Expert: William J Perkins - 3/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill, The right chain when I am facing the clock no longer seems to catch. When I pulled it back up to reset it dropped back down. I am guessing that the catch part is no longer catching. This is a kit clock from Emperor that I put together 30 years ago. Is it possible for me torearrange that catch part? Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

ANSWER: Open the back of your clock case, copy down and send me all the information you can find that is stamped upon the movements backplate.  With that information at hand I would be in a better position to assist you.  Another thing, pull up the chain and listen carefully.  If there is an audible clicking noise the problem is with the click spring, if not the next suspect would be the click itself.  Anyway send the requested information and let's take a shot at him.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Hi Bill,
Thank you for your quick response. There is nothing on the backplate in print or otherwise. This is an Emperor clock with the works made in Germany. I built it about 30 years ago from a kit. By that I mean I put the wood casing together. The clock works were already put together . I have taken the works out of the frame and the chains are off. When I pulled the right chain to lift the weight up it would not hold and the weight dropped back down. Can't tell you about the clicking noise.
Thank you again,
Mike

ANSWER: I have NEVER seen an Emperor clock not having movement data on the backplate.  They are all stamped Emperor Clock Co regardless of who made them, usually Hermle or Kieninger.  Precisely who, is determined by the numbers stamped below the Emperor logo.  That information not being available, I really don't know what to tell you.  Could it be the hook for the weight is on the wrong end of the chain?  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Hi Bill, Nothing on the backplate. Emperor Clock Co. is on the face of the dial. No numbers. From the booklet that came with it shows this is Model 120 Series. Also on the pamphlet is this info: Uses 1-week wight driven Model 100m or Model 101m Emperor clock movements. Hope this will help.
Mike


Answer
I am sorry, without some knowledge of the movement I cannot help you.  Perhaps you could send me digital pictures, specifically of the front and back of the movement.  With that in hand I would have some idea what I am dealing with.  Since allexpert does not support attachments send to my e-mail address <flashpowder@hotmail.com>
In your last letter you advised me that the clock was an Emperor 120.  To my knowledge this clock used two basic movements, 1 a two train movement and 2 a three train movement.  They were made by 3 different manufacturers, Hermle, Kieningen and Jauch.  That makes at least 6 different options. Each used a different winding ratchet arrangement.  I simply have to know which one in order to even visualize the probable problem let aloe solve it.  For whatever it is worth your clock is a grandmother clock not a grandfather clock.  Grandfather's start at 78 inches tall.
Also you might try to contact Emperor's customer service department.  They nare still in business and are available on the web.