Clocks, Watches/hermle 2215

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Expert: - 3/18/2010


Question
I have a howard miller wall clock w/hermle 2215 movement in it. It was working fine until I set it ahead for daylight savings time. Now the hands won't move. Pendulum swings freely. I have put new duracell batteries in it but all is the same. Any insite would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Dennis, I set theses movements frequently using the minute hand or rear setting knob.  I have heard two opinions on setting the hands backwards.  I have done it but would not recommend it until I hear better instruction.  That usually affects the chime and strike rather than the hand movement.  This is just a point of information, not in your case.  I just don't know what could have happened to your movement unless something broke, which would not have been your fault, but just a defect in the gear train which is mostly plastic.  Repairing these quartz movements is usually more costly than replacing them, and then the repairs are not always reliable, with again, plastic parts.  You might have an experienced clockmaker look at it and give you a diagnosis.  As I am writing this I remember that there was a production run of these movements that used an hour hand that was too tight and pinched the plastic hour tube enough to stop the clock.  You might try removing the minute and hour hand, reinstalling the minute hand and checking to see if it moves.  If this is the case, the hole in the hour hand could be opened up a little to relieve the pressure.  Understand that this is a very find adjustment because if opened too much the hand can be damaged or it would fit too loosely.  I hope this helps a little.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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