Franz Hermle Movement Not Running

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 2:59 am     Post subject: Franz Hermle Movement Not Running

Hello,

I have a mantel clock with a Franz Hermle 340-020A movement. When I originally received the clock, it would run for a few seconds, then the balance wheel would stop. I brought it to a repair shop, and they said they would have to replace the entire movement. After they replaced the movement it stopped running again after a few months. I wasn't able to get it back to them for some time, and when I finally did, they cleaned it and it started working. It is now about 11 months since it had that cleaning and it has stopped again.

How long should these clocks be able to go without a cleaning? Is there anything I could be doing that could cause these problems? It was running slow (losing four minutes a day) and stopped running when I tried to adjust it. Other than that all I ever do is wind it and adjust the time if I let it go to long without winding. Could there be something environmental affecting it? I have it placed on the shelf of a bow window, so it is a bit cooler than usual.

Should I look for another repair shop? The one that I have been using seems reputable, but they haven't been able to fix the problem (and anything that could have been wrong should have been fixed by replacing the movement the first time).

Thanks

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 2:16 pm     Post subject:

the shop did what they thought best - and i agree with their decision to replace the movement because thats what i would have done too. however new hermle movements are not made with the same quality they were years ago. this means they no longer last and have irregular life spans and problems. i have cleaned and oiled BRAND NEW movements before putting back in to the case due to receiving them with dirt already in the wheels and pinions from my supplier.

i then USUALLY never have to service it for at least a few years. different repairers may use different oils to lubricate their clocks so if you've got it in a warm room it MAY have dried up the oil. so a minute touch of oil on the PIVOT BEARINGS ONLY will probably be all it needs to get it working again.