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Question
My 340 020 mantle clock loses about 5 minutes per hour, how do I adjust it to keep correct time?
Harold, this movement was manufactured by Hermle and can have one of two types of regulators. The regulator can be seen in the center top of the back movement plate. The earlier type was the floating balance which had a vertical spiral spring. Later they changed to the horizontal hairspring type. I can give you the instructions for either. Contact me at my shop email address and let me know which type you have. I can then give you instructions. I just reread your description and if it is off 5 minutes per hour, you could have a defective regulator. Sometimes that is out of the range of adjustment. Have you just acquired this clock or have you had it for a while? If so, did this just start happening or over a period of time? On these types, loosing time is usually better than gaining, because of the characteristics of the mechanism. Some causes are debris in the pivots, coils of the hairspring making contact, oil on the coils, or magnetism. There is a point where it is more economical to replace the regulator rather than restore it.
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.)
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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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