Bulova B1500 Kingston Strike and Chime Mantel Clock User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Bulova B1500 Kingston Strike and Chime Mantel Clock. This compact, full-feature chiming mantel clock combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. Its solid hardwood case, warm walnut finish, and polished brass-accented feet make it a distinguished addition to any room. The subtle screened linen-finish metal dial and silver numeral track, along with traditional fine detailed cut filigree hands, enhance its classic appeal.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your new clock to ensure years of reliable service and enjoyment.

Figure 1: Front view of the Bulova B1500 Kingston Mantel Clock, showcasing its warm walnut finish and classic dial.

2. Key Features

• Solid hardwood case with warm walnut finish.
• Cross-brushed linen-finished metal dial.
• Polished brass accent feet.
• Traditional filigree hands.
• Protective glass lens.
• Bulova Harmonic PLUS quartz chime movement with 20 selectable tunes.
• Includes a brass engraving plate (0.75” x 3.75”).
• Operates on (2) C batteries (not included).

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking and Placement

Carefully remove the clock from its packaging. Inspect for any damage. Place the clock on a stable, level surface. Ensure it is away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity to prevent damage to the wood and movement.

Figure 2: Side view of the Bulova B1500 Kingston Mantel Clock, highlighting its hardwood case and brass feet.

3.2 Battery Installation

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the clock.
2. Open the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert two (2) C batteries (not included), ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Important: Always use fresh, high-quality batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries. Remove batteries if the clock will not be used for an extended period.

3.3 Setting the Time

To set the time, gently turn the minute hand (the longer hand) clockwise until the desired time is displayed. The hour hand will adjust automatically. Avoid turning the hands counter-clockwise as this may damage the movement.

4. Operation

The Bulova B1500 features a Harmonic PLUS quartz chime movement with multiple settings for chimes and strikes.

4.1 Chime and Strike Settings

Your clock offers a choice of 20 tunes, accessible via a switch located on the back of the clock or within the battery compartment. There are four main settings:

1. Setting 1: Classic Westminster Chime with Hour Strike
   This setting plays the traditional Westminster chime on the hour, followed by a separate hour strike that counts each hour.
2. Setting 2: 12 Traditional Songs
   This setting plays one of 12 traditional songs progressively at each hour. The songs include: Turkish March, Amazing Grace, La Traviata, Green Sleeves, The Four Seasons Spring, Blue Danube Waltz, My Grandfather’s Clock, Salut d’Amour, Beautiful Dreamer, Bach Prelude, Home Sweet Home, and Nocturne OP9.
3. Setting 3: Holiday Season Songs
   During the holiday season, adjust the switch to this setting. The clock will play one of the following favorites progressively each hour: Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Deck the Halls.
4. Setting 4: Hour Strike Only
   If you prefer a simpler sound, this option provides a two-note strike to announce the hour without a melody.

4.2 Automatic Night Silence and 24-Hour Chime

This clock allows you to set an automatic night silence from 11 PM to 7 AM, ensuring a quiet environment during sleeping hours. Alternatively, you can select the full chime feature for 24-hour operation, meaning the chimes and strikes will sound continuously throughout the day and night without a night silence period. Refer to the specific instructions on the movement cover for activating these features.

4.3 Volume Control

A volume control knob or switch is included to adjust the loudness of the chimes and strikes. Rotate or slide the control to your preferred volume level.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Battery Replacement

Replace batteries annually or when the chimes become weak or the clock stops keeping accurate time. Follow the battery installation steps in Section 3.2.

5.2 Cleaning

To clean the clock, gently wipe the wooden case with a soft, dry cloth. For the glass lens, use a soft, lint-free cloth and a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the finish or dial.

6. Troubleshooting

• Clock Not Running or Incorrect Time:
  • Check if batteries are installed correctly with proper polarity.
  • Replace old or weak batteries with new ones.
  • Ensure the hands are not obstructed.
• Chimes Not Working:
  • Verify that the chime setting switch is not in the "off" position or the night silence feature is not active.
  • Check battery strength; weak batteries can affect chime operation.
  • Ensure the volume control is not set to minimum.
• Chimes Sound Incorrectly:
  • The chime mechanism may need to synchronize. Allow the clock to run for a few hours after setting the time and chimes.
  • If the issue persists, try removing and reinserting the batteries to reset the movement.

7. Specifications

Figure 3: The Bulova B1500 Kingston Mantel Clock displayed in a living room setting.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Bulova website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.