Solar clock mantel maintenance encounters minor setbacks, specifically more than one or a few issues
In the world of clock repair and maintenance, replacing a brass washer on a Hermle movement requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. This article provides a step-by-step guide for this process, using a German time and strike mantel clock, sold under the Solar name in Canada, as an example.
## **Tools and Materials Needed:** - New brass washer (compatible with Hermle movements) - Small wrench or pliers - Oil or lubricant - A cloth (for cleaning)
## **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Access the Movement:** - Remove any exterior components (e.g., trim, weights) to access the clock movement. This may involve unscrewing certain parts or removing external decorative elements.
2. **Stop the Clock:** - Ensure the clock is stopped. If it's mechanical, you might need to let it wind down fully. If it has a pendulum, carefully remove it to prevent damage during the repair.
3. **Remove the Old Washer:** - Gently remove the old brass washer from the centre wheel arbour. This might require a small tool to pry it off without damaging the surrounding components.
4. **Clean the Area:** - Use a cloth to clean the area around the centre wheel arbour, ensuring it's free of dust and old lubricant.
5. **Install the New Washer:** - Place the new brass washer over the centre wheel arbour, ensuring it's properly seated and aligned with any guides or marks on the movement.
6. **Secure the Washer:** - Use a small wrench or pliers if necessary to secure the washer. Ensure it's snug but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the movement.
7. **Apply Lubricant:** - Apply a small amount of clock oil or lubricant to the washer and surrounding mechanical parts to ensure smooth operation.
8. **Reassemble:** - Reattach any components you removed, such as the pendulum or weights.
9. **Test the Clock:** - Start the clock and observe its operation to ensure the new washer is properly seated and functioning as expected.
It's advisable to consult a professional clockmaker for assistance if you're not confident in performing these steps yourself.
This particular clock, with its 6'' dial and dark walnut case, had a Hermle movement of type 141 with a recoil escapement and a 11cm pendulum (200.8 bpm). The half-hour strike on a bell is loud enough to be heard across the house.
The conversation on a social media site discussed a clock purchase with a Hermle movement for only $5 on a blue tag day. However, the testing phase of the clock movement can last a couple of weeks or more, as the movement required two bushings, the star wheel, backplate, and the lower drive wheel rear plate, for replacement due to wear. During the reassembly process, all other adjustments are done outside the plates.
The arbour of the clock has an approximate diameter of 2.6mm, and a bushing with an inside diameter of 2.5mm provided a good friction fit for the arbour. A brass Bergeon bushing was used as a simpler solution for reinstalling the centre wheel's oval tension spring.
During the testing phase, the case of the clock was cleaned, and some small chips on the decorator piece under the dial were touched up. Interestingly, the article did not provide information about the specific best clock find of 2020. The clock was not a running clock when purchased, as indicated by mars and scratches on the backplate and numerous scratch marks on the barrels, which required two mainsprings to be replaced.
In the realm of vintage and home-and-garden enthusiasts, this repair guide serves as a valuable resource for those owning German-made, home-and-garden clocks with Hermle movements, enhancing their lifestyle's rhythm with precise gadgets. Alternatively, technology aficionados might appreciate the intricate mechanics of these timepieces, adding a unique touch to their home-and-garden décor.
