Expert: John Newman - 2/1/2010

Question
I have a PL 34 cm Jauch clock made by my grandfather that needs a key.  Could you help me with the size needed or where I could get a key?

I also have some wood clock frames that are the same size made by my grandfather I would like to complete for my kids that need the works to be completed.  Could you tell me what works that are made today that would fit a frame made for the Jauch PL 34 cm works?

Thanks in advance for the help, Mark

Answer
Mark, the you need would be one that is identified as a  Hermle #7 or #8.  The reason for the discrepancy is that there are inequities in identifying clock parts in the business.   I do have them and have just tried one on a Jauch PL 34.  Or you can purchase them from Timesavers, Black Forest Imports, Merritts Antiques, to name a few.  They can be located by Googling their names.  The prices will be about the same all around.  Most companies have minimum charges.  I buy in quantity to save a little on price and shipping, and then resell them.  My role with Allexperts is to give advice, but also to help you find parts, particularly hard-to-find parts.  On the wood clock frames, I would need to know the dimensions of the case in which the movement would fit.  For example, the thickness of the dial/dial board, and the movement housing particulars such as the distance from the center of the dial to the bottom of the case, the distance from the dial board to the back of the case and the general size of the compartment, height and width.  Would this be a Westminster chime movement or a single gong or bell?  Would you want a pendulum regulator or balance wheel?  One thing I have found is that the most simple type of installation is the balance wheel type (no leveling of the clock needed when using) and the bell type in which the bell is mounted on the movement.  I do have a limited number of Hermle movements for mantle clocks that are mounted in what they call a "Quick Mount" frame.  The movement and chime rods are mounted on a frame and pre-adjusted so the complete assembly is ready to mount on the case dial board.  If you can send me a couple of photos of the clock case, I would have a better idea of what you need.  My email address is below.

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.)