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Clocks, Watches/Emperor Clock by Hermle Black Forest Clocks 451-050 H

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Expert: - 8/3/2010


Question
Hello.  I have received an Emperor Clock by Hermle Black Forest Clocks 451-050 H 94cm/66 after my grandfather passed away with the pendulum and weights out of the unit.  I have no idea how to put the pendulum on or put the weights in, and there is no manual with it.  Could you let me know what I could do in order to put it together and see if it works?  Thank you.

Answer
Todd, it is best to hang the pendulum before the weights.  The pendulum configuration is as follows:  There is a horizontal post sticking out of the top back of the clock movement.  A thumb screw (or pin) holds the suspension spring which is the flexible part with two thin vertical leaf springs.  The spring portion must not be broken or crimped.  The hanger which is about 6 inches long attaches to the suspension spring via a split hook and also interfaces with the crutch which comes out of the top back of the movement.  The pendulum also has a split top hook that hangs from the hanger.  I do have a movement installation and maintenance manual that shows all of this.  As there were 3 versions of the 451, I would need to know which version you have.  A photo of the back of the movement would be the best way for me to identify the proper version.  If you cannot provide a photo, I can send you some so you can match it with yours.  My shop email address is below.  The 3 weights are hung from the chain, with the heaviest weight on the right (as you face the clock).  The other two weights should be equal in weight.  When starting the pendulum, listen to see if it is beat.  This means that you should hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the crutch needs to be slipped slightly one way or the other past the stopping point until you get an even beat.  If you have trouble with this let me know and I can send you some further instructions once I know the version of the movement.  Let me know.

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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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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