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Clocks, Watches/Hamilton Mantle Clock won't keep time

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Expert: - 8/7/2009


Question
Hello,  I have a Hamilton Mantle clock made in 1979 with 2 jewels, a 340-020 mechanism made in Germany.  The clock does the Westminster chimes fine and also the hour chimes.  It will not keep the time however.  I fear the clock is overwound and it will not stay ticking when started by hand.  Is there a fix for this or will I have to replace the mechanism?  How much does something like this cost and can I do it myself?  Where can I find parts?  Thanks for any help you can give.  Sincerely, Carrie T.

Answer
Carrie, the movement in your clock was manufactured by Hermle.  First, a clock not running because it is "overwound" is usually not the case, as it would not run even if the mainspring was wound only a couple of turns, in which it should run.  I take it when you say that it does not keep time that it is not running at all.  If the clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, the lubricants can be old and gummy or there can be worn parts.  As your clock is 30 years old, it might be that a replacement would be the better way to go.  The restoration fees sometimes reach or exceed the cost of a new movement.  Also the regulator, the balance wheel at the top back of the movement could be defective.  It would really need to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.  Some clock owners can replace the movement themselves.  If you will email me at my shop email address(below), I can give you the options and details of what can be done.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the committment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)

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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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