Hermle 351-830 wall clock stopped running

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 3:34 am     Post subject: Hermle 351-830 wall clock stopped running

Hello,

I have a Hermle Regulator Westminster Movement Wall Clock, Hermle model number 70700-Q10351 it has a 351-830 mechanism.

I was winding the clock when the ratchet (I think some publications call this the click) for the chimes spring (not the hour strike) didn't engage properly and the spring unwound very rapidly causing great pain to my index finger.

Since then the clock has refused to run, it will only run for about 3 minutes. It appears to me that there isn't enough energy being applied to the escarpment wheel.

What could be causing this to happen? Could some thing have been jarred out of place due to the vibration of the spring unwinding and the wings of the key hitting my finger? What should I look for? I have checked the beat of the pendulum and this is set correctly.

Up until this date the clock was running very well, I bought it new about 18 months ago.

The click spring was damaged but this is the only obvious damage I can see.

Thanks

Alan

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:46 pm     Post subject:

It would seem that the spring has caused some damage to the movement.

Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:27 pm     Post subject:

If you purchased the movement from Klockit, it will still be under warranty (mechanical movements are covered for two years from the date of purchase). In summary, if it is a Klockit-bought movement, definately give us a call so that we can work out repair arrangements.

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:06 am     Post subject:

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your reply.

It wasn't bought at Klockit. I have been in contact with the retailer and they are providing assistance, the Hermle factory is closed till the 17th I think.

I thought it was probably covered under warranty, however it was bought from a retailer in the USA and I am in New Zealand and I figured a warranty claim may be more trouble and cost than it is worth.

I have a copy of the Hermle service manual by Rex Dovey which I bought from Klockit, the manual doesn't appear to address my problem. Hence my question on here.

Regards,
Alan

Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:18 am     Post subject:

Your click problem is more common than you think.

I have repaired loads of Hermle movements and found a few of these with faulty clicksprings. This spring makes sure the click is pressed against the ratchett wheel so ensuring the click doesn't come away from the ratchett wheel and causing the very problem you encountered.

A rapid let-down of the mainspring you witnessed sometimes causes the barrel bend a wheel next to it or bend some teeth in the barrel and/or the wheel next to it.

Go for another under one warranty and send a letter explaining you have been in touch with another clock repairer, via the internet, who has said this is not such a rare occurance and you would like the new one tested fully before sending to you.
Also ask them to examine the damaged one and explain to you why it failed and what compensation they are willing to pay you for the damage to you hand!!

Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:53 am     Post subject:

Hi Clokfxr

Thank you for your reply.

As far as I can see there is no other damage though I guess any bending or similar damage would be hard to see by eye. All of the wheels in the time train seem to be free in their bushings and not binding on the wheel they engage with.

The time train is driven by weights. If I apply moderate pressure to the winding arbor opposite to the winding direction or light pressure to the minute hand the clock continues to run.

It would seem that there is some extra friction in the time train. Would it be possible that the vibration from the sudden let down of the chime spring caused the oil on the pivots to be expelled and that the clock might just need oiling?

A new mechanism might be the only option. The retailer is waiting for the Hermle factory to come back to work on the 17th. My finger is OK now though it was very very sore for a while, it sure took the colour out of me.

I'm not concerned about any compensation for the finger but would like to get the clock running again soon.

Alan