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Clocks, Watches/Hands and pendulum for Seth Thomas movement

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Expert: - 12/7/2009


Question
Movement Front
Movement Front  
QUESTION: Mr. Newman,

I purchased a Seth Thomas movement some time ago and am trying to determine the type of clock this movement came from and the proper size hands and pendulum for this movement. I was hoping you could give me any information on this particular movement. The markings on the backplate read as follows:
MADE IN GERMANY FOR
 SETH THOMAS
TALLEY INDUSTRIES CO.
THOMASTON.CONN.U.S.A.
  A208-007
NO (0) JEWELS
  7810
UNADJUSTED

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Justin

ANSWER: Justin, I just answered your question, however, I don't think it went through.  I'll try again.  

Your clock was made for Seth Thomas by Hermle.  The Hermle number is 141-073/45cm.  I believe the code indicates it was made in 1978.  It is an 8-day (possibly 14-day# spring wound movement with long winding arbors and centershaft for the hands.  It uses a 45cm #theoretical length# pendulum.  From your photo it looks like it might have a front mounted pendulum hanging assembly #I'm not sure what the small metal piece is protruding from the back bottom of the movement#.  If you don't have the suspension spring and hanger for the pendulum, you would need those pieces.  I would think the movement was used in what we call a long-drop schoolhouse clock or a long wall clock.  The hands would be the standard Hermle wall or mantel clock hands and you can choose the style #spade, serpentine, regulator to name a few) and the length would be to fit the diameter of the dial you choose.  The parts, pendulum and hands can be found at clock suppliers which you can Google under clock parts supplier.  If you need help with that, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


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

Movement Back
Movement Back  
QUESTION: John,
Thank you for your help. It in fact does have a front mounted pendulum assembly. I'm not sure what the piece on the back is either. I have attached a photo of the back to help. I would appreciate assistance in finding the proper pendulum, hanger, and suspension spring, as I have no experience with front mount movements or front mounted pendulums.

Justin

Answer
Justin, the piece on the back is a lever that can be used to secure the strike hammer, and I think it can also be used to silence the strike.  Concerning the parts you need, I possibly have the parts, but do not have a 141-45cm movement in my shop to test them for regulation.   There is a company that specializes in movement parts.  Black Forest Imports (714.637.4307) has a good listing.  They have an On-line catalog, but I would call them and verify the following parts for your movement.  Suspension Spring P/N HS0060, Hanger P/N HPH072 and 66cm pendulum with 2-3/4" polished bob P/N HP45-70.  Good luck.  

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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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