Imhof Inclined Plane Clock

[olycelldyn]

Looking for someone knowledgable in repairing an Imhof inclined plane gravity clock. I have 2 clocks that I bought at an auction as-is non-running. I am looking for either parts to repair both and someone who knows how to repair them

[bobm12]

Hi olycelldyn, I don't even know that clock but welcome to the forum. I'm sure one of us is familiar with them and will jump in at some point. Also a picture will help too if possible.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[Geo]

A warm welcome to the forum. As Bob says, pictures please! :)

[clockboy]

I have seen one of these demonstrated on youtube. The "Imhof inclined plane gravity clock" is a high end top quality clock and if my research is correct it has a counter weight that revolves around a drum. There are also some Chinese versions which are pin lever driven. Being a rare and quite valuable clock I recommend that you take it to a pro clock repairer.

The repairer might not have repaired one of these before but will know the best approach for the repair . 

[olycelldyn]

Thx for response. Thats why I posted a request for a repairer that knows this clock and has parts or knows where to possibly get parts. Actually I would love to get both going. I only have 1 wood stand but that can be made. I know on 1 clock , I need a balance staff so far.

Enjoy the picture

[olycelldyn]

Even though they do not run they still defy gravity by not rolling down the inclined.  Ooooh MAGIC.   Clocks are surprisingly heavy - about 6 lbs each

[Geo]

I do like unusual timepieces, but I haven't seen these before and I hope you find someone that can fix these lovely pieces. It looks like I have something else to research, I've just got to find out, in detail, how they operate. :)

Edited January 26, 2015 by Geo

[clockboy]

Thx for response. Thats why I posted a request for a repairer that knows this clock and has parts or knows where to possibly get parts. Actually I would love to get both going. I only have 1 wood stand but that can be made. I know on 1 clock , I need a balance staff so far.

IPC.jpg Enjoy the picture

 

Oly, As I stated in a previous post these clocks are rare so finding a clock repairer that has actually worked on one is going to be difficult. But a pro Clock/Watch repairer would be able to analyse the fault and advise on the repair. These are also quite valuable so be careful with them.

[olycelldyn]

[Vich]

Rather fascinating that they "defy gravity" got to be counterweights hasn't it ?

Welcome to the forum.

 

Cheers,

 

Vic

[oldhippy]

In my time of clock making and repairs I've never come across this type before. One thing you do say is one clock needs a balance staff, if that is so you need a good clockmaker who is able to make a balance staff and possibly be able to cut gears.

[Champsclock]

These are fairly straightforward to work on. Very high quality. All jeweles and roller bearings.  Most Common the clock fell and caused one of the main bearings to be knocked out of position and somethimes the case screws will sheer.  If the clock is rotated the wrong direction abruptly it can cause the escapemeant two over bank and lock. 

[Lenj]

Lovely clocks..

[olycelldyn]

Had someone fix one of these using the parts from the other. Everything was fine, except one day something let go internally and the clock rolled off the ramp onto the floor. Now its damaged since they weigh about 6lbs. :(.

If anyone can fix this , let me know but I am wondering how this would return ship because i can only imagine how UPS or USPS would throw this package around even if you BOLDLY marked FRAGILE on it. There must have been a way to lock it internally and ship this clock. Otherwise how would they have sold any?

[vinn3]

    welcome to the forum AND a very interesting project.     vin

[Squiffything]

Over in the UK the BBC are currently running a series called the Repair Shop. It’s about a barn style workshop of very talented people who repair old things to a high level.

a few clocks have been done including a lovely skeleton clock and one of these incline clocks. 

If you can get the BBC Iplayer over your way have a search. It’s a good program to watch and there are 4 series so for so plenty to go through.

[Mazza]

Hi, did you ever find a repairman for your gravity clocks?  I have one and am also in need of a repairman.

Mark

[Roxene]

I am in the same boat. We have two that we purchased, however, neither works. I'd also like to know if anyone has had luck getting these repaired back to working condition and if so, where.

Thank you,

Roxy

[JohnR725]

8 hours ago, Roxene said:

I am in the same boat. We have two that we purchased, however, neither works. I'd also like to know if anyone has had luck getting these repaired back to working condition and if so, where.

you didn't give us a location it's hard to make a recommendation if we don't know where you're located.

Then the incline plane clock is basically just a clock a very interesting peculiar clock with balance wheel. you just need to find somebody who knows how to repair clocks with balance wheels. Usually what happens is somebody picks them up and drops them and they do not like to be dropped. A lot of times the heavy weight that's inside will break free when there dropped.