Expert: Michael Radi - 10/31/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have just bought a secondhand Pallesgaard Grandmother clock with a Hermle 451-050H movement. The stamp also has 7077 on it. Please can you tell me what that 7077 refers to. Also, we are having a problem getting the chimes to work. The weight supplied ( the heaviest of the three weights we have on the chime chain)does not seem heavy enough for the clock to chime. We tried the chime weight from our Grandfather clock,and it worked well and chimed beautifully. Is this a weight problem, or might it be the clock needs oiling with the correct clock oil. Any help would be much appreciated as this is intended as a christmas gift for my parents.Thank you for any help you can give. Gloria

ANSWER: Hi Gloria,
The first thing to do is oil the clock movement. This can sometimes get the chime going again. I sell clock oil on my website. I suggest the pocket oiler or the soft oiler. Either one is suitable for your clock.
Also, I have a video on my website showing how to oil a clock. You can see it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9YrBcKiHA4

Thanks,
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts online

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, Thank you, we oiled the relevant parts and it now works a dream,the chime is speedy and perfect. On the subject of the chimes, it is the one thing we forgot to consider when we bought the clock for my elderly parents. We don't think this movement has a night time shut off, so what is the best way to keep it quiet through the night, as they live in a small bungalow, so no room is very far from the clock.We don't want to spoil the clock, but we do want mum and dad to enjoy the clock.
Thank You

Answer
These movements don't have a night time shut off. You would need to either take the right side weight off or there may be a bar that moves against the chime hammers to keep them from lifting. In any case, there is no convenient way to make the clime silent.