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Clocks, Watches/Emperor clock 451-050

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Expert: - 9/13/2010


Question
Hello.  I have received an Emperor Clock by Hermle Black
Forest Clocks 451-050 H 94cm/66. I purchased the clock at a
yard sale without the pendulum and weights. I'm having a
problem ordering the pendulum and weights only without the
clock.

1. How can I order the pendulum and weights only?
2. Can I use a weight or pendulum not designed for this
model?

Answer
Hi, Rodney.  I am having a little trouble with my computer.  I answered your question today and it reappeared.  So, assuming it did not get to you I will answer it again.

There are weights and pendulums that can be purchased separately, but you need to know a few things. First, on the weights for that particular movement, they have to be no more than 47mm in diameter, which means they have to be a little longer (270mm) than the larger diameter weights to contain the weights required to make the functions (time/chime/strike) run.  The right weight for the chime has to be heavier than the other two.  The weight fillers are usually made of cast iron or lead, and most suppliers only offer lead, which is ordered in increments and stacked inside the weight shell.  

The pendulum can be a wood stick type or a decorative metal lyre.  The Hermle 451 comes in a couple of configurations which may make a slight difference in the length of the pendulum.  Is it possible for you to send me a clear photo of the back of the clock movement completely showing it from the top of the suspension post to the bottom of the hanger (the part from which the pendulum hangs)?  And I wonder if this is might be a wall clock with the weights and pendulum on the bottom and outside of the case?  The most used pendulum for this movement is a 94cm and I have seen a few 85cm, but not many 66cm units.  My email address is below and we can go over some additional details.  I do have these parts in stock or I can give you the names of suppliers that have the components.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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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