• Use only the minute hand for adjusting the time.

• Never move the minute hand backwards by more than 5 minutes, but do not move it backwards at all within 5 minutes either side of the hour or half-hour.

• Move the minute hand slowly to allow the strike mechanism to work.

• When adjusting the time, the strike train (left winding square) should be fully wound.

• When advancing the hand through the hour or half-hour, allow the strike to complete each time.

• Try not to let the clock run down, but if it does, when restarting, the strike should be fully wound before doing anything. Then allow the strike to complete before advancing the minute hand to the correct time. Stop if you feel any restriction other than the normal hands setting friction.

• Rather than letting the clock run down, consider stopping the pendulum if you will be unable to wind the clock for more than a week.

• For the Autumn time change (clocks go back), stop the pendulum for more than the hour so that you can then advance the minute hand to the correct time. Remember to let the strike complete on each hour and half-hour.

The following instructions apply to most clocks. On some clocks they are not strictly necessary, but if you follow them, you are guaranteed not to hurt your clock.

Here are some recommendations regarding operating your clock.