Expert: John Newman - 10/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased at grandfather clock kit that came with a Hermle Movement # 451-o5o H..The problem is that the kit didnt come with weight filler..Where can I purchase some? Can I use weights for another clock ?

THANKS
RICK

ANSWER: I don't know whether you purchased the "kit" as a conversion replacement for a different movement or an exact replacement.  If you will tell me what you had and what you purchased I will be able to tell you what you need.  If this is a conversion kit, do you have the instructions?  There might be other components required.  The weight fillers will depend on the size of the weight shell you now have.  I do have the weights for  certain shells.  If the filler or weights from another clock are the correct size and weight according to the specs required for your new movement, you could use them.  Let me know.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Rick, after receiving your ratings on my answer to you, I was a little concerned that I didn't meet my personal goals for giving the questioner a completely satisfactory answer. Actually, I didn't read the question very well, did I?  I was thinking you had just purchased a movement kit.  So, let me answer again.

I don't know the model of the clock kit you purchased, and the weights do have small dimensional differences for various kits.  This changed slightly over the years, even for the same manufacturer of the same model.  In your question you mentioned "weight filler", but I take it you might mean 3 weight fillers.  Weights from other clocks can be used, but they must fit in the shells you have.  And again when you say fillers, I take it you have the 3 weight shell assemblies that take the fillers.  If not, you have to choose a size that will work in the clock having the required weight and size to keep from interferring with each other or the case.  You can Google some of the suppliers I use such as Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R %26 M Imports and Black Forest Imports.  Some have On-line catalogs.  I do have the shells and fillers and would be able to select the correct ones, knowing the model of the clock.  If you need more information on that, my shop email address is below.  Sorry about mis-reading your question.  I hope this helps a little more.



John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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

QUESTION: The kit I purchased was Emperor Model #120. I thought your original response was fine. I must apologize if I accidentally rated the response low. Sorry my bad..I contacted the people that I bought the kit from and they found the weights in their garage :) . Everything looks to be working fine after some tinkering, oiling, and tuning.  Its hard to believe that the guy I purchased it from let it sit unopened in his garage since 1980. Thanks for your help ..

Rick

Answer
No, Rick, I deserved the ratings because I did not read the question enough to answer it.  It was a heads up for me to be more careful.  6>)  I'm glad you found the weights.  For these models you really have to go through some hoops to insure you get the configuration correct.  The kit sitting the garage is not unusual.  I run across quite a few that were purchased in the 70's and 80's that have not been opened.  I have bought some of these.  If you need any help during the construction and set up, don't hesitated to get back with me.

John Newman