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Clocks, Watches/Franz-Hermle Gong Problem
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Question
I have a wall clock with a Franz-Hemle 141-040 movement. The clock keeps time well. Sometimes the gong works in sync with the time but sometimes when the gong strikes it will not stop striking on its own ….. it will continue to gong unless I disable it or let the gong simply “wind out.” Is this a simple repair or adjustment or does it have to be repaired by an expert.
Thank You
Jack, I'm afraid it's not simple fix that anyone can do. It's rather routine for a clockmaker. It has to do with the stop mechanism for the strike function. I have attached a labeled photo of a similar movement. Basically they all work athe same. It can be a broken pin on what we call a gathering pallet or it can be a pin on the strike stop wheel. It possibly could be a worn or bent lever. Maybe the rack hook is not dropping because the pivot is binding. At any rate, the dial will have to be separated from the movement so the mechanism can be accessed.
)
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | John Newman, Thanks for the speedy response. I appreciate your help. I wish you were closer to me so I could have you repair my clock. Thanks again Jack | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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