Expert: Michael Radi - 8/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a Seth Thomas clock that appears to be an exact copy of the Hermle Shoreditch clock down to the last detail... except the clock I have says Seth Thomas on the lower left of the front glass door. I am having trouble identifying this clock. I know that Hermle made some movements for Seth Thomas post 1955. Can you help?

ANSWER: Yes, Hermle made movements for Seth Thomas. I don't have any information that would help identify the clock but I have a conversion chart for the movements. If you give me the numbers stamped on the back of the clock movement I can tell you what Hermle's model number is.

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

QUESTION: The number on the back of the movement is 791-081. Could this be the Hermle Shoreditch clock even with Seth Thomas on the glass or is more likely a less expensive version that they made for Seth Thomas?

Answer
I honestly don't know what relationship Hermle and Seth Thomas had. In 1955 the Seth Thomas factory was badly damaged in a flood and they never resumed manufacturing clock movements. I know Hermle provided movements for ST but beyond that I'm out of information. It's possible that both clocks were made by Hermle but yours was distributed by ST or vice-versa. I wish I could be of more help on your specific clock.