that the solution is much simpler than you expected.
As clock collectors often say, a clock striking the wrong hour is usually an adjustment problem before it is a repair problem.
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Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
Very interesting & informative; just like I was talking to my father.. he was a big fan of many clocks that struck
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Thank you
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