Expert: William J Perkins - 2/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Perkins,

 I rescued a lovely Pearl Grandfather Clock that a neighbor was going to throw in the trash.  The case is lovely and perfect but it has not run for years.

I am not sure if it will ever run as I strongly suspect someone tinkered with it who did not know what they were doing.  However, since it cannot hurt to try we are in the process of trying to balance it.  We have already used proper lubricant in the proper areas.  

In the likely event that the movement is no longer viable how can one get a replacement?

Stamped into the brass on the movement is the following:

Pearl Grandfather Clock
Memphis Tenn 38107
451-050h
114 cm
60

I would appreciate any information on a replacement or even an upgrade if the model is not quality.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Wow!!!  What a stroke of good fortune.  Yes, replacements movements are readily available.  I suspect the movement will be a problem and urge that you do a replacement now.  If the case is okay you would end up with a clock superior to when it was new, while at the same time, increasing its value.  If ever there was a win-win situation you can have it.  You can aquire a new movement from Mark Butterworth, of Muscatine, Iowa.  Mark operates the largest dealership of mechanical clock works in the USA.  He has a web site
<www.butterworthclocks.com>  Land address is Butterworth Clocks, inc., 5300 59th Ave. West., Muscatine, Iowa 52761., Phone 1-563-263-6759., Fax 1-563-263-0428.
Let me know how you come out on this.  Regards WJP
ADDENDUM:  If you do order a new movement you need a HERMLE model 451-050 with a 114 cm Pendulum.  The last I knew Mark was selling this movement, to the trade, at $120.00.

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

QUESTION: Thank you again Mr. Perkins,

We have gotten the replacement movement and now have decided to had a professional install it into the case. Is there any way to get a referral for a qualified clock repair person for this task?
We live in Thousand Oaks, California (roughly 40 miles north west of Los Angeles and 40 miles southeast of Santa Barbara)  Neighboring towns are Camarillo, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Agoura, Westlake Village and Oxnard.

We would appreciate any suggestions!
Thank you again!

Answer
I am sorry I cannot help you on this.  I suggest you try <local.com> and search for clock repair.  Although my peer's would look down their noses at me for saying so, putting a new movement in a case is not a daunting task.  People who buy and assemble kit clocks are doing it all the time.  Somewhere within my goodies I have instructions for novices to install the works into their kit clocks.  I wish you success in your efforts and hope you have aquired what will become a family heirloom.  Regards WJP