Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/10/2008

Question
Hi i recently purchased a grandfather clock it has a serial # on the clock workings 451-033 AH it is 114 cm high, would you know of its possible age, the owner who sold me the piece said he had it for approx ten years, could this be correct with the details i have given you ? and allso i have no instructional manual, is it possible to pick one up? your help much appreciated.   regards

Answer
Hi Ziggy,
    I don't know of any instruction manual for particular Hermle movements. There is the "Hermle Service Manual", available from most clock supply houses. This book is intended for use by clock professionals, and contains detailed information on all Hermle movements, but is relatively expensive.
    The "114" marking is the pendulum length for your clock in centimeters. The usual format of markings on the Hermle movements has either a two-digit number or a letter above the "Franz Hermle" or "Hermle" stamping. This is the date code. If it is a number, e.g. "85" that is the year of manufacture.  In 1988, Hermle switched to a letter code, so "A" = 1988, "B" =  1989, etc.