Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am looking for a Gustav Becker movement #711928. Any info on where I can accuire this item would be appreciated.Thanks  Ron

ANSWER: Hi Ron,
    This is an antique movement, and a similar movement would only be available through dealers in antique clocks and parts, if at all. I don't know of any particular source which might be helpful; you would have to do a web search and see if you could find anything.
    The number you reference is not a model number, but a serial number. It indicates that the movement was made between 1895 and 1890, but does not indicate exactly which movements might be similar to it.
    Becker clocks are high grade, very desirable clocks, and finding a movement without buying an entire clock might be difficult.
    These movements, however, are very repairable, and if you have an old movement which needs repair, having it overhauled would be the best course to take. There are Internet clock repair sites which could probably repair such a movement, my website among them, www.clockmasterOnline.com .

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QUESTION: Martin thanks for the info.,and I'll try to describe whats wrong with this clock. It runs and chimes but the minute hand will fall straight down once it goes past 2:00. It seems as though the gears are just free. If I move this hand, the hour hand moves fine and the chime hammers[4] keep beat. Any suggestion as to a quick fix, if not how would I send it to you? I know you don't do appraisals but does this sound like the repair will be cost affective? Buy the way,you're the only person I'll trust to work on this item because of your help and you sound honest! Thanks  Ron

Answer
Hi again Ron,
    When the minute hand is so loose that it falls due to gravity (between 2:00 and 10:00 approximately), there can be several causes: a loose bushing on the minute hand, a misalignment of the gears that link the minute and hour hands (the "motion work"), or a loose clutch (the mechanism that connects the motion work to the gear train of the clock).
    Depending on the clock and the cause of the problem, repair could be a minor adjustment, or could require a complete overhaul of the movement. The possible repair costs differ greatly depending on the cause of the problem.
    Although I don't do appraisals on Allexperts, you are welcome to contact me through my website, ClockmasterOnline.com . Including photos of the movement is always very helpful. Through my website I can give you price information on repairs. While a complete overhaul (if it is needed) would be relatively expensive for this complicated, high-grade movement, this is a fine clock, and I would think that the repair would certainly be cost-effective.