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Question
We have a Viking clock movement #451-050H, 94cm over 66 that doesn't want to keep time. Do you have a movement that would work for our clock & what would be the price, or tell us where we could find one. It is a series #133, triple chime,8 day ,weight driven, chain wound, triple Westminster chime.
Thank you. Elmer Schiermeister
Mr. Schiermeister, the 451 movement in your Viking clock was made by Hermle and is a chain/weight driven movement with Westminster chimes. This is considered a single chime movement, not a triple chime. If a movement is running and the chimes and strike are functioning properly, a new movement is not necessary. If it just doesn't keep time, that can usually be adjusted. The pendulum should be hung from the hanger and suspension spring properly and it is running fast, it could be that there is an escapement problem. Are you adjusting it and it is running slow and then fast or exactly what is happening? Do you have the instructions for adjusting the rating nut on the bottom of the pendulum? Get back with me with these answers and I will go over the diagnostics and procedure with you. If you will email me at my shop email address below, I will give you some more details of that and evaluate your movement to see if a replacement would be necessary.
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.)
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Answers by Expert:
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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