Expert: John Newman - 3/29/2010

Question
I just purchased a Wuersch clock, may be referred as a "grandmother" or "granddaughter" clock.  It is about 5 foot tall.  Model # is 340-020.  It is a 2 jewel, possible 8 day clock.  It has three places to wind on the face.
Could you tell me something about this clock and also how to get it to run.  The movements will not move on their own.  The instruction and guarantee book that came with the clock has the number stamped inside the book # 51008.  Also could you tell me how old the clock is.  There is a date in the above mentioned book of 9/68.
Thank you for any information you can give.
Gerri

Answer
Gerri, if you will Google Wuersch Clocks you will find some history of the company.  Kenneth Saunders, another member of Allexperts, has an answer stating that the Wuersch Company is no longer in business.  The movement model is a Hermle 340 which means that it is an 8-day spring powered Westminster chime unit.  It uses a balance wheel regulator rather than a swinging pendulum.  The three winding holes are for winding the mainsprings.  They are wound in the clockwise direction.  The one on the left is for the STRIKE, the center is for the TIME and the one on the right is for the CHIME.  If you look on the first line of information on the back plate of the movement, you will see a two digit number, and from your information it would probably a 67 or 68.  That would be the year of manufacture.  If the clock is not running, below is a little information on what to look for in three levels:

The first level is the setup, which is very simple for a clock with a balance wheel.  After the mainsprings are wound (the order is not important), the balance wheel should start oscillating.  The balance wheel is found on the back plate of the movement at the top center.  If it doesn't continue to oscillate, the clock probably needs servicing (listed below).  You can try GENTLY turning the balance wheel slightly to get it started.  That might get it running.

 
The second level concerns cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  My recommendation is that a clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.

The third level requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

I hope this helps.  If you do have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama