Expert: William J Perkins - 1/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
         I have an Emperor clock with a 78 stamped in the back. It also has
Hermle-USA stamped in the back with 451-050.  The clock has had the
weights removed and has been stored for many years. It was said to be
working when stored. I have no idea how to restring the weights through the
movement. It has three weights and only one chain. can you explain??

ANSWER: I have no idea what happened.  However, since the clock has been stored for many years it does need servicing.  If you are inclined to have the clock serviced I would suggest you consider replacing the existing movement with a new one.  This would cost around $200.00, which would most likely be less than the cost for servicing the existing movement and purchasing replacement chains and chain ends.  You would end up with a better and more valuable clock than when it was new.  
If you want to try to take care of the matter yourself I will explain how to obtain replacement chains and to install them.  Before I do this I would like you to understand that you will have to remove the movement from its case and re-install, after the chains are in place.  I will also need you to copy down and send me all the information that is stamped upon the movements backplate.  Then I will need a description of the end pieces attached to the remaining chain.  i.e. is one of them in the form of a hook or does it have a hole punched in it.  I await your pleasure.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: I'm sorry but in the email I just sent you I had forgotten to inform you that the
chain end opposite of the weight is a small flat brass pice with a hole for the
chain to attach

Answer
With this follow-up to your follow-up it appears you have the parts you need to take the first step.  As tools you will need, pliers, screwdriver and a pencil with a rubber eraser end.  Okay lets go!
The first thing you will have to do is to remove the movement from its case.  (Any time you handle a movement out of its case, guard the pendulum leader, spring etc., don't let anything bump or put pressure upon them.)  With the movement out of its case, invert it and look straight down into the works between the plates.  You will see three large cog-wheels.  It is upon these the chains must be strung.  The chain and ends you describe tell me that it may be used for either the time or strike train.  You will want to string the one you have on the center cog-wheel  i.e., the time train.  In order to string you must remove the solid end piece from the chain.  With that done lay the bare end of chain onto the center cog wheel, using the pencil as a tool, use the eraser end to rotate the cog wheel a cog or two.  If you have the chain resting on two or three cogs you should no be able to place the movement in an upright position.  Now you can use the pencil to rotate the cog-wheel so that the chain appears on the down side of the wheel, you then reach in with your figures and pull the chain through until the chain hangs even.  Now place the movement back in the case, making sure that the chain falls freely within the slot of the movements seat board.  Hang your pendulum making sure that it hangs free.  You may now install the weight.  Give the pendulum a gentle swing.  If the movement is in decent condition it should commence to run.  Presuming it does run, secure the movement to the seatboard, install the hands, set the time and let him rip.  Let me know how this comes out, if indeed it does run, i will provide you with instructions for the next step.  If it does not run then we must change directions and go to other instructions.  In either case provide me with your e-mail address so that if need be I can submit attachments to you.  Communicate any response via my e-mail address, which is <flashpowder@hotmail.com>  use hang chains as subject.  Regards WJP