Hamilton GFC, 1st Clock Project, Need Some Help Please

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 4:05 am     Post subject: Hamilton GFC, 1st Clock Project, Need Some Help Please

Hi Folks,

Hoping someone can give me a hand... I have a grandfather clock, literally, from my grandfather. I believe that it is more of a budget clock, but it has some sentimental value. It's been moved a few times and it never came back after this last move. I had a local clock shop take a look at it but they could not get it running. So, I'm trying to decide if I should try to have it fixed/rebuilt or just replace the movement. Here is what I found on the back of the movement...
85
Hamilton
No (0) Jewels
Unadjusted Made in West Germany
1151-050H
94cm
-------
66.00
and there is an ink stamp on the back... "02649"

OK, on to my help request...
1. What do all of those numbers mean?
2. Is it time to replace or repair the movement? The clock guy told me something like $300 to overhaul it. I found replacements for less than that.
3. Does replacing the movement significantly devalue the clock? Does it really matter because from what I can tell it's a budget clock anyway? Can someone confirm if it's of any value in the clock world?
4. I've found what appears to be replacement movements, but I've not found any that end in "H", does that matter?
5. Who would you guys go to, to buy a replacement movement?
6. Am I out of my mind to consider replacing it myself? I'm pretty handy, but I don't know how fussy these things are to replace.

OK, enough from me. Thanks for any feedback or direction!

Take Care,
Paul

PS - If only my wife payed as much attention to any clock like I pay to this one.

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 2:16 pm     Post subject:

Hope this helps:

1.) The numbers (particularly the 1151-050H) refer to the model number of the mechanical movement being used. Your movement is exactly comparable to Klockit's #13045. 94cm is a pendulum designation. This is a Hermle movement.
2.) You can probably replace a mechanical movement for less than the price of an "overhaul". There are some things you can try (initially) before you consider repair or replacement. This would all depend on how bad the current movement is...
3.) Replacing the movement can de-value certain antique clocks. You have a pretty modern movement, however, which is still sold today. I do not think this would be an issue. Case value is a hard thing to determine. Pictures help. In the meantime, try searching the actual clock case for any manufacturing markings (or see if you can find out where/who/when the clock was originally purchased).
4.) I promise that you have a Hermle triple chime, chain driven clock movement #13045. This would be an exact replacement.
5.) While I work for Klockit, I do admit that there are other retailers out there. The key number to remember is the 1151-050H (94cm) - I do not know if some retailers are dropping the "H" designation....
6.) Replacing a clock movement is not as hard as you think. Furthermore, it will be a learning experience to regulate and adjust the assembly to get it ready to keep time. It is good stuff to know so that you can maintain your clock movement for years to come. Klockit also offers tech support!