replacing Hermle Movements

For many modern clock repairs it is cheaper to replace the entire movement rather than trying to rebuild the mechanism. Since 1922, the Franz Hermle Clock Company of Gosheim/Wuerttemberg, Germany has manufactured most of the movements, regardless of the name on the dial of the clock since very few manufacturers make their own movements, but rather only design and style the case and exteriors of clocks.

In order to identify your clock movement manufactured by Hermle, look for the following information which is located in the lower right corner of the movement. Some manufacturers may use other coding methods, but it information is in the same area.

The top two digit number is a date code for the year of manufacture. ( 77 = 1977, etc. ) After 1987 this was replaced with single letter of the alphabet. ( A= 1988, M = 2000, etc. )

Underneath the date code is the model number, 3 or 4 digits dash 3 digits with some having additional letters. (1161-853AS or 340-020 are two examples) The sub-letters may indicate a variation or special modification unique to your clock and may very important.

Underneath the model code should be a pendulum length in centimeters if applicable. ( 35cm, 94cm, etc. ) Clocks which have a balance wheel escapement would not have this number. The number beneath the pendulum length is the beats or ticks per hour and is not important.

In the case of a Grandfather Clock Movement it is also necessary to note if your clock uses a “Brass Lyre Pendulum” or a standard “Disk and Stick Pendulum”. The weight of the “weights” may also be needed. To do this use your bathroom scale and first weigh your self, then step back on the scale with the weights in you hand and subtract the 2 figures to establish the clock weights. ( most scales need the weight to measured to be over 20 pounds to be accurate. )

Armed this the above information we can establish the cost of a replacement movement and formulate an estimate for your clock.