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Clocks, Watches/Hermle 1151-050 In Beat Adjustment

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Expert: - 10/13/2010


Question
QUESTION: Hello,clock will run ,..but,in a one minute span ,it will be in beat for about 30 seconds,then will be out of beat for next 30 seconds.The cycle will the repeat.
When in beat, pendulum  seems centered ,ticking at same distance from center.Hope you can help,Thank-you.
Regards.
Tony


ANSWER: Tony, how long has this condition been happening?  Was it running okay before and just started?  Could it be after the clock was moved from one location or another?  The problem could be one of two things.  Probably the escape wheel is out of round or possibly some teeth on it have been damaged.  If there is a 114 cm/60 designation below the other information on the back plate of the movement, it is a one second clock, meaning that the escape wheel makes one revolution per minute and that's why it sounds okay for 30 seconds and not for the other 30 seconds.  Usually damaged teeth are not bad for 1/2 the total amount.  I have never seen this as you describe, but it could be that there is some trash or debris on the escape wheel.  It is an unusual problem.  Check these things out and let me know what you find.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama




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

QUESTION: Thanks, John,
a minor correction,model is Hermle 1151-050 94cm/66
purchased it at flea market .Moved it a few times,tried to immobilize on every move.
Looked at escape wheel ,seems to be round,and teeth look ok.Have not taken apart and actually measured it.
Also noticed:when on beat it makes a nice loud clear tic-toc ,when off beat the ticking is softer.
And another question,is the 94 cm the pendulum length?how is it measured,what i need to know when buying a replacement .
thanks again.
regards.
tony


Answer
Tony, I would not suggest taking the clock apart to measure the escape wheel unless you are experienced in clockmaking.  The escape wheel can be out of round a few thousandths of an inch to cause problems.  This involves the adjustment of the depthing of the pallets that come in contact with the escape wheel.  Other than the out of round and damaged teeth, I would have to observe it running to determine what was the cause of your problem.

Regarding the 94 cm designation, that is the theoretical pendulum length, not the actual length.  Pendulum lengths will vary according to the configurations and materials involved.  Pendulums regulate time by the measurement of the calculated center of mass. A wood stick pendulum has the majority of the mass in the pendulum bob.  A decorative metal lyre pendulum has more mass in the upper part of the pendulum, therefore it has to be longer to compensate.  If you order a pendulum from a supplier, you choose the pendulum for the particular movement, like a 94cm.  I have standard ones in stock, but often have to modify them to properly regulate a customers clock that might not have a designation on the movement or for a custom pendulum.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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