You are here:
- Home
- Home/Garden
- Clocks and Watches
- Clocks, Watches
- Franz Hermle Floor Clock
Clocks, Watches/Franz Hermle Floor Clock
Advertisement
Question
we recently bought a 86 Franz Hermle Clock
inside it says Franz Hermle No OJewels
351-030AH 94cm/66.00
What i need to know is how to get it to keep time.
Thank You
Gayle, I take it that you want to adjust the rate of the clock because it is running too fast or too slow. Your clock movement is a spring-wound grandmother movement with a 94cm pendulum. There is a small round rating nut just under the pendulum bob. The bob should be seated on the rating nut at all times, so check after making your adjustments. To correct the error, stop the pendulum. Then adjust the rating nut. It is turned (tightened) to move the pendulum bob up and will increase the rate. It would be turned (loosened) to move the pendulum bob down and decrease the rate. Generally on floor clocks, turning the nut one complete turn will change the rate 1/2 minute a day. So if it is running 5 minutes a day slow, the nut should be tightened 10 turns. Each time the nut is adjusted, make sure the bob is seated firmly on the nut or the adjustment will not be effective. This applies usually when the nut is loosened. After the adjustment, reset the time and start the clock. Let it run for 24 hours and check it. If it is still running slow, continue tightening the nut according to the runle on turns above. If you over adjust it will run too fast and you will have to back the nut down a little. This will take a few tries, but you will finally find a good rate. Good luck and if you have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
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)
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.