Expert: John Newman - 7/17/2010

Question
John, recently I purchased a clock that stands about 58" tall. The bottom piece that sets on the floor is 14" wide and 15" tall then. The second section where the pendulum swings is 9 1/4" wide and 24" tall with a see through glass door. The top part where the clock face a and works are is 14" wide and 18" tall. Has some scrolling on the very top but for the most part is simple straight line design. The clock does not run at this point. Perhaps it could be wound to tight. I tried to wind it with the key and all three winding mechanism are tight.
Other marking on the back are hard to read without a magnifying glass.
No (0) Jewels
Made in West Germany
next line not sure of but looks like  UNAJ 0r UNA3 JUSTE3
361-020

75 CM
______
7.5.83

Cabinet case is in excellent condition and looks to be made of cherry wood.
I assume that this is a Clock Kit but have no way of really knowing without someone looking at it that would have more knowledge than I do. Which would not be very difficult to find as I know very little about clocks.
My question is could you tell by the markings on the back of the clock works if it were a Kit or an original or not? Are the clock works repairable and would it possibly be worth the cost to repair or to replace the works?
I would appreciate your help and your expertise answer if you would not mind.

Thank you for your time to listen and respond.

Answer
Tony, from the information you have given me on the movement, it was made for Mason and Sullivan by Hermle.  I have never seen a listing for a 361 series, so it might be a 351-020.  I could be wrong.  The 351 is an 8-day spring wound movement with the 5 chime hammers on the bottom of the movement.  The "NO (0) JEWELS" and "UNADJUSTED"  has to do with old laws concerning exporting product with jewels and certain labor laws.  

These movements were used in factory finished clocks and kits alike.  I'm not positive, but I don't think M%26S produced any finished clocks, just kits and/or plans.  Most clocks that are finished at a clock factory will have some type of identifying marks or numbers on them.  

ALL clock works are reparable, but being a modern production movement, sometimes it is more economical to replace the movement.  I have to look at a movement and determine how much labor it will take to restore it.  I then give the customer the option of having it restored or replaced.  Some people are rather sentimental about the complete clock and will pay to have the movement restored, even though it may cost more than replacing it.  If you have any additional questions or need information on obtaining replacement movement, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama