Identifying a mechanical clock movement
Identifying a mechanical clock movement
To get anything for a clock movement from Clockworks we first need to identify the mechanical clock movement. This is done by decoding the identification markings on the back plate of the movement itself. By knowing what the movement is, it can be replaced with a new mechanical clock movement. Purchase parts such as a pendulum. It is very difficult to provide a pendulum or a dial to a movement without knowing what it is.
Where to get the identification information for my clock
The movement alone is what we need to identify. Once the identity is known, it is easy to know what other parts compliment that movement. The markings on the clock movement itself is what we need. In essence, the movement number is the DNA of the clock when it comes to Identifying a mechanical clock movement. It tells us all the information about the movement. All of the parts work together, so with the movement number we can recommend other parts.
What is not used for Identifying a mechanical clock movement
The paperwork or manuals that come with the clock upon purchasing does us no good. It has no bearing in the identification process. Neither does any of the stickers on the clock case. The reason being the clock case maker is not the same as the movement maker usually. In a typical modern post WW2 clock, such as a grandfather clock, it is possible to have a different maker for each of the components. In other words, the dial can be by one maker and the pendulum by another. The identity of the clock movement itself is what needs to be known in order to get a replacement. This is true for any of the other items such as the dial. So the identification is all about the clock movement only.
Confirm the country of origin
The country of origin will eliminate many possibilities for the manufacturer of the movement. Look at the back plate of the movement. If the mechanical movement has a stamp of Germany, the availability for a replacement is quite high and we can help with a new one.
If it is not made in Germany
The majority of clocks after WW2 are German with the exception of 31 day China and Korean units. Thus, if the clock was made after WW2 and is not a 31 day then it is most likely German. If the clock is made in any other country besides Germany things are not as easy. If the movement has a stamp from another country, please email pictures of the movement. We can offer a repair or replacement parts. If a German unit, need the numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself. It will be right off the brass back plate.
The German identifying markings
This is not always easy to get to. Sometimes the clock case has side access panels that come off. It is also possible to stick a cell phone up in the clock case to take a picture. Others ways include a mirror and a flashlight. The point being, we need those numbers. Often the movement numbers will be on the lower right of the back plate of the movement. Very few clocks have the identification information on the front plate. Only some antique American units have this type of information on the front plate instead of the back.
The German ID will allow us to do some things
The movement number on the back plate provides all the information about the clock. Although it may not say the manufacturer on the movement, the numbers will give this information. The movement number usually tells us the way the clock chimes, the location of the chime hammers, if it's weight or spring driven and much more. When the movement number is known, a replacement can be ordered and it will be the same movement as the old one. Usually all the old parts such as the clock weights, pendulum and hands will work with the new movement. This is because the new one will be the exact same thing as the old movement. This is why it is important that the movement number is the first thing that needs to be known. Everything revolves around that number. Of course, this will always be the first question that we ask if someone needs a replacement movement. So if calling or emailing be sure to have this number ready. We will not be able to help without it, or at least a picture.
Now done with Identifying a mechanical clock movement
Use the examples to narrow down the manufacturer of the movement. Go to that Clockworks web page to order the movement. The picture might not look the same as the movement. Do not worry if the picture is not exactly the same as the old movement. Matching the mechanical clock movement number is what makes the difference. If the old movement number matches the one on the list, then you will get that same movement. If there is any question, send an email so we can clarify things. It is better to ask a question than to not get the right item when Identifying a mechanical clock movement.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022
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Tags: identificationreplace
Please identify this movement: UW 6/87 A …. 491912
Urgos spring driven 8 day German made mantle clock movement that is obsolete
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you James
I have an LFS grandfather clock that has been in my family for several generations from Germany. Serial number on the clockworks is 5142 with the LFS stamp. How can I find out when, at least the movement, was made? I can’t say that it’s the original case, but I believe that it is. Lastly, if you have any background information on clocks like this made by LFS, I appreciate it. Any books available on Lorenz Furtwangler & Sohne that I could be pointed towards?
There was volumes of books just on names of clockmakers that have come and gone in the past. This maker I personally have not worked with or have any expertise about in particular, although the movement design and function I would be helpful. There is a website with a community of clock makers rather than just the few that are here with http://www.clockworks.com maybe they have more intel, it is http://www.nawcc.org .
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My works is the same as the image in both of the pics posted by davenny 6 months ago in this thread. I’ll see If I can’t cant some additional pics today and post.
I have a small AA battery powered quartz clock movement with A410-IHR on the circuit board. It has push on clock hands, no threads, Any ideas?
Sorry do not have this type
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Ridgeway wall clock. The numbers inside are as follows:
URGOS Made in Germany
26290
UW 6/68 A
Where can I get a replacement movement?
That is no longer made but we have this to offer instead. The 351-020 32cm is a equal quality German unit but there is some minor differences.
http://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement-350.html
The dial winding holes will not match the dial you have, so we would need to custom punch a dial for you.
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-dials.html
Sometimes the chimeblock has to be reversed in direction and the rods reversed in order. Or a new chimeblock. But this is not common.
You will need a new pendulum top hook at least, top hook B1
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I need to replace the Keinzle Quartz movement in my marine clock. I have searched for a movement number but can find none. How do I order a replacement movement? Photo attached.
Sorry do not have that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
what can replace the 341-020-45CM 101.778 with
Please order the341-020 45cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-341-020-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Can you identify the maker of this clock mechanism? Looks like the initials are LFS inside a round sawblade. The numbers under it are 9860. The picture is backward as I took it with a mirror. Thank you
Do not know, need to see the rest of it please
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
That is a clock made by Lorenz Furtwangler & Sohne. https://oldclockinfo.com/lfs-lorenz-furtwangler-sohne/
Got it
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thanks, I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need more pics from me. Thanks do much.
Not sure on that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The movement is from a large wall clock with pendulum and 2 wind up holes.
This is exactly what the clockworks on my grandfather clock look like…see my reply and pic in this thread.
I see it, it is a wonderful clock for sure
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The numbers are 9860. The picture is backward as it was taken with a mirror. Thank you
Not sure on that one. What do you need for it?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Howard miller 641-020-45cm 101.887 what else can i use
Do you mean 341-020 45cm spring driven unit?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I bought an old mantel clock at a flea market and I am considering replacing the movement as the chime spring is broken. The seller told me he thought it was a 1930’s era Seth Thomas. It is a 2 arbor, 1/2 hour chime. I took the movement out and looked it over for identifiers. There are only 2 numbers stamped on it. There is a number 12 in the bottom right corner of the brass plate and there is a number 116 in the middle bottom where the pendulum swings. What do those numbers mean, and are they enough to be able to order a new movement?
Sorry to say that one is no longer available new. We can overhaul this one if you like, we only need the movement alone sent in. We can tell you how to remove it and reinstall it, help you along the way. When its done and installed it will run for years.
We start with this =
CLEANING AND OILING FOR ONLY $200
We have the best and most expensive tooling, cleaning equipment, and cleaning solutions. There is no expense spared by us when it comes to having the best equipment. With this factor and 3 generations of clock repair expertise, you can rest assured your clock works will be in the best hands it can be in.
For this unit, we will take the movement in, unpack it, and then clean it and inspect it for $200. If it passes inspection, we will oil it and test it. If this is all that is needed that is all it will cost is the $200 plus the shipping back to you. The initial $200 is non refundable and is the fee for the cleaning, inspection, and oiling and testing only. We do need to be paid for our time on this even if the clock movement is deemed unrepairable for some reason.
Please let us know if you are interested in this service by filling out the repair form at this link, https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html because it would be an absolute pleasure to get this one shiny and working again.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My movement is marked A403-007. 7613 what does it mean?
Please double check the numbers and provide again, just to verify that maybe one of the numbers is not correct.
Is this one triple chime (3 songs) or Westminster only?
Do the weights on the clock hang on cables or chains?
How long is the pendulum tip to tip when you take it off of the clock?
What is the hand shaft length from the FRONT PLATE of the movement all the way out to the end of the minute hand nut threads?
Need to know this, the dial comes off for this measurement I know there is stuff in the way but we need from the front plate of the movement. You know how the movement consists of two plates with gears in between? Well we need to know from the front plate out, how long the shaft is that holds the hands.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grand father clock has brass gears with a wooden frame to hold the gears in place.
They did this in the past yes. Pretty neat huh? These are hard to figure out the maker as there are many
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How old is my grand father clock it body is solid oak, has a wooden painted dial face, two 4.5 lb weights, brass gears held to together by a wooden frame.
early 1800s is my guess
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Please could someone help me out, by identifying this movement. It’s certainly not the original for this clock, but dispite the dust and WD 40 it seems to run, albe it too fast.
I have what I beliebe to be a quite old 800m x 270mm x 115mm wall clock ( a sort of small size grandfather clock!!). At the top of the wooden pendulum is stamped the number 32486 and on the rear of the face itself is stamped 32487.I would be so grateful i you might helpe with what the numbers may mean and if that gives a clue to the age of the clock. Many thanks in advance
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have come across a naval battery-operated striking bell movement but can find no information on it. It seems to work most of the time and strikes 1 – 8 bells on the hour and half hour (then it stops working after about 24 hours). So, what I would like to do is find out information on it and then find someone who can work on it.
These are no longer made. Sorry I do not know anyone that works on battery operated movements and all that can be done is swap them. Tough situation.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a h261-030 movement what weights do I need
Two at 4.7lbs in 43mm wide, this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have Junghans movement W777 and I need a pendulum. The numbers on the top left corner are 141/36 over 200. I think the 200 is the pendulum length in CM the others are beat and number of teeth. But I am not sure. Could you help me out…it was my Grandmothers and believe it was from the 60s…. Thanks Brandon
Hi,
Whatever it is it is required in parts for that clock movement is no longer made or available.
Something custom would be made or modification to that what does exist. Or we would need to match it up to one of our own parts units.
If you would like to send it in for restoration, we could figure it all out here, along with the restoration process.
Are you interested in sending the movement only?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I recently inherited a grandfather clock from my dad when he passed. There are a few parts missing and I’d like to get the movement ID’d to see if I can purchase the parts to get it running. The stamping on the back plate says Gravely Furn. Made in Martinsville VA. It also has 85cm listed with the words unadjusted. Also on the backplate in a different area it has the #3659 stamped. Im hoping you can help me.
Thank you
Please email some pics of the movement front and back to clockworks@clockworks.com and ask this same question
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I recently inherited a grandfather clock from my dad when he passed. There are a few parts missing and I’d like to get the movement ID’d to see if I can purchase the parts to get it running. The stamping on the back plate says Gravely Furn. Made in Martinsville VA. It also has 85cm listed with the words unadjusted. Also on the backplate in a different area it has the #3659 stamped. Im hoping you can help me.
Thank you
I have an old banjo clock (purchased in the US) with no maker identification. The only identification I can find is the number 314 stamped on the movement. There are no other markings. I just need to identify the movement to order parts. Thanks.
Looking for the lead flert on a Junghans 160 clock. The one that uses the cam on the hour shaft to moves the other chime flert.
When you say flert do you mean the fly at the top? I am not sure what you are meaning. Maybe some pics could help
James
Many Thanks !
James and Donna Stoudenmire http://www.clockworks.com 124 Goss Hill = UPS Mailing PO Box 339 = USPS Mailing Huntington, MA 01050 USA clockworks@clockworks.com
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