Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 8/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kenneth.  Just bought a beautiful Seth Thomas grandfather on e-bay.  Paid $300 for it, so I think I got a good deal...the case is in good shape, and it's worth the price I paid.  The clock is equipped with a Jauch movement.  Numbers on back plate: (PL 96 CM...pendulum length?) and 12-76...I don't know what that number is.  It has westminster chime, and strikes on 5 tubular chimes.  On the back of the clock case is a chalk number...4451 981. I think that's (Tally industries) Seth Thomas factory number, or possibly serial number.

I have looked in my "Merritts" catalogue for a Hermle replacement...all they offer is the big 9 chime, triple strike movement.  I'm really wanting to replace this Jauch movement with a 5 chime tube movement, so I don't have to spend a lot of extra money on new set of chimes, as well as a new movement.  Also, I kinda like the chain windup that's part of the Jauch...it keeps the dial I have, rather than also having to drill winding holes, or completely replace the dial too.

So, my question finally is....do you have a conversion chart that converts a Jauch 12-76 to a Hermle, or even Kinninger...that has the narrower movement, chime frame for 5 chimes, and if possible, is chain driven?

Thanks for your reply.

Jay.

ANSWER: what was the # on Ebay as I find no such sale.

why do you need a new set of chimes or a new movement??

Hermle does not make a chan driven tubular chime movement 5 or 9 tube.

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

QUESTION: It was listed on e-bay and closed on July 9, 2008.  I don't have the sale number handy.

The movement is siezed up.  It is my understanding that Jauch is hard to find parts for.  I was hoping that I could find a replacement for the movement, keeping the chimes, as they are in good condition.  But I understand...I have not seen a Hermle with chain drive...just wondered if there was such a movement.

I am taking the Jauch in to my clock repairman tomorrow, with the hope that it can be repaired reasonably.  I was just unsure if I should spend money to have it cleaned and restored, when Hermle is so easy to obtain.  But you're right...no chain drive movements...and no 5 tube movements for the 5 tubes that I have in this clock.

So you have definately helped me answer the main question...I will try to restore the Jauch movement.  On that note, I have never heard anyone say anything good about Jauch...always comments about crude mass production, not good quality materials...etc. etc.  However, looking down into this movement, as well as the outside of the plates...it seems that the movement has probably siezed due to a lot of dust...all of the visable teeth on the wheels seems to have no wear.  There is no wobbling out of the arbors.  I think this clock has been not running for a very long time.  Any comments about Jauch, especially about any parts availability?

Thanks.

Jay.

Answer
n 36 years in this biz I have never found a dimes worth of difference in the quality of any modern German movements.

Jauch is as good as Hermle.

Parts are rarely needed to restore a movement- only disassembly, cleaning, bushing as needed and reassemble and oil. Restor