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Clocks, Watches/setting hourly chime on Hermle Black Forest clock

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Expert: - 10/4/2010


Question
Hello John,
   I'm new to this site and am hoping you can help.  My father bought us a grandfather clock for a housewarming present.  He got it in Florida and thought it was an antique, but it clearly isn't.  The problem is that I can't synchronize the hour chime to the correct hour on the clock.  It is always 2 hours behind.  The back of the movement says 78, Hermle Black Forest clock, Amherst, Virginia, 451-453, and 114 cm.  Can you help?  And, do you have a manual for this clock that I could buy?
Thank you,
Bob

Answer
Bob, the hour hand was probably inadvertently moved when the time was being set.  To correct this, turn the minute hand through each quarter, waiting for each chime to complete.  When the hour strikes, count the number of strikes.  Carefully slip the hour hand to the hour that just struck.  Then use the minute hand to set the clock to the correct time.  As this is a "Safe-back" movement, you can set the time backwards or forwards.  You do not have to wait for the chimes to complete.  They will self correct in one to two hours.  I do have manuals for clocks and movements.  Do you know the make and model of the clock itself?  If not, can you send me a photo of the complete front of the clock.  Send it to my shop email address below and I'll see what I have.


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.)

Clocks, Watches

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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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