Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/2/2008

Question
I have a Colonial of Zeeland grandfather clock, about 35 years old, model 1729, movement 332.  My understanding is that the movements in clocks from this period may need replacing when they reach this age, and since Colonial is out of business, I was wondering:

1.  Who makes replacement movements?
2.  What should such a movement cost (approximately)?
3.  What does the replacement movement consist of?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Alan,

Colonial used movements from a wide variety of manufacturers over their long history. I am not able to identify the manufacturer from the Colonial movement or model numbers.

A 35 year old movement likely has significant bearing wear. If the clock stops erratically, or the chime slows down or stalls, the movement should be replaced or overhauled. Some of the movements which Colonial used, primarily the ones from Urgos in Germany, are still available today and can replace your old movement. I would need to know the numbers and information stamped on the back plate of the movement to possibly identify the movement manufacturer and model. Many other Colonial movements are no longer available. In these cases the original movement must be overhauled, because the pattern of holes in the dial for the hand shaft and winding shafts is unique to each movement.

A replacement movement will be the entire mechanical part of the clock. It will not include weights, dial or pendulum, but there are suppliers who sell movement packages that include the weights and pendulum. Costs to have a movement replaced by a professional clock repairer vary widely by movement model, region and individual clockmaker, but you should expect it to cost at least several hundred dollars. Overhaul costs follow a similar pattern. If you are considering undertaking a movement replacement yourself, you should check the prices from various clock parts suppliers. Again, I cannot give any idea of cost, as prices vary so much by movement and supplier.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com