Clocks, Watches/Time Accuracy

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/20/2010


Question
Dear Mr. Newman

I recently was given my Grandmother's mantle clock.  The stampings on the back read as follows:
75
W. Haid
Two (2) Jewels
Made in West Germany
Unadjusted
340 020

My question is:  When it was in her house in California, the clock kept impeccable time. After I inherited it, I brought it with me to Canada.  I had it professionally packed to avoid damage to it during the plane ride.  But now it runs much too fast.  about an hour in a 24 hour period. Is there a way to slow it down?


Answer
Margil, the clock movement you have was manufactured by Hermle for W. Haid.  The regulator on it should be the vertical spiral spring mechanism at the top back of the movement.  It is called a floating balance.  There is an adjustment for it.  However, an hour error in a 24 hour period indicates there has been some damage or some type of debris got in the balance assembly, as the adjustment does not cover an error that extreme.  It is a rather delicate mechanism and the repair and adjustment requires the services of a clockmaker experienced with this type of unit.  There are special instructions required.  I'm sorry, but I don't know anything else to tell you.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.