How to Adjust Westminster Chimes on a Clock

Westminster chimes are one of the most recognizable and cherished sounds in the clock world. From grandfather clocks to wall/mantel pieces, the four-quarter melody is a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. But what happens when those notes fall out of sequence? A mistimed chime can disrupt the beauty of the piece and make it seem like your clock is broken. The good news is you can usually correct the problem without taking the clock apart.

This guide will walk you through the exact steps to bring your Westminster chimes back into harmony. Follow these directions carefully, and you’ll soon have your clock chiming correctly again.

1. Understand the Westminster Chime Sequence

The Westminster melody plays four distinct parts:

• Quarter-hour: The first four notes.
• Half-hour: Eight notes.
• Three-quarter hour: Twelve notes.
• Full hour: Sixteen notes, followed by the correct number of strikes to mark the hour.

When the sequence goes out of alignment, the clock may play the wrong number of notes at the wrong time. In some cases, it may even strike the wrong hour after the melody finishes. Knowing the correct sequence helps you diagnose where the problem lies.

2. Listen for the Problem

Sit with your clock for one full hour and listen. Make a note of what happens at the quarter-hour marks. Ask yourself:

• Does the melody play at the correct time?
• Does the clock strike the right number of hours after the full sequence?
• Do the chimes ever “skip” or repeat?

This process will tell you whether the problem is with the timing of the hands or with the movement itself.

3. Never Adjust the Hour Hand

The most important rule is this: do not move the hour hand to correct the chimes. The hour hand simply points where the clock tells it. If you try to force it, you risk bending or breaking delicate parts. All corrections happen with the minute hand.

4. Reset the Minute Hand to Match the Chimes

If your clock plays the quarter-hour melody too early or too late, adjust the minute hand:

• If the chimes are early: Move the minute hand backward to the correct quarter mark and allow the melody to play.
• If the chimes are late: Move the minute hand forward until the chimes trigger, then let them play.

Repeat this process as needed until the chimes line up perfectly with the quarter-hour marks. Always let the melody finish before moving the hand again.

5. Use the Silent Position While Testing

Some Westminster clocks include a silence or “night shutoff” setting. If your clock has this feature, it’s helpful during testing. You can move the minute hand into position without having to listen to each sequence until you’re ready to confirm. Switch back to chime mode once you’re certain the timing looks correct.

6. When Adjustment Isn’t Enough

Sometimes the chimes keep drifting out of sequence even after you align the hands. That’s a sign the issue is deeper than timing. Dust, dried oil, or worn pivots inside the movement can interfere with the chime train.

At Clockworks, Inc., we not only supply clock parts and replacement movements, but we also provide professional cleaning, oiling, and repair services. If you’d like to handle smaller tasks yourself, we also stock specialized clock tools like let-down tools, hand pullers, and cleaning solutions. Whether you prefer to do the work or send it in to our shop, we can help you keep your Westminster clock running the way it should.

7. Monitor for Long-Term Accuracy

After adjusting the timing, don’t assume the job is done right away. Let the clock run for at least 24 hours while you observe:

• The quarter-hour melody should always play in the correct order.
• The 16-note sequence should always align with the top of the hour.
• The strike should always match the number of hours on the dial.

If everything checks out after a full day, your clock is back in proper rhythm.

8. Recognize When to Call in Help

Mechanical clocks are precision instruments, and sometimes wear or damage makes home adjustments impossible. If you notice bent levers, weak springs, or a movement that sticks even after oiling, you’re dealing with a repair issue rather than a simple adjustment. In these cases, sending the clock to a professional ensures you avoid costly mistakes and preserve the movement for future generations.

9. Keep Your Clock in Good Condition

Once your chimes are working properly again, take steps to keep them that way:

• Wind your clock on a consistent schedule.
• Keep the clock level to ensure the movement operates smoothly.
• Avoid placing the clock in damp or overly hot environments.
• Have the movement professionally cleaned and oiled every 5–7 years.

By maintaining your clock, you reduce the risk of the chimes drifting out of sequence again.

Conclusion

Adjusting Westminster chimes doesn’t require advanced clock making skills—just patience and careful handling of the minute hand. By following these steps, you can restore the timeless beauty of a properly sequenced chime. And if your clock needs more than a quick adjustment, you can count on Clockworks, Inc. for expert repairs, replacement parts, and high-quality tools. Bring your clock back to life and enjoy the melodies the way they were meant to be heard.

For more information, visit Clockworks.com or email us at clockworks@clockworks.com.

Updated on: 30/09/2025