Solar mantel clock maintenanceencountering a few complications
In a recent restoration project, a small but mighty German time and strike mantel clock, previously sold under the Solar name in Canada, was given a new lease of life. Measuring approximately 13 inches wide by 7 inches high by 4 inches deep, this clock features a 6-inch dial and a dark walnut case.
Upon purchase, the clock was not a running clock, but it had been carefully cleaned, and some necessary repairs were made. Two bushings, the star wheel, backplate, and the lower drive wheel rear plate were worn and required replacement. The half-hour strike on the bell of the clock is loud enough to be heard across the house, adding a classic touch to its new home.
One of the key components of the restoration process involved replacing a brass washer in a Hermle mantel clock movement with a brass Bergeon bushing. This procedure aims to restore proper shaft alignment and reduce wear. Although no direct step-by-step guide for this exact replacement was found, established clockmaking practices and the use of Bergeon bushings, a well-known Swiss brand of clock bushings, provided a clear method.
The process begins by removing the clock movement and disassembling it as needed. The worn brass washer is then extracted, and the pivot hole's exact size is measured. The hole is prepared for bush installation, and a Bergeon bushing of the appropriate size is installed using a bushing installation tool or a suitable press.
After the bushing is installed, the bushing collar is filed or trimmed if needed to ensure it fits without interfering in the movement assembly. The movement is then reassembled, lubricated, and tested for smooth operation before being reassembled in its full form.
Bergeon bushings are preferred in high-quality clock repair because they restore the original fit and finish more reliably than simple washers. While the search results did not provide a visual guide or Hermle-specific step series, this procedure aligns with standard clock repair best practices and the use of precision bushings from a reputable supplier like Bergeon.
It's worth noting that the clock in question does not have plated pivots, a common issue in Hermle movements from the 1970s to the late 1980s. The movement is a type 141 German movement from Hermle with a recoil escapement and a 11cm pendulum (200.8 beats per minute). The owner of the clock also touched up some small chips on the decorator piece under the dial during the restoration process.
Interestingly, when the clock was new in the 1960s, it was priced around $50 or $60, making it an affordable yet high-quality addition to many homes at the time. Today, the movement is still being produced by Hermle, ensuring the clock's longevity for future generations.
[1] For specific Hermle movements, consultation of the manufacturer’s technical information or a professional clockmaker’s advice is recommended for exact dimensions and tolerances.
While the vintage clocks, such as the recently restored German mantel clock, merge with modern lifestyles, they also cater to the home-and-garden enthusiasts seeking a touch of classic charm. In the realm of technology, the use of precision bushings from brands like Bergeon in clock repair contributes significantly to the longevity of these vintage clocks, ensuring they continue to keep time accurately in today's world.
