Expert: William J Perkins - 5/30/2007

Question
we have inherited a clock(Hamilton #340-020) that was sound too tight. it has 3 wind holes in the front.
what can i do to get it to run and how to wind it or where can i get info on this clock?

Answer
Actually your clock Is a Hermle signed as a Hamilton.  It is an eight day Westminster spring driven movement.  It is fitted with a balance escapement system.  The hammers are mounted on the bottom of this movement.  It is most rare for a clock to be wound to tight.  What many people attribute this suspected condition is actually the congealing of the lubricant with atmospheric dust and dirt.  When this matter begins to harden into a shellac type mass it acts as an effective brake upon the gears, acting as an abrasive grinding compound, which ultimately seize up and literally jams the gears.  The solution is to remove this substance from the movement by a good cleaning.  Oftentimes this condition cause serious damage to the pivots, pivot holes and pinions requiring them to be repaired and/or replaced.  I suggest you have the clock inspected by a qualified clock repair person.  Other than to offer to tell you when your clock was made, I cannot offer you more.  Even to provide that information I would nee for you to copy down and send me all the information that is stamped upon the movements backplate.