Expert: John Newman - 3/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a PWD clock movement for a grandfather clock. I need help on how to set it up and what shell I need to put it in and is it worth doing. 72 Franz Hermle. thanks

ANSWER: William, I am not familiar with a PWD clock movement.  The Hermle name is familiar and the model number and information should be found on the lower right corner of the movement back plate under the 72 which was the date of manufacture, 1972.  As far as if the project worth doing, that would be up to you and would be dependent on whether it was for your own use or to resell.  In designing a clock or fitting a movement to a clock case, we usually start the design to determine what type of clock we want and then pick a movement to meet the features required and the mounting requirements.  Some of those requirements include the mounting limitations of the case, the location of the dial and how the movement is going to be mounted, like attached to the dial board or a mounting board attached to cleats on the side of the hood.  The pendulum length will have to be known to use a pendulum of the proper length for the case, and clearance from front and back.  If it is a weight driven clock, the length of the case will have to be long enough to allow enough weight drop to obtain a full week's run.  Also the chime/strike rod assembly will have to be mounted to align with the chime and strike hammers of the movement.  As far as setting it up, what information do you need to know?  The movement is set on a stand and the proper weights and pendulum are attached and it is tested for reliability of running, chiming, striking and timekeeping accuracy.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John thanks for the response to my question. How ever I have one more. It's a 72 franz and hermle has the chains wieghts, shells, chimes, only missing the long pendulum that goe's from left to right. how do I see if it works? Is there some place near me I can take it too. 08081 zip code NJ

Answer
William, there are none of my Internet Clocksmiths Group near you.  The closest are in Staten Island, NY and northern VA.  If you look on the movement information, you will see the model number such as 451-XXX.  Under that will be the referenced pendulum length (theoretical) like 94cm/3960.  That would determine the pendulum you would need.  You can order these pendulums from clock suppliers whose names I can give you and I do have these pendulums in stock, but you might want to find an experienced clockmaker in your area to check out your movement before you start spending any money on it.  Sometimes, a used movement requires more work and cost than purchasing a new movement, especially if it is 38 years old.  When you decide what to do, let me know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama