Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 4/24/2007

Question
We purchased a GF clock with 76 Franz Hermle "unajuste" 451-053   85cm over 70.77  some 30 yrs ago> At about 15 yrs it stopped and I just replaced the flex pendalem hanging spring with a replacement one which came with clock. It worked. Now, about 15 yrs again, clock will not work after we let weight hit bottom. Got another spring from distant clock repair person. The spring sent was a little longer and more flexible but went in fine but clock now works but only 15 min and stops. I have tried putting it in beat by "slipping" or gently applying pressure to right and/or left on anchor arm and then using anchor arm adjusting screw as both suggested by Owners manual. BUT still unable to get anchor arm to swing with clean tic tock with or with pendulum attached. Any suggestions? And good location to replace movement as last resort? We live in veru rural So Utah three hrs north of Las Vegas Nev and four and half hrs south of Salt Lake City Ut.  Thanks So Much for any help you may give.....Danny Shakespear

Answer
danny: the suspension spring, unless broken or mangled, will not stop the clock. clock needs to be in beat. The pendulum leader that hooks onto the bottom of the suspension spring must swing in the center area of the crutch or L shaped fork that comes out of the back of the movement. You seem to have done all else. 20 years is average life of these movements before needing some rebuilding so 30+ is beyond normal life. New Hermle 451-053 85cm are available cheaper than overhaul normally. You can call Butterworth and ask their price 800-258-5418.

or you can try Ebay:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Hermle-Black-Forest-Clock-movement-451-053H_W0QQitemZ3201075...

or even better a new one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Hermle-Grandfather-Clock-Movement-451-050-451-053-NEW_W0QQit...