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Clocks, Watches/hermie 130-070
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Question
Hi John, I've just bought a replacement hermie 130-070 single bell movement for my clock, but after fitting it, although it runs well and keeps good time, it chimes at 2 minutes past the hour and half hour. Please can you tell me how to adjust it. Many thanks for your time and help, Jim
Jim, the trip point for the chime and strike are not set exactly at the factory and neither is the minute hand bushing. However, aligning it it is an easy adjustment. The Hermle 340 uses a balance wheel regulator which is a little more difficult to stop than a pendulum regulated movement. You can CAREFULLY put a piece of masking tape on the back plate of the movement and just touch it to the balance wheel to stop it. Do not touch the hairspring. Then run the minute hand up to the hour until it just clicks to start the strike. Without turning the clock any more, loosen and remove the hand nut and minute hand. On the back of the hand is a round or hex bushing. Using a good pair of pliers, grasp the bushing with the pliers 90 degrees to the jaws. This is so you won't pinch your fingers if the pliers slip. Also grasp the minute hand near the bushing so you won't bend or break the hand. Turn it back what you estimate to be 2 minutes. Put the hand back on the minute shaft. If you haven't gone far enough, or too far, readjust it. Reinstall the hand nut and tighten. Remove the tape from the balance wheel, reset the time and let it run until it strikes the hour. Check it and if it is still a little off, go through the adjustment to fine tune it. Sometimes the clock trips it a little differently as you do when you turn it manually. Good luck and if you have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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