Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 11/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi!

I was given this clock in pieces and am attempting to reassemble it. The only model I could find is 117KW with a Hermle 351-056 movement. No weights, one winds it from the front. The left spring apparently is broken as will not wind up. It looks as though the pendulum is wrong and can't swing far enough to run the movement. I can move the arm and watch the sprocket move, but it won't happen with the pendulum. Can the movement be adjusted for different clock cases? Is there a way to determine what length pendulum this movement needs? This clock case has a lot of plastic, so I suspect it is a lower line clock. It has Tempus Fugit at the top of the face and Pearl in the middle of the clock face.

Thanks!


ANSWER: The back brass plate of the mechanism will have more numbers and info in addition to the 351-050   (not -056)
this additional info will tell about the pendulum. The left spring if it will not turn with the key is NOT broken - just fully wound up- no problem here.The "L" shaped foot that comes out of the back top of the mechanism and connects to the "C" shaped anchor that interacts with the escape wheel (your "sproket") is attached to the shaft with the anchor on it by a clutch arrangement. Move the L shaped foot left or right so the tic-tok is centered. Advise...

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

QUESTION: Thanks!

The left spring winder feels unconnected compared to the other 2 which will wind up and stop.

So, it sounds like I just loosen the 2 screws that hold the foot to the back plate to adjust the escape wheel contact with the anchor. Glad I won't have to try and find a different pendulum!

I found a site, Clockworks, that helped me decipher the code on the back of the movement. Interesting stuff!

Thanks again!  

Answer
DO NOT LOOSEN THOSE TWO SCREWS!  I said nothing about screws. You will be in deep yogurt if you do! Just follow my instructions-

If the spring winds and gets tighter- but no click ratchet sounds and it will not stay but un-winds then the ratchet is broken  or out of place. If it winds normally but then seems to let go- spring is broken or if it winds normally but never gets tighter then the center arbor of the spring is broken or un-hooked- all a quick fix for a pro as the spring barrel removes easily but you may need parts on hand to repair it.