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Question
QUESTION: I would like to buy one. Hermle - - but produced for Mason & Sullivan back in the "90's.
Thaks
Maury Rollins
ANSWER: Mmaurice, from the information I have on the M%26S 3325x movement, I'm wondering if it was a Hermle. There ares some subtle differences. I'm thinking maybe a Kieninger. Are you sure it was a Hermle? At any rate, I am looking into similar movements. As M%26S did show the length of the pendulum from the centershaft to the center of the pendulum bob (26"), the actual pendulum designation for movements is calculated a little differently. Therefore, I will have to check some movements to determine the correct one which would be geared for that particular pendulum. To determine what you now have and what is actually needed, it would be best for us to discuss this further. If you will contact me at the address below with your email address and/or phone number, I will get back with you. For personal confidentiality, I do not ask for or give personal contact information over the Internet. I look forward to hearing from you.
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.)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so very much for you interest and quick reply. The following words, letters and numbers are stamped on the back plate of the movement: "F", (which I believe is Hermle's year-of-manufacture code) "Made in Germany", "To Mason & Sullivans", "Exclusive specifications", "No (0) Jewels", "Unadjusted", Made in Germany", ""3325X", "66cm/92.16". The pendulum measures 20 1/4" from where it hangs on the suspension spring to the center of the bob. The bob is 4.5" diameter. The weight of the pendulum, including the bob, is approx 9oz.
Thank you very much,
Maurice Rollins
Maurice, if there is a single "F" above the line with Mason %26 Sullivan and then the rest of the information, I would think it would be a Hermle. I understand that Mason and Sullivan closed around 1992. If the "F" is where I have indicated, it would have been manufactured in 1993, so that would seem like it was one of the last ones M%26S received. Also, with all the information you have given me, do you have one of these movements in hand? If so, is it a worn out one that needs replacing or do you need another? The reason I am asking is that it would help me identify it if you could send a clear digital photo of the back of the movement. My email address is below.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note: Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.
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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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