Expert: William J Perkins - 1/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Mr Perkins,
My mother passed away and I inherited a Hamilton Mantle Clock she received at retirement in 1982. I don't believe it has been used in several years. I need to find a wind up key and guidance that will allow me to properly maintain and care for it. I do not know if there are "owners manuals" available, but I'm very concerned I might damage something through ignorance.
Regards,
John Elliff

ANSWER: I can tell you a bit about your clock but cannot refer you to a source for an owners manual.  Your movement was made by Hermle, is an eight day triple chime movement.  It has a 4/4 Westminster, Whittington and St Michelle chime capability.  The movement is fitted with a balance unit. Eight hammers are mounted on the bottom of this movement.  Dimensions are: 120 x 120 mm with 32 mm between plates.  As to a key I believe a size 7 would do.  A local jewelry store should be able to help you out on this.  If not, a clock materials house could surely provide the part.  If you could tell me where you reside I could possibly refer you to a materials house near you.  A word of caution;  Your movements balance, called a floating balance, is very easily damaged.  Be extremely careful with that unit.  A lot of clock repair persons simply do not understand its simple concept and do more harm than good servicing them.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Perkins,
Thanks for your response. I live in East Moline, IL ... geographically approx mid point between DesMoines, Ia and Chicago, IL. Unless this is easily shipped where it could come to you, do you have a suggestion on how to determine a person's expertise on this clock? I do auto collision repair and recognize ahta all "craftsmen" are not created equal.
Thanks again,
John

Answer
I am unable to locate a materials house that will sell to the public in your area, so, I will provide you with the address of one of the countries major distributors that does sell public.  TIMESAVERS located in Scottsdale Az, their e-mail address is <timesavers.com>  An on-line catalog is available at that site.
A rather underhanded way to find a tech who know his way around the floating balance is to simply ask what sort of lubrication do you use on the floating balance unit.  The correct answer is none.  Lubrication inhibits the proper functioning of the unit.  It must be throughly cleaned, leaving no residue what so ever and completely dryed.  I hope I have been of help WJP