Help finding a replacement movement

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:15 am     Post subject: Help finding a replacement movement

Hi. I have acquired a French marble and brass clock, circa 1860-1890 from my parents estate. Unfortunately about 30 years ago the movement stopped working, my father took it to a cowboy watchmaker who said it was unrepairable and the movement was replaced with a quartz replacement.

I am looking to return it to its original condition, or as close as I can. Photo's of the clock can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rouppe/sets/72157627336273061/.

I am told that I am looking for a bell-strike platform escapement with a round drum movement. The distance between the holes for the winding pins is 40mm, and the vertical distance from the centre of the hands to the line between those holes is 20mm.

Obviously I'd like a movement from the same period, however after being told that these are very very rare, I would consider a more modern movement.

Can anyone help or should I post this in classified's?

Thanks, Andrew

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 1:19 pm     Post subject:

If you are looking for the original movement, then you will probably need to search various auction and antique sites. More than likely, you would need to find a complete clock to "rob" the movement from - which can be both expensive and hard to find. I have my doubts you will find an original movement outside a case, but I'm not (by any means) infallible.

Do you still have the original movement? If so, have a qualified repair-person take a look at it. Never hurts to have a second opinion...

In regard to a new movement: The only movement Klockit carries that would be similar to the style of movement you seek would be the #13018 - however I have no idea if it would fit (and if key-winds would align to your case). If anything, please feel free to take a gander.

http://www.klockit.com/products/product.aspx?sku=13018&q=13018

Try posting on the NAWCC site as well (if you have not already). Between the two sites (ClockForum and NAWCC), someone might be able to provide additional assitance or advice to aid in the search.

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:07 pm     Post subject:

No I don't have the original. That would have been ideal but my father left the movement with the 'watchmaker' when it was considered broken. Gone forever.

I was just a kid when it happened, wasn't even aware of it... Now, of course I am incredulous it was allowed to happen

Thanks for the links...

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 9:50 pm     Post subject:

Maybe you are looking for a Japy Feres movement, they were quite popular with this style of clock.

I would post on the NAWCC message board to see if anyone has one.

http://mb.nawcc.org/

maybe david can help.

http://www.abouttime-clockmaking.com/