Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: My dad bought this grandfather clock from a friend. My question is the chime doesn't work and I've checked the chains and weights. I was looking through the side of the clock and noticed there are two little flat pieces of metal that are on little rods with gears. When I reach in from the left side of the clock and move this little lever on the front side of the gear box one of the little things spin for about 30 seconds then stop. I know the little hammers do move when the thing spins and The hammers are missing their little tips but I was wondering about why the gears don't move when they are supposed to. The left and right weights don't move, but the left one did when I got the little gears and spinner to move. Do you know where I may be able to get some schematics or something to help.

ANSWER: It might have died of old age- the chimes are the first to go. It would be helpful to have all the numbers, etc. off the rear brass plate of the movement. the flat pieces are called "flys" and govern the speed of the chiming when working. The heaviest weight must go on the right side of the clock and the next heaviest in the middle.If you pull a bit on the right side weight when turning the minute hand clockwise it should chime. There may be a shut off in the dial by the number "3"- check and see. advise ....

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QUESTION: I've found that the movement is a hermle 451-033 with a 114 cm pedulum, and has side chimes. I know that all, but one hammer is missing its tip, but that doesn't explain why the weights don't fall like they should, and the hammers don't move unless you reach in and pull a lever on the front of the movement, on the left side. The back of the movement shows:
M
Ridgeway Clocks
Ridgeway, VA 24148
451-033
114 cm
-------
60
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Well that rules out the old age--only 7 years old-- made in 2000. Hermle made the movement for Ridgeway and 451-033 is the Hermle part number. the 60 refers to the beats per minute of the pendulum--ie 1 per second.and it is 114cm long.
The
weight will not move if not powering the chime on the right or the hour strike on the left.
 You did check the weights and did you try pulling on the right side weight? Try also pulling on the left weight a bit. seems stuck only unless something bent, etc. in which case lots of things could be wrong - and you need a pro. But the movement should be fine - might need oiling - all of which should be able to be done in your home in one service call.