Expert: Melvin Mills - 8/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: I got a Hamilton mantle clock model 340-020 made in west Germany at a flea market.  I traded an old karaoke machine for it and was wondering if I could get some history on it.  I find clocks and watches interesting!  I have a passion for clocks, especially German made ones.  Any web sites that could give me any info?  Do you know of this particular clock?  By the way, my chimes are off and the info you gave the other woman on her clock, like mine, was helpful.  I thank you in advance for answering my questions.
         Sincerely and respectfully yours,
         Ian R. Shelson

ANSWER: The common Hamilton Watch Co. was from Lancaster Pennsylvania.  Then, in 1969, they were sold to a Swiss watch concern.  They have always been known as a quality watch company.

The clock that you have is from a different company if it was made in West Germany.

Germans are known for their engineering and their precision workmanship. Based on that alone, I suspect your clock is a nice one.

Unfortunately, I don't work on clocks so I don't know of any sources about them except to suggest that you ask every antique dealer that you come in contact with.  Antique dealers are a wealth of information.  


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

QUESTION: Hello, it's Ian again.  I have adjusted the chimes on my Hamilton mantle clock, model 340-020, and I also relieved the tension on the main springs by letting them unwind, slowly of course, and then rewinding them as I was afraid they might have been too tight. I'm sure they couldn't have been overwound but being at a flea mkt I'm sure a lot of people took turns trying to "wind" it.  Anyway, I have noticed that it is running slow, loosing about 5 minutes in about 15 hours. How can I adjust this?  I really can't afford a specialist o do this for me besides, I like to tinker with clocks but I'd wrather like to know what I'm doing before I start.  It's a nice clock and I really don't want to ruin it. Again, thank you in advance for your help.
      Ian R. Shelson

Answer
Hi Ian,

When a watch is running slow, it needs a cleaning.  In such cases, one would disassemble the watch and use cleaning solution to remove all the old lubricants and the dirt that will inevitably enter the watch movement.
To get cleaning solution, contact Bill at primrosesupply.com or by calling 1-877-296-1025.  Tell him that I sent you.  He will take good care of you.  (some parts supply houses won't deal with the hobbyist.  Bill is not like that.  Everyone is welcome at Primrose).

Kind regards,

Melvin