Expert: John Newman - 9/10/2009

Question
Hi!  I just acquired a clock and would like to know how to wind it, maintenance, moving and general care of it.  It might not be of much value, but it was my Grandmother's.  Any information you can give me would be helpful. Here is what I can tell you about the clock.  It is brown with a gold trim cover.  The markings inside the clock are 78, W. Haid
Two (2) Jewels, unadjusted, made in West Germany, 150-010. It has two keys. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.  

Answer
JoDeen, I believe the W. Haid Clock Company was located in Pfulligen, Germany, but don't know the dates the company was in operation.  I believe most of the movements used used in the Haid clocks were manufactured by Hemle, and yours was made in 1978.  The "Two (2) jewels, unadjusted" has to do with past import laws having to do with moving precious jewels across borders and labor required to adjust clocks and watches.  I'm rather sure about the last part of that statement, but I could be wrong.  The Hermle 150 series uses a balance wheel (probably a floating balance type) for a regulator rather than a conventional pendulum.  On advantage is that the balance wheel hardly ever gets out of beat like a pendulum clock, therefore eliminating having to "level" the clock, which incidentally does not always mean exactly level.  The right winding arbor (as you face the clock)is for the time and the left for the strike.  Carefully wind the keys in a clockwise direction until you feel strong resistance.  The clock is an 8-day clock and should be wound once a week.  I would suggest having the movement serviced (cleaning, oiling, checking for and repairing any worn/broken parts) about every 10 years.  If you move it, take care as you would any small piece of furniture.  As it has no pendulum, there is nothing to remove when moving.  To do any moving, other than within your house, I would snugly fit a piece of foam between the chime hammers and rods to keep them stable and from vibrating.  That should do it.  I hope you enjoy your clock.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama