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Clocks, Watches/hermle 1161-850-114 movement

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Expert: - 11/30/2009


Question
QUESTION: I am looking for an exploded view of this movement so I can effect repair. Bought the Howard Miller clock in 1981 and would like to get it running.  Bought two 1161-853-114 movements for parts and am hoping to get it running.

ANSWER: Ralph, I don't know how experienced you are in clock repair, but if you are just starting out, I would think that an exploded view would not help you right off.  It would be better if you took a class in introductory clock repair or purchased some basic books.  Steven Conover of CLOCKMAKERS NEWSLETTER has a series of excellent books starting with "Clock Repair Basics" and "Chime Clock Repair".  He can be found by Googling "Clockmakers Newsletter".  However, if all you need is the exploded view, you can contact Hermle at 434.946.7751 and they can probably get you a copy of the 1161.  Unless there are other revisions, the difference in your movement and the 2 you bought is that yours has a handshaft length of 33.2mm and the ones you bought have handshaft lengths of 53mm.  The winding arbors would also have different lengths.  Good luck and if you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


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

QUESTION: John,
Do you do repairs via mail-order.  I could send you the entire movement if my repair efforts do not work.  Please send a phone number so we can discuss options.  Thank You, have ordered an exploded view from Hermle which they are sending.

Answer
Ralph, I do repair by mail-order, but am pretty well booked up through the first of next year.  If you will email me at the address below, I will be glad to give you my number and I will be glad to discuss the problem with your clock and maybe you can resolve the problem.  For confidentiality, I do not ask for your email or phone number over a public forum or give out my phone number.

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 personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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