9 Tube Hermle vs. Kieninger

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 6:06 pm     Post subject: 9 Tube Hermle vs. Kieninger

I'm new to the Forum and clocks in general. I'm in the process of having a grandfather clock kit built for me.

I love the 9 tube movements and I'm curious as to whether or not there is an appreciable difference between the Hermle and Kieninger movements (besides price), or is this a Ford vs Chevy thing?

The bottom line for me here is... which one is better?

Curious newbie

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:32 pm     Post subject:

for quality my personal pref is kieninger.

Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:57 pm     Post subject:

Our product development team had the Hermle 9-tube on test for over a year (outside of a clock case assembly, and exposed to dust elements), and the thing ticked away and kept proper time like clockwork (pardon the pun).

When it comes down to it, I think this is along the lines of the "Ford vs Chevy" thing. Either car company is capable of producing a lemon or a quality car (from off the factory line). The other factor is the care and mantainence. Despite the name brand... If you take care of your car, it should run for an extended period of time (or perhaps more). It is the same thing with a mechanical movement. When properly oiled and cleaned (as recommended), either movement should last you for many years to come.

As a side note (and this is strictly opinion), I honestly think you are paying more for the Kieninger name because of its reputation. Think of Tylonol vs the generic brand of pain reliever. Why is it $3 to $5 more than the generic? Simply because you are paying for a name brand (despite that both are made up of the same ingredients).

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 1:42 am     Post subject:

I would contact Mark Butterworth, he could probably give you the pro's and con's as he is a distributor, and knows clocks inside and out.

TEL: 563.263.6759
FAX: 563.263.0428
EMAIL: butterworth@machlink.com

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:19 am     Post subject:

Thanks for the responses. They have helped confirm what I already thought.

In case you're curious, I've ordered the Kieninger movement.

For the rest of you out there, feel free to chime in (pun intended).

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:47 pm     Post subject:

From a repairers point of view i think you've made the right choice. if i were a seller of movements but didn't know how they performed in the field after a few years use and had no feedback then it would be an uninformed opinion as to which to sell you.

However being a repairer for many years and serviced thousands of clocks old and newish i can tell you from an informed point of view you chose well.

I have nothing against Hermle parse but the newer mechanisms are not a touch on the quality they used to 20 years ago. Hermle have had their troubles over the last few years and had to reduce production costs as much as possible.