Installing clocks seems like a trick: because who even uses them anymore? Maybe it helps to call them modern floor clocks, but let’s get real: its very purpose stands defeated in today’s world where even toddlers could tell you the time! But that doesn’t mean people don’t buy them! Even if not to tell time, Hermle floor clocks are still very chic and classy, and many people like getting them for decorative purposes.

Now I know what you’re thinking: how hard is it to install a clock? You buy it and place it wherever you want it to stand.. And that should be it, right? Well, you thought wrong. While the modern floor clock is as modern as can be, a floor clock still has certain factors to think about before and while installing them. It’s “vintage” factor is what makes it like this. But fret not, for you have come to the right place! In this article, we shall talk about the few steps and considerations to make while installing a floor clock. Happy reading!

Setting It Up

Remember that a floor clock is not your typical clock, where you can just set it up. A modern floor clock comes with a key to fit the clock door, a crank to wind the clock, weights to help with the clock movement, and of course, the clock pendulum (usually found in a separate box). If you’ve never set it up before, you might want to consider reading the manual’s general information section on page 7 for a clear idea of what needs to go where. An important thing to remember is not to remove the styrofoam blocks from the cable pulleys. This may result in the overlapping of cables, which in turn, binds the movement.

Leveling It

Once you’ve found the final position for your modern floor clock, the clock cabinet needs to be leveled: without this step, your clock will most likely not operate. You can choose between 4 levelers under the cabinet on each corner and make adjustments accordingly. Once leveling has been done, you might want to consider checking the cabinet regularly after being set up. Especially if the clock is placed on a carpet, chances are that the clock would settle back to original after being leveled. Just remember that the clock must be positioned firm and square on the floor so there’s no way for it to fall over.

Hanging The Pendulum & Weights

Keep in mind that some pendulums come with a plastic film to protect it from dust and dirt: remember to remove this before hanging the pendulum, but be careful while doing so. The pendulum guide must be found through the cabinet in order to hang it correctly. Slip the pendulum carefully through the front door while holding the guide in the other hand. Make sure it is hanging securely on the pendulum guide before letting go.

For hanging the weights, the biggest consideration is not to remove the styrofoam blocks until the clock starts operating. Most models of modern floor clocks use about three weights. Luckily you won’t have to worry much about them because each weight has a labeled hanging position for you to follow. Weights of each weight might vary, but that’s alright. Just ensure that you don’t swap their positions while installing them. Afterward, check the weights and make sure they are assembled securely.

Setting The Moon Dial

If your modern floor clock comes with a moon dial, remember to read the manual before installing it because it can be tricky. Some of them may not rotate and appear stuck during installation, but this doesn’t mean that it’s broken. It simply means that the clock is processing advancing the dial. The most important thing to remember at this point is not to force it.

Setting Time

Finally making some progress, it is now time to set the time by moving the hands. Remember, however, that this process varies with different features. For instance, if you have an automatic chime sequence model, then ensure the chime level is not on auto mode when moving the hands. This could damage the entire chime mechanism! Additionally, make sure only to move the minute hand counterclockwise until the minute and hour hands are in the correct positions.

And finally… Start the clock! Place your hand on the side of the pendulum disk through the front door and move the pendulum to either side and release it!