Clocks, Watches/Hamilton Clock

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Expert: - 11/8/2011


Question
John,
Good Afternoon, I have a 74 Hamilton clock (western Germany) 340-020 and it has three holes to put the key in, however the hole next to the III does not wined and the clock keeps time however the chimes to not work.  What can I do to make it work again.  Thank you for your time.

Omar

Answer
Hi, Omar.  The movement you have was manufactured by Hermle for Hamilton in 1974, according to the two numbers "74" on the first line of the information.  I'm not sure what you mean by the right winding arbor not winding.  Does the key turn but has no resistance, or is it wound all the way so you cannot turn it?  If there is not resistance, the mainspring is probably broken.  If is is wound all the way, there could be a problem in the chime mechanism due to worn parts or gummy lubricants if it has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years.  Some of these models have a chime/silent lever which is right outside the III on the dial.  To chime it should be in the chime position.  Since the clock is 35 years old, it could be that there are a lot of worn parts and it will require a overhaul or replacement (This model is still manufactured).  About the only thing I can suggest is to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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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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