Fixing Your Herman Miller Clock: Troubleshooting Wrong Chimes

Emily Jul 26, 2026

Are you experiencingтельное frustration with your Herman Miller clock chiming incorrectly? You're not alone. While Herman Miller clocks are renowned for their design and quality, they can sometimes develop issues with their chiming function. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from simple user error to more complex technical issues. Let's delve into the possible causes and solutions to help you get your clock chimes back in sync.

an alarm clock sitting on top of a wooden stand
an alarm clock sitting on top of a wooden stand

Before you start troubleshooting, it's important to understand that Herman Miller clocks are designed with a specific chime pattern. The most common model, the Herman Miller "Clothespin" clock, chimes once for each hour, with no half-hour chimes. Therefore, if your clock is chiming more frequently than once an hour, it might be set to the incorrect chime pattern.

The Herman Miller Clock You Don't Know - Core77
The Herman Miller Clock You Don't Know - Core77

Understanding Your Herman Miller Clock's Chime Function

The first step in identifying the issue is to familiarize yourself with your clock's chime function. Herman Miller clocks use a simple mechanism to determine when to chime. The clock is designed to chime once every hour. However, if you're hearing chimes more frequently, it could be a sign that your clock is not set to the correct mode.

Why Does My Clock Chime at the Wrong Time?
Why Does My Clock Chime at the Wrong Time?

To check your clock's chime mode, locate the small hole on the face of the clock. This hole is used to silence or unsilence the chime. By pressing a thin object, like a pen or a small screwdriver, into the hole, you can either stop the chime or activate it. If the chime continues despite your efforts, it might be an indicator that there's a deeper issue at play.

Incorrect Chime Mode

a clock with several different colored balls around it and an orange arrow in the middle
a clock with several different colored balls around it and an orange arrow in the middle

As mentioned earlier, Herman Miller clocks are designed to chime once every hour. If your clock is chiming more frequently, it might be set to a different mode. To correct this, first ensure that your clock is set to the correct time. If it is, try resetting the clock to the correct mode. Most Herman Miller clocks come with a booklet that explains how to do this. If you've lost your booklet, you can usually find a copy online.

If you've checked the mode and your clock is still chiming incorrectly, it might be a hardware issue. Before you panic and think about a replacement, let's consider other possible causes.

Replace the Battery

an old document with pictures of clocks and other things on the front page, including information about them
an old document with pictures of clocks and other things on the front page, including information about them

While it might seem obvious, a faulty battery can cause a variety of issues with your clock, including incorrect chiming. If your clock is battery-operated, the first step should always be to replace the battery. Make sure to use the correct type of battery for your clock model. You can find this information in your clock's user manual or on Herman Miller's website.

After replacing the battery, recharge your clock by setting it to the correct time. If the issue persists, it's time to consider other hardware-related causes.

Hardware-Related Issues

two different views of an alarm clock and a lamp
two different views of an alarm clock and a lamp

If none of the above solutions have worked, it's possible that there's a more significant hardware issue at play. This could be anything from a faulty chiming mechanism to a broken Quartz crystal. Before you decide to replace your clock, let's explore some troubleshooting steps you can take.

First, listen closely to the sound of the chime. If it sounds muffled or off-beat, it could be a sign that the chiming mechanism is not working properly. If this is the case, you might need to take your clock to a professional for repair. However, before you do, let's try one more at-home troubleshooting method.

The Herman Miller Clock You Don't Know - Core77
The Herman Miller Clock You Don't Know - Core77
American Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Clock for Herman Miller Model 4706 | Clocks | Decophobia | 20th Century Design
American Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Clock for Herman Miller Model 4706 | Clocks | Decophobia | 20th Century Design
a gold clock with black and white balls on it's face is shown against a white background
a gold clock with black and white balls on it's face is shown against a white background
a black and gold clock with arrows on it's face in the shape of a star
a black and gold clock with arrows on it's face in the shape of a star
Howard Miller Jennison Triple Chime Wall Clock – Serviced Mechanical Movement
Howard Miller Jennison Triple Chime Wall Clock – Serviced Mechanical Movement
a clock that is connected to several wires and has an arrow on the front side
a clock that is connected to several wires and has an arrow on the front side
a black and gold clock with two hands
a black and gold clock with two hands
George Nelson Howard Miller Meridian Uhr
George Nelson Howard Miller Meridian Uhr
Clock Chime Hammer Positioning
Clock Chime Hammer Positioning
Howard Miller Brenner Floor Clock 660368
Howard Miller Brenner Floor Clock 660368

Reset the Clock

Sometimes, simply resetting your clock can solve the issue. To do this, you'll need to follow a specific process. First, remove the clock from the wall. Then, unscrew the back panel to access the inner workings of the clock. Locate the small button or switch that controls the chiming function. Press this button and hold it for about 10 seconds. This should reset the clock and hopefully solve the chiming issue.

If none of the above solutions have worked, it might be time to consider replacing your clock. However, before you do, remember that Herman Miller offers a 5-year warranty on their clocks. If your clock is still within this warranty period, you might be able to get it repaired or replaced at no cost to you.

Lastly, remember that prevention is always better than cure. To keep your Herman Miller clock in top condition, make sure to clean it regularly and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Treat your clock with care, and it will serve you well for many years to come. Now, go ahead and enjoy the rhythmic chime of your clock, knowing that you've taken the time to care for it properly.