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Clocks, Watches/Mason & Sullivan R77 Long Drop Regulator

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Expert: - 9/28/2009


Question

Regulator R77
In 1978 I bought four Mason & Sullivan R77 Long Drop Regulator lumber and moldings kits. I completed 2 of the clocks in 1979 and stored the other two in a warehouse.  Recently I decided to complete the remaining two.  I am almost finished with the woodworking but now I need movements and dials.  I looked at the movement I installed in the two other clocks and found this information: Franz Hermle, Made in Germany, 141-030K3, 66cm/80163.  Although Mason and Sullivan is no longer in business, I thought maybe you could direct me to a source for this movement or one similar.  Pictures of the movement and clock are attached.

I have also attached a picture of the door molding specifications.  I am missing two of those pieces.  I thought you might suggest where I could order this molding in walnut.  If not the same molding, something similar.
Thanks for any help you can provide me with my project.
Charlie

Answer
Charlie, the first clock I ever built was an M %26 S short drop Schoolhouse (1967).  I still have wood kits for 2 more!  

The 141-030K3 can only be replaced by a K1, but I believe this has to do with the calendar mechanism which yours does not use anyhow.  I can get those and confirm they will work with your clock.  I see no problem.

The dials might be a little more difficult to find, as I have not found the exact ones for my schoolhouse kits.  Are you referring to the dial faces only or the complete dial assemblies which include the metal dial or dial/pan, bezel and glass?  What I need from you would be the exact diameter of the dial and the diameter of the time ring (some of us refer to it is the railroad track surrounding the numerals).  If you need the complete assembly I would need the aforementioned dial dimensions and the outer diameter of the  brass bezel.  The hinge and catch configuration might be a little different, but could be successfully adapted to the design of the clock.

The moulding is probably a unique design from M %26 S, probably not available any more.  I have never seen it in mouldings listings.  I could possibly make a profile cutter for a hand moulder and make it myself.  If we decide to do this it would help if you sent me one of the pieces to use as a pattern. I have done this for antique clocks with missing moulding.  How long would the total length be?

If you will reply to my shop email address below, it will free up my Allexperts question queue and we can discuss some further details.

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.)  

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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