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Clocks, Watches/Howard Miller Speeding Along

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Expert: - 11/19/2010


Question
Greetings,

I have a Howard Miller Mantle clock with a Hermle 340-020 movement (balance wheel type escapement). The clock keeps gaining time, like 40 minutes a day. I have the speed adjustment backed all the way out to the end of the shaft. This is where it gets if you continue to make adjustments in the - direction. I can't see any damage. What should I look for and how can I fix this?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Ray  

Answer
Ray, by "the speed adjustment being backed out all the way to the end of the shaft", I think you mean the arm is all the way toward the back of the clock.  In this case there is usually something wrong with the hairspring.  I could have been damaged so that some of the coils are touching each other or there is some oil or debris on the coils.  I have also heard that magnetism can cause it.  I'm afraid your only option would be to take it to a clockmaker experienced in diagnosing and repairing these balance wheel assemblies.  These assemblies are very delicate and have to be handled carefully and cleaned and lubricated with special solutions and lubricants.  Sometimes they have to be replaced if they are not repairable.  Sorry I could help you more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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