Expert: William J Perkins - 12/10/2009

Question
Dear Sir: We have a mantel chime clock, Trend by Sligh Zeeland, Franz Hermie 2 jewel 340-020. The clock runs slow and we have had a local clock repairman look at it and he says he cant fix the running late problem. Do you have a repairman that can repair the Trends in so. Calif. our area, Los Angeles or San Bernardino counties? Thanks for the reply in advance. Dave

Answer
This is a first for me, I have never before heard a clock repair person say, "He can't fix the running late problem."  Certainly It can be repaired, however, I suggest you not have the job done.  The cost for repairing a 340-020 exceeds it replacement value.  I suggest you buy a new 340-020 and install it yourself.  It is no big deal.  Just handle the new movement gently,do not touch the floating balance.  You will end up with a clock very much superior to the one you bought.  It will in no way deflate its collectors value either.  Most importantly buy a new movement from a large volume dealer, DO NOT ACCEPT A REBUILT!!  The source I always recommend in these instances is BUTTERWORTH CLOCKS INC.  Mark Butterworth, the owner is the largest dealer of mechanical clock movements in the USA.  If you are interested you can find the firm on the Internet.  Regards WJP