Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/14/2007

Question
Hello, and thank you in advance.
    I have a movement that i beleive to be made by Urgos. it is well over 20
years old pushing 30. It is on it's last leg and I am trying to replace it. The
back plate reads " GRAVELY FURN. CO. INC., MARTINSVILLE VA USA, MADE IN
GERMANY, NO (0) JEWELS, UNAJUSTED, PL 85 CM. with a ser #24679  I have
been looking on ebay for clues to the maker. All the pics that i have seen
point to urgos as the original manufacturer. It looks like a Urgos 34/1. it has
the same plates and hammers and all hardware.  My question is....what is the
34 to 1 ratio? is it describing a ratio? does urgos still make movements?  Does
hermel make a movement that will switch out using the same chains, weights,
ect.? I have replaced Ridgeway, Miller, Thomas, Emperor, ect. with hermel  but
this is new to me, and i could use your help.
Thanks Logan

Answer
Hi Logan,
    Your movement is a Jauch. Jauch has been out of business for a long time and movements are no longer available.
    Jauch movements can be replaced with Hermle movements with some modifications. The Hermle movement must be mounted higher on the seatboard by means of shims. The dial feet will not fit the Hermle movement, so the dial must be mounted on the dial frame instead of on the movement. One weight must be made heavier to operate the Hermle movement. There is a conversion kit available from Butterworth Clocks which will include a heavier weight filler and correct size shims. You can contact them at (563) 263-6759.
    There are occasional additional problems with the chime rods. Some Jauch movements strike in the opposite order from Hermles, and the chime rods must be reversed. This is often a difficult operation. There are also occasional rare problems with the chime rod assembly hitting the pendulum assembly, and the chime mount block must be moved in these cases.
    By the way, Urgos is still in business and making movements. The movement number indicates, for example,  "Model 32, Version 1." I am not familiar with a model 34 movement.