Speed adjust without mechanism Mantle clock

[RichL]

I have a Hamilton mantel and need to adjust speed.

 

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome.  I know very little about clocks but we will need photos, plenty of clock experts on here. 

[RichL]

Somehow the regulating gears and lever are missing. Is there a way to adjust levers or gears to slow ti down? Gains about 5 minutes a day. Maybe add weight to the wheel (top middle)? Sorry I don't remember the proper names of the parts.  I'll try to attach a picture of the clock works. Some numbers I can read are 340-020

 

Edited June 22, 2024 by RichL

[praezis]

Adjustment is made on the balance wheel. Post a pic from above.

[HectorLooi]

I think you have a Hermle 340 020 floating balance clock. There are videos on YouTube that show you how to regulate the clock.

Let me search for one.

 

[RichL]

You are the winner! I had a clock guy years ago tell me the adjustment was missing! I have the model shown in your picture with + and -, the adjustment on the balance wheel. I moved it toward the - side. Will report back in a few days how it goes. Rich

Edited June 22, 2024 by RichL

[RichL]

Do you know how many years I have been having to correct the time every couple days? I could shoot that guy that said it couldn't be adjusted.

[HectorLooi]

I'm not sure if you can correct 5 mins a day by turning the regulator. If you can't correct it even after turning the finger wheel all the way to the left, then you will have to add weights the the wheel. There is another video that shows how to do that.

[RichL]

I think I stated the amount wrong, think it is more like 5 minutes every 3 days. So far today after 8 hours it is running correct. I moved the adjustment 3 or 4 notches left. If I can't get it correct with the adjustment I'll get out my BFH

Edited June 22, 2024 by RichL

[RichL]

OK I have the speed adjustment set pretty good, off less than a few seconds a day. Now I am wondering if I am not winding enough is a problem? I have been winding once a week. What is recommended  interval? I have the chimes turned off.

Edited June 30, 2024 by RichL

[HectorLooi]

The Hermle 340 020 is a 8 day mechanism. Winding it once a week is good. Can it run properly for the entire week?

If the clock has not been serviced recently, a full disassembly, cleaning and oiling would be advised. If you intend to undertake the task yourself, many of us can guide you through. But @oldhippy would be your bet when it comes to anything clock related. He has helped me much over the years.

You will need some essential clock repair tools like a power let down key and a mainspring winder. The mainspring winder can be rather expensive, costing about $300 to $500. So, unless you plan to repair a lot of clocks, it might make more sense to send it to a reputable clockmaker. ( Not the one who told you that the adjustment mechanism is missing. )

[oldhippy]

If the time is out I would say it might need working on. The floating balance normally keep good time.  

[RichL]

Thank you Hector

[RichL]

OK I need more help. On the adjustment on the balance wheel, there are 2 places ? !!! Is one for big adjust and one for minor adjust?? And which is which?? They are not 180 degrees from each other so I gather they each have a function. I am able to get the time close but not right, I go from too slow to too fast and back again.

Edited July 14, 2024 by RichL

[oldhippy]

Are they separated from each other? only some have more then one finger to move but they are fixed. If separate from each one could be the beat adjustment.  

[RichL]

I took a closer look and yes there are 2 prongs but they are the same adjustment. Thanks.

That adjustment is real touchy, seems like just moving halfway between dots causes about a minute a day change. Or like others said it might need a clean and oil. It was last done about 2012.

[RichL]

Here is my video of the adjustment mechanism. And my fat finger!

 

 

Edited July 15, 2024 by RichL

[RichL]

Has anyone replaced the old mechanical works with a electric (battery) unit? Recommended unit? Chimes not needed.

[oldhippy]

Regulating a floating balance is not easy if the regulator is not easy to move just touch it with something instead of using your fingers. From what I see there is no signs of dirt around the pivots but they do look dry so you could oil the movement. I have never replaced movements such as electric or battery in clocks that never had them in the first place. That is not the way I worked. 

[RichL]

I oiled it, at least the back side, but will pull it out and do the other side if needed. I do the adjustment moving with a jewelers tiny screwdriver. Think the oiling helped a lot, now only off a few seconds a day. Will try really small adjustments from here on out. When I oiled it a couple spots had some black crud on them which I cleaned off. Thanks hippy.

[oldhippy]

I certainly would oil both sides, doing just one side can push the wear and tear on the dry side.  

[RichL]

Not having good results, probably time to replace. Can anyone provide Hermle 340-020 dimensions so I can put in an battery electric movement. Shaft diameters and lengths. A cheap battery movement for about $15 will make me happy. Just want accurate time, no chimes. I'll keep the mechanical movement so someday if I get the bug - I'll work on it. I want to get the new movement before removing the old so would like the dimensions first.

[oldhippy]

I just typed in Hermle 340-020 dimensions and it comes up with this.

Hermle 340-020 an FHS Hermle Clock Movement that has a plate size measuring 100 x 100 mm and a hand shaft length that measures 33 mm. This is an 8 day Westminster chime movement with 1/4 hour chime and hour strike, key wound, balance regulated and 5 hammers at the bottom.

[RichL]

Thank you.