Expert: William J Perkins - 12/30/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Perkings,
My father purchased a clock kit from the Emporer Clock Company and I was asked to build it many years ago (25+) and give it to my mother for mother's day. My mother recently passed away and he gave me the clock.  I did get it running again however, I have two issues (no works manual); 1st - The chimes always start three minutes early (during all four chime events) and  2nd - The last hourly chime sounds as if the strike hammer stops on the chime.  Do you have any ideas?  The works is a Heinz Jauch, Inc. Model 77 89 76 (Made in Germany).  Is there any way to get a manual for these works?

ANSWER: Heinz Jauch has been out of business for quite a few years.  The chances for finding a manual for any of his movements is extremely remote as would finding replacement parts.  The Jauch movements have a tendency of rapid wear.  Frankly, if the clock requires repair, and I suspect it does, the cost for doing so is simply not cost effective.  These movements were poorly designed and made from low grade materials.  They are, quite frankly, "throw away" movements.  There are replacement movements available that would not only restore the clock to proper running condition but also increase its worth.  I suggest you contact Emperor Clock company about the possibility of obtaining a manual and recommendations for a replacement movement.  <www.emperorclock.com>   Now that we have the bad news out of the way lets address getting the hands in synch with the correct time.  This is quite simple to correct.  First: note the duration of the difference between the time struck and the position of the minute hand.  Second:  Stop the clock and remove the minute hand.
Third:  Turn the hand over, you will note a friction fit bushing is pressed into the minute hand.  Using a pair of pliers turn this bushing sufficient to cause the hand to point to the correct minute when in position.  You might have to trial and error this a few times, but, there is no way that you will not get the hand positioned exactly the way you wish.  Forth:  When the hand hangs in the manner it should secure it to the minute shaft and start the clock.  You will of course have to reset the clock to reflect the time that it took you to make the hand adjustment.
Now as to the hammer laying at rest against the chime rod.  This is a much more complicated procedure that if you are not quite mechanically inclined you should not attempt to undertake.
I truly suggest you not waste your time on this movement, replace it and have a much better clock than when it was new.  
Contact me if you think I could be of help.  Regards WJP





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

QUESTION: Dear Mr. Williams,
I successfully adjusted the timing of the chime.  I am very mechanically proficient.  I would like some guidance regarding the adjustment of the final chime (it doesn't matter what hour it chimes the last chime is curtailed).  If all goes to pot, I will research a change of works at that time.  Please believe me the works on this clock have almost no time at all and I believe I can get a few years out of it before looking at other options.  By the way, thank you so much for the tip  on adjusting the timing of the chimes.  It always seems to chime at the climax of a good show ot TV if anything is good anymore!

Thank you,
Reese Platzer, Jr.

Answer
Examine the position of the hammers while they are at repose, i.e., blows having been completed and are resting in position waiting to be activated again.  If one of the hammers is resting against a chime rod, bend it backwards until its resting position is slightly less than 1/8" away from the rod.  Set the chimes off.  Did this help?
For any further communication on this subject please use my personal e-mail address, as subject use heinz jauch.
<flashpowder@hotmail.com>  I suspect I should send you copies of pages from a service manual.  All-expert does no support attachments.   Hope this helps.  Regards WJP