Expert: William J Perkins - 6/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: I bought one at a yard sale today for $25. I knew it wasn't set to chime but it came with the book. It came from Montgomery Wards, year not known, and came from W. Germany.

My Question is:

If you take the pendulum away from anchor arm shouldn't the anchor arm move fast? It's not keeping and and the pendulum won't keep swinging. It's not a wind up type, it has weights and chains.

ANSWER: I need to know more about the clock movement.  Identifying the meovement would go a long way towards understanding your problem.  Most MW clocks used a very basic movement made by Hermle.  Generaly you will find such information stamped upon the clock movements backplate.  Copy down all that information and send it along to me.  Generalt speaking you are quite correct, if you remove the pendulum, with the weights still on the clock should run like a rabbit.  Send me the requested information and lets see what we can come up with.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: Thanks so much for responding. Here's all that I could find on the back:

76
RANZ HERMLE
Made in W. Germany
Jewels UNA BACKWARD C AND G USTED
NO (O)
451-053
85CM 70.77

It seems the middle weight is hard to move downward like something is stuck but if you move it alittle it will run for awhile but not until the next hour.

Thank you for all the help you can offer.

Patti Schrimscher

ANSWER: I can send you an exploded view of your movement.  From the information provided I can tell you the clocks movement was made in 1976 by Hermle.  It is their model 451-043 and is still in production.  It requires an 85cm pendulum and when in proper order beats at a rate of 70.77 beats per minute.  This movement is close to the end of its life expectancy.  The condition you describe is a sign of serious wear.  Depending on the condition of the case I would seriously entertain acquiring a new replacement movement.  Usually the cost to replace is less than the cost for a major repair.  If you select one of the new superior grade 451-043 movements you would end up with a clock much better than as it was produced.  The old, standard movements, are subject to considerable, repair and refurbishment as they wear and age.  If you opt to go this route you would quite possibly end up with a family heirloom.  Again I caution you to acquire only the "NEW" superior grade, avoid like poison the "LIKE NEW" rebuilt movements.  They simply delay the inevitable, they do not correct major flaws.  I hope this helps you.  If I may be of further help let me know.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: It sounds real good. Now, can you tell me where to purchase and how much it would cost to do this? I am serious about getting it to run. I have always wanted a clock of this nature.

Answer
The last price I have is $120.00 quoted Jan 7, 2007.  This is for the trade, I have no idea what the public cost might be.  To assure getting the correct and best movement on the market, contact Mark Butterworth at Butterworth Clocks Inc., 5300 59th Ave, West, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, Phone: 1-563-263-6759.  Fax, 1- 563-263-0428.  Email, bci@muscanet.com    Mark is the largest seller of mechanical clock works in the US.  You can be assured he will be able to provide the exact movement you need.  Give him the same information you gave me, i.e., the data from the backplate of your current movement.  I wish you luck, let me know if I can assist in any way, regards WJP