Clocks, Watches/pendulum parts

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Expert: - 11/11/2011


Question
I am trying to re-assemble a clock that my mother gave me years ago and for whatever reason was in parts.  I am almost done except I need to purchase a suspension spring, but I don't know how to tell what size it was as it is not there...I went to several sites that sell clock parts but they just show the peice and the size, not what clocks/models they fit...please help.  Here is the clock movement information:  
81
Hermle
Black Forest Clocks
Amherst, Virginia
451-050H
94cm
66

Answer
Dana, there have been some variations in these Hermle 451 suspension springs, depending on the versions of the movement and pendulum types.  I believe in the movements made in 1981 and later had a horizontal suspension post that rested on a triangular piece of metal that raised the suspension post above the top level of the back plate of the movement.  Do you have any part of the old suspension spring.  Usually when they break, the top half is still attached to the movement. Can you describe the material, steel or plastic, and the measurements of the heigth and width?  I do have them in stock, but can give you names of the suppliers and some part numbers.  It might be better to discuss this further to verify which one you need.  You can reply to my shop email address below.



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.)  

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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