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Clocks, Watches/Franz Hermle 140 -010

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Expert: - 1/9/2011


Question
Hi
I am trying to get this clock to settle down and keep good time.
It runs fast. The adjuster screw has two directions (clockwise or counterclockwise)the little indicator arrows could be clearer and I am not sure if I am slowing it or speeding it.
Which direction should I turn it to slow it down.
The plate says 10 sec/d this runs about 3 to 5 mins fast per day.

Thanks in advance

Answer
Joe, I agree that the symbol stamped on the movement is difficult to understand.  The rule I have on the balance wheel adjustment is that the screw is turned in the direction of the hands to make it go faster and opposite to make it go slower.  So, LOOKING FROM THE BACK, you would turn the screw counterclockwise to increase the speed and clockwise to decrease it.  The 10 sec/day is the rotation you would turn as indicated by the angle shown which is 60 degrees.  This is 1/6 of a full turn.  So, one complete turn of the screw should result in 1 minute per day difference.  Therefore, if your clock is running 3 minutes a day fast, I would turn the screw 3 complete turns clockwise.  I might add that this is if the balance wheel is in good condition.  We have found balance wheels with debris or too much oil in the pivots, in the pivots, coils of the hairspring touching, and I have heard reports of the mechanism be magnetized, which require demagnetization.  Most of this does result in a faster rate, as it reduces the full swing of the oscillations.  All of this should be corrected by a clockmaker experienced in servicing these delicate mechanisms.  Good luck and I hope the adjustment will do it.  If you still have questions, get back with me.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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