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Clocks, Watches/Hermle 791-681
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Question
In a bout of thrift shopping, I picked up a Hermle skeleton clock and have since been trying to find information on it - to no avail! Anything you could share would be greatly appreciated as I live in a very rural area with no close clock shops and limited library resources.
Information on the back is as follows:
B
Hermle
NO (O) JEWELS
Unadjusted
Made in West Germany
791-681
16.5cm
167.700
It is missing the key and half (the leader and bob? I think this is what they're called) of the pendulum. I have tried a #7 key but it is too small. It chimes, once, on the hour, but runs very fast (as expected without the pendulum parts). I temporarily have an unfolded paperclip on to slow it down some. Where online could I find the correct missing parts?
I do not have a picture of mine, but it is similar to the one in this ebay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150504280915
Thank you in advance!
Rosey, the 791-681 is a limited edition movement, but I think is still made. I could not find any suppliers for these parts, but looked in my stock and think I have what you need. These parts might be for a 701-681 but I think they are identical. How about a suspension spring? Do you have a good one attached to the suspension post at the top back of the movement? This is what the leader attaches to. I do have the suspension spring, the leader, the bob and the key. However, to verify the parts, is it possible for you to send me a clear digital photo of the back of the movement to my shop email address below. Then I can confirm everything and send you the 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 personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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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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