Expert: Martin Meyer - 5/11/2008

Question
I have a pendulum SCHMECKENBECHER wall clock in which the pendulum spring has broken. I refer to a small leaf-type spring sandwiched between two pieces of plastic at the top of the pendulum mounting. It also stopped chiming a few years ago and it looks like the brass backplate is a bit worn. Is it possible to purchase a new clockwork mechanism from SCHMECKENBECHER or a dealer?  Do you have an address for them in UK, USA or Germany/
Many thanks

Answer
Hi Gerry,

Suspension springs are available from clock materials houses like Timesavers and Merritts Antiques. It is important to get the correct size. Their printed catalogs show the springs in actual sizes; you can place the broken spring on the page over the pictures and see which size is correct. Unfortunately, on their websites the springs do not always show in actual size due to the differences in monitor display sizes, so you should probably get a printed catalog before ordering.

Schmeckenbecher is or was an importer of clocks. They used movements of various other manufacturers. Many of these clocks used Hermle movements, which are readily available from clock supply houses. If your clock has a Hermle movement, it will have a stamping on the back plate with a number in the format "xxx-xxx" or "xxxx-xxx). It will also have a stamping for the pendulum length in the format of "xx cm." or "xxx cm.". With these two numbers, you can obtain the correct Hermle movement.

If your clock has different stampings on the back movement plate, please get back to me with whatever information is stamped on the back plate, and I will attempt to advise you about what movement you have, and what its availability is.