Expert: Michael Radi - 7/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just bought a previously owned Franz Hermle mantle clock with a 340-020 movement. Even though the clock is not new, the movement looks brand new. This clock has a Westminster chime, with 5 rods attached across the bottom of the movement.  When I got this clock today, I wound it fully, moved the chime shut off lever up, set the correct time, and nothing happened.  When I slowly moved the minute had around, it would not chime at the 15 minute intervals..only on the hour, but it would not sound the number of hours.  How do I get this movement to start running?  Since it does not have a pendulum like my other mechanical clocks, I have no idea what to do. I choose you tonight for help because of your excellent success of helping people like me..I only hope you can continue that success with me..Thanks in advance..Steve in Vegas

ANSWER: First let's deal with the quarter hour chimes only sounding when the minute hand is at the top of the dial. You need access to the front of the clock movement. You will either need to remove the movement from the case or at least take the hands and face off of the clock.
There is a lifter that is pushed upward by a four pronged cam on the minute hand shaft. As you look at the front of the movement move the minute hand clockwise, you will see the lifter moving upward and dropping every quarter.
The cam on the minute hand shaft has 4 prongs, one is higher than the other three. The high spot is for the top of the hour. The lower 3 prongs should lift the lever high enough to actuate the first 3 quarters, the higher one is the only one that should actuate the top of the hour. Your lower three prongs are not lifting high enough to make the clock chime the first three quarters.
The lifter is sort of V shaped, to make them lift higher you would put a pair of needle nose pliers between the V and spread them out a little bit. When this piece is adjusted correctly the clock should actuate the first 3 quarters only but not the top of the hour. The top of the hour should only be actuated by the higher prong.
Once you get this straightened out let me know if the hour is still not working.

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

QUESTION: Mr. Radi..First of all, I can't even get the movement to run.  The balance wheel (I guess this is what you call it) located at the top rear of the movment, will not even spin.  This would indicate that the movement is running if it spins...right?  If I very gently spin it with my finger, it will spin back and forth and then stop.. The center power is fully wound.  I think my next step is to order a brand new movement and stop worrying about trying to get this one to work..I've read that it is alot cheaper to buy a new Hermle movment then to have this one cleaned, oiled and adjusted.  What do you think of my idea?  Again, thanks for all your help..Steve in Vegas

Answer
Steve, I had not idea that the time side of the movement was not running. I thought it was just a chime/strike issue. Purchasing a new movement is a worry free way of getting your clock to work for what should be many years. It is usually less expensive to replace the movement than to rebuild yours. You might find the best price at www.blackforestimports.com
They stock your movement and are a direct importer of it. Tell them it is a Hermle 340-020.
Michael
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