Mason Sullivan Clock Movement

Mason-Sullivan clock movement Identification

If the movement says Mason and Sullivan it does not mean it has a Mason-Sullivan movement number. Often the use of their own numbering system was on the clock movements. This was done in the later years of the Mason and Sullivan company history. Generally speaking, it is best to match up the ID numbers on the clock movement identification chart if not already done. If the clock movement number ends with an X, then the Mason and Sullivan chart page is the right place to be. If the number does not end with an X, please refer back to the clock movement identification chart.

Why convert the number

For the most part, the Mason and Sullivan number system is not helpful to determine what the movement is. After the conversion everything will be known about the movement and who made it. In the long run, this will allow for the purchase of parts or a replacement movement precise and accurate. Moreover, the conversion number will tell us the movement plate size, hand shaft length, hammer location and more.

How the new one comes

The new movement ships the same or next business day already with fresh oil and ready for installation. If it is weight driven it will come with chains or cables. If the movement is a pendulum version it will come with the leader and suspension spring.

Support

Clockworks provides the instructions for installation and also support for the clock movement. This family has a combination of over 100 years as clock makers. Questions and problems are taken care of even after the manufacturer says it's out of warranty. Basically if needing help just ask. There are not many clock makers around anymore, so not only get a response but it will be correct answer and what makes the most financial sense. The manufacturer warranty is three years on a new clock movement.

Conclusion

Identification of the Mason and Sullivan clock movement is the first step. It will grant the customer the ability to shop for a movement or components. Without the identification process everything is in the dark so to speak. It is like a secret code that needs to be cracked. It can get confusing but we are here to help. When contacting us the movement number will be the first thing we ask for. If having trouble locating it, email a picture along with the question. This way we can see what you have in the clock. Once the movement has the proper identification, it is a good idea to write it down and keep it inside the clock case for future reference. That way this whole process does not need to take place again.

Ordering a Mason-Sullivan Clock Movement

Ordering a Mason-Sullivan Clock Movement is easy but it may need to be converted to the real number. If an X is at the end of the number stamped on the back plate the conversion chart is needed. If the number has no X at the end it would need to be determined who made the clock movement for M/S. This is very easy with the clock movement identification chart. Pay particular attention to Hermle units as that is what they used the most.

The number ends with an X

If at the end of the number stamped on the clock movement does indeed have the X, the Mason and Sullivan chart is needed. Convert that number to the real manufacturers number on the chart and write it down. It is best to also put that converted number inside of the clock case for future reference for ordering any components. When searching for parts or talking about the clock, use the converted number and not the original that ended with the X.

Why the converted number helps

The new number will help find keys, pendulums chains, or any other part. The old number makes us blind to all this, the converted number turns on the lights. It will enable the user to talk about the clock and replace the movement. Everything about the movement and its components will be known and help with any future questions.

Converting

Use the Mason and Sullivan conversion chart to get the real movement number and write that number down. Click the number that is by your old number on the chart. It will go to the page where the clock movement is offered and it can be ordered. Many movements come in multiple CM lengths and this only has to match both the new and old.

Matching CM lengths

It is not needed to measure the pendulum at all during this. The reason is because the numbers and the CM length tell us everything. The CM length stamped on the movement is not the actual pendulum length. The way to measure a pendulum is covered in a different section but is not required for replacing. All that is needed is to select the same CM length as the converted number dictates and it will be the correct unit. The new movement will run the same pendulum and also every other currently used component in the clock. If it is a pendulum unit it will be required to use the drop down menu and select the CM from the list when ordering.

How the new one comes

The movement that will be sent to you will have a different number but it will be the same movement. The new movement comes with the chains or cables and pulleys if it is weight driven. Ordering a Mason and Sullivan is really not Ordering a Mason and Sullivan after all but you will get the same unit brand new.

Replacing a Mason-Sullivan Clock Movement

Replacing a Mason-Sullivan Clock Movement only requires the most basic tools. A pair of needle nose pliers and both styles of screw drivers is usually all that is required for the swap out. The new clock movement will be the same movement have now but brand new, so all fits the same as it did. Having a Mason and Sullivan clock movement puts the movement 40 years old. The company went out of business this long ago so it is time to swap it out. It worked night and day for 40 years with out too much complaint, the new one will do the same.

The disguise

The Mason and Sullivan company from MA USA built and sold countless clock movements and clock kits. So many they were able to convince the makers of these units to have there name stamped right on the movements. Not long after that they even had there own numbering system put in place instead of the makers numbering system.

The Availability

Although they are now out of business we can still replace the clock movement. The movements were not their own anyway and the movement producers are still in business for the most part. The German manufacturers are making the same movements as they did 40 years ago in other words. A new movement will last longer than even the very best overhaul by the best clock maker. The movement would be half the price of even a cleaning on the old unit and be brand new instead.

The Identification

The first step is to ignore any names on the clock movement and only pay attention to the numbers. Match the numbers on the ID page to see who made it. It may or may not have a M/S number on the back plate itself on the low right. If it is a M/S numbering system it would be followed by an X at the end of the number and go straight to the conversion chart. It will say something like 3325X or similar. This is if the clock movement has the Mason Sullivan number system only. As explained the exclusive M/S numbers were used only in the later years. Prior to this it would have the M/S name and the real makers numbering system. If do not have an X in the number it is most likely a Hermle movement so go to that web page to match it up.

Summery

The clock movement is most likely a Hermle movement in disguise. The new unit can ship the same business day if ordered early enough, comes oiled already. It will have its chains or cables if its a floor clock movement, comes with instructions and support to install the unit.

Mechanical Clock Movement Wear

Mechanical clock movement wears out after years go by because the oil turns solid. With age, the mechanical clock movement's oil solidifies and becomes black and sticky.

By the time 20 or 30 years go by, the oil has solidified and is creating wear on the brass plates of the movement. So, when this happens, the clock movement will not run correctly.

This is when the movement will need a cleaning at least, or be replaced. Of course, a brand new movement is always the best option.

What wear and where

Look at the old clock movement, and see holes in the brass plates where there are small pivot arbors sticking into these holes. These pivots are what the gears of the clock ride upon and as the pivots spin in the solidified oil, this makes the holes oblong instead of round.

With the pivot holes oblong, the holes are pinching the pivots and creating resistance in the gear train. With the solidified oil and the pinched pivots, the clock will eventually stop working or chiming.

Invisible clock movement wear

This wear takes place in the holes that are in the brass plates and is hard to identify sometimes. These holes in the brass plates become oblong instead of round and this pinches the pivot arbor going into it. Between this, and the solid oil, the clock ceases to function.

To have this repaired is an expensive and long process. To have a mechanical movement serviced can cost two times as much or even three times the amount of the new one.

However, once the movement starts having problems due to the oblong pivot holes, something will need to be done. The clock will never stay running otherwise.