Expert: John Newman - 1/6/2010

Question
First of all,THANK YOU! for taking my question!I have a "75" clock
which was transported via Ship, from Thailand in 1976. It is so special to me.It has been moved, as we re-located frequently.I am not planning on moving again, so I would love to get it running. On the back it reads "75 Emil Schmeckenbecher no1(0)Jewels, made in West Germany.Unajjusted? 451-050, 85cm over 70.77.It actually came with a paper named "Instructions for Weight Driven bim bam striking clock".To put it simply, should I attempt to do this myself or send it to a repair shop? Again, it hasn't been set up in several years.Sorry for the lengthy question. I would appreciate your expert opinion. K. Harris

Answer
Kelli, from the information you have given me, the movement was manufactured by Hermle (then Franz Hermle and Sons) in 1975.  It is a chain-driven "grandmother" (small floor clock) and has a Westminster chime.  I do not have any information on the 451 being a "bim-bam" strike.  I am not familiar with the "Instructions for Weight Driven bim bam striking clock", for that particular movement and would not know what it is instructing you to do.  I don't know what you need to do to the clock.  Being 35 years old, and depending on the maintenance it has or has not received, it could have gummy lubricants and/or worn parts.  I will include below a set of diagnostic instructions for a clock that is not running.  If you have any more questions, get back with me.


CHECKLIST FOR A CLOCK THAT IS NOT RUNNING


THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.  

If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  It should be relatively level.  The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.  

Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  This can be determined by the model of the movement, which you have given me.  The weights on your 451 should be approximately as follows:  As you face the clock, the weights on the left and center should weigh between 4.4# and 5#.   The right weight weight should weigh between 6.5# and 7#.  If they very a little I wouldn't worry about it.

Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring, meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  If this is the case, get back with me and I will give you instructions for adjusting the escapement crutch, as it will have to be slipped manually.
 

THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.  I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.


THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

I hope this helps a little.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama