How do you syncronize the chimes to the actual

Are the hands held on by a nut? usually you can remove the nut with your fingers or a pair of pliers wrapped in cloth or duct tape to prevent scratching.
Before removing turn the minute hand (minute hand only and clockwise only; do not manually turn the hour hand and never counter-clockwise) turn the minute hand clockwise until it chimes at an hour mark.
Then remove the hands and and place them pointing to the correct time.
If you are uncomfortable with this I recommend taking it to a clock shop or jeweler that sells clocks. If it is inherited, it may need some maintainence (oiling and regulating) anyway.