How to Adjust the Moon Phase Dial on Grandfather Clocks
Many people were afraid to travel during a full moon in the 17th century. So, many clockmakers added a moon phase feature to help people predict when the next full moon would be and avoid traveling during that time. This feature can still be seen on many grandfather clocks.
- Check a calendar or search online to find the current phase of the moon. The four phases are, "New Moon," "First Quarter," "Full Moon" and "Last Quarter." The moon then returns to the "New Moon" phase.
- Open the grandfather clock's door. Some clocks have two doors. In this case, open the one that allows you to access the clock face. If you choose, you can stop the pendulum while you set the moon phase. To do this, simply hold it in place for a moment.
- Find the moon phase dial. It should be located underneath or to the side of the numbers on the clock face. You will likely find two dials--one controls the time and the other the moon phase. The moon phase dial should be labeled with the word "Moon" or a small picture of a moon.
- Use your finger or another flat, soft object to press the moon phase dial in. Turn the dial to the right until the current moon phase is displayed. Release the dial.
- Close the grandfather clock door. The moon phase should now be set, and the clock should reflect an accurate time. If you stopped the pendulum, restart it by giving it a gentle push in one direction.