What Do the Symbols Mean on the Controls of a Hermle Clock?

The "OABW" Switch

• This switch, located above the model number, let's you choose the type of chime you want to hear. Setting the switch to the "O" position turns off the chime, "A" plays the tune of "Ave Maria" every 15 minutes and on the hour, "B" plays the "Bim-Bam" chime every 30 minutes and "W" is the position for the classic Westminster chimes every 15 minutes and on the hour.

The Sun and Moon Symbol Switch

• It's not always convenient to have the clock chime 24 hours a day --- the sound disturbs some light sleepers and house guests unfamiliar with the sounds of the clock. Choosing the "Sun" position keeps the chimes working at full volume 24 hours a day, the "Moon" position halves the chime volume for the next eight hours and the "No Moon" or "Crossed-out Moon" position turns the chimes off for the next eight hours. The eight hours of halved or completely reduced volume begin as soon as a moon symbol is selected.

The Chime Selector Dial

• The chime selector switch has two positions: one showing a clock face with marks every quarter hour and another with a mark only at the 12:00 position. Each notch on the clock face symbol represents a chime; choosing the position with notches every 15 minutes causes the chosen chime to ring out on the hour and every quarter hour. Selecting the symbol with the 12:00 notch causes the clock to chime in every hour only. Because the "Bim-Bam" chime does not work for quarter-to and quarter-past the hour, selecting the four-notch option causes the chimes to ring out on the hour and half-hour.

Other Dials

• The largest dial on the controls, often without a marking of any kind, sets the time on the face of the clock. The smaller dial above the time dial adjusts the volume of the chimes; the "Sun" and "Moon" symbol switch overrides the volume control, depending on its position.