🕰️ Strike, Chime & Passing Strike Clocks: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the type of striking mechanism inside your clock is essential when it comes to maintenance, repair, or choosing the right restoration service. Many customers are unsure whether they own a strike, chime, or passing strike clock — and each one behaves differently.

This guide breaks down the differences in clear, simple terms so you can identify your clock and understand how it works.

🔔 What Is a Strike Clock?

A strike clock sounds the hours on a bell or gong. At 1 o’clock it strikes once, at 2 o’clock twice, and so on up to twelve. This is the traditional striking mechanism found in many antique and vintage clocks.

How a Strike Clock Works

• Strikes the number of hours on the hour

• Often includes a single strike on the half‑hour

• Uses a hammer and bell or gong

• Common in longcase clocks, mantle clocks and wall clocks

Who Is It Best For?

Anyone who wants a traditional, simple audible indication of the time.

🎶 What Is a Chime Clock?

A chime clock plays a musical sequence — not just a single strike. The most common melodies include Westminster, Whittington and St. Michael. Chime clocks often have multiple trains (mechanisms) to manage the melody and the hour strike separately.

How a Chime Clock Works

• Plays a melody every quarter hour

• Plays a longer melody on the hour

• Follows the melody with the hour strike

• More complex mechanism than a simple strike clock

Who Is It Best For?

Those who enjoy a decorative, musical clock with a richer sound.

🕰️ What Is a Passing Strike Clock?

A passing strike clock gives a single strike on the hour — nothing more. It does not count the hours and does not play a melody. It simply “passes” the hour with one clean note. This is confirmed in horological references where a passing strike is defined as a single chime on the hour that can often be turned on or off.

How a Passing Strike Clock Works

• One strike on the hour only

• No half‑hour strike

• No melody

• Mechanically simpler than strike or chime clocks

Who Is It Best For?

Anyone who wants a subtle audible reminder of the hour without the complexity or volume of a full striking or chiming mechanism.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

🔧 Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Understanding your clock’s mechanism helps with:

• Choosing the correct repair or restoration service

• Identifying worn or faulty components

• Setting expectations for sound and performance

• Preserving the authenticity of antique clocks

At Clock Corner, we repair and restore all three types — from simple passing strike mechanisms to complex triple‑chime movements.

🛠️ Need Help Identifying or Restoring Your Clock?

If you’re unsure which type you have, or if your clock isn’t striking or chiming correctly, we can help. From full restorations to minor adjustments, our workshop in Warrington specialises in bringing traditional clocks back to life.