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Clocks, Watches/How do you wind this up??
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(Franz Hermle 451-050) I just bought this used clock, all the hanging parts were in the bottom of the clock (small grandfather clock) including the old instructions but for the life of me I can't figure out how the chains hang nor do I see anyway to wind it up! How can a pendulum clock work if you can't wind it up regularly?? In the instructions there is diagram that just shows the chains going around the sprockets on both sides, and all the text says is "hang the weights". Sorry if I'm missing something so obvious I just can't see it!
Jeff, I'm sorry about the delay in my answers, as I have been having some computer issues. If the chains are off the movement they are going to have to be rethreaded on the chain sprocket wheels. If you can get to the sides of the movement, the solid tab (as opposed to the hook tab# on the chain will be the first to go over the sprocket. The one on the right #as you face the clock# will go over so the sprocket is turned #with a thin screwdriver# in the counterclockwise direction. The one on the left will be turned in the clockwise direction. The one in the middle will be turned in the counterclockwise direction, but it will have to be inserted using tools. I have developed a wire device you can make to do this. If you will email me at my shop address below I can send you a photo and instructions for doing this. Before starting you will have to removed the solid tab on the end of the chain by twisting the chain link that holds it on. When the chains are back on, you can hang the weights. They should weigh, from left to right, approx 4.7#, 4.7# and 6.6#.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
#General Note: Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 9 | Clarity of Response = 8 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks! I actually figured it out the other day, now I feel pretty stupid. I didn't know that once the chains are threaded around the gears that is how they are wound up also. I do a lot of furniture restoration but my experience with these clocks is nill. Thanks for the response and I will check out your website. Jeff | ||
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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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