What Is the History of Urgos Clock Movements?

If you own a grandfather clock built between the 1950s and 1990s, there’s a good chance it contains a German-made Urgos clock movement. These precision-engineered mechanisms powered some of the most popular tall-case, wall, and mantel clocks sold in Europe and the United States. Today, many of these movements are aging or worn—but they remain well worth restoring or replacing.

Understanding the history of Urgos clock movements not only helps you maintain the value of your clock—it also helps ensure you purchase the right replacement parts and avoid compatibility issues.

Where Did Urgos Clock Movements Come From?

Urgos began operations in the Black Forest region of Germany, a hotbed of horological innovation. Founded in the early 20th century in Schwenningen, Urgos quickly became a respected name in mechanical clock movements, supplying both local clockmakers and large international case manufacturers.

Their designs blended high-quality German engineering with features that appealed to mass production, especially for grandfather and mantel/wall clocks.

What Made Urgos Movements So Popular?

Several traits made Urgos movements stand out in a competitive industry:

• Triple chime functionality in many models, like the UW32359 Urgos Clock Movement or 32700

• Smooth pendulum operation and reliable escapements, making them easier to regulate than older American models.

• Universal case compatibility, especially for the widely used UW32 and UW03 movement series.

Urgos designed their movements to fit standard cases and accept common pendulum lengths and hand shaft dimensions, making them ideal for production clocks from brands like Howard Miller, Ridgeway, and others.

What Is the UW Series?

Urgos movements are often marked with a UW number on the back plate—something like UW32/1, UW03/13, or UW66001. This “UW” model number identifies:

• The series and movement type (e.g., chain-driven or cable-driven)

• The chime configuration (single or triple chime)

• The pendulum length (often stamped in centimeters)

These model numbers are crucial when ordering a replacement or servicing the clock.

Why Did Urgos Stop Making Movements?

As the clock industry shifted in the late 20th century, quartz and battery-powered clocks became more popular. Mechanical movement manufacturers faced falling demand, and smaller brands either merged or closed their doors.

In the 1990s, Urgos was acquired by Hermle, another German movement manufacturer. Hermle took over Urgos machinery, design schematics, and tooling. Since then, Hermle has manufactured modern equivalents of the most popular Urgos movements, particularly the UW32 and UW03 series.

These modern movements retain the original specifications but use updated production techniques and higher-quality metals for better longevity.

Can I Still Buy Urgos Replacement Movements?

Yes. While original Urgos production has ended, Clockworks offers brand-new Hermle-manufactured replacements that directly match many UW models. These replacements:

• Drop into your original clock case

• Match the exact pendulum length and chime configuration

• Use the same dial, weights, and hands

• Include setup instructions and support

Clockworks specializes in complete movement kits, including the movement, hand hardware, leader, suspension spring, and sometimes chime blocks if needed.

What If My Clock Has a Rare or Unmarked Urgos Movement?

If you can’t find a visible UW number or if your movement was modified, there’s still hope. You can:

1. Send in clear photos of the front and back of the movement.

2. Measure your pendulum length, hand shaft length, and center-to-center distance between the winding arbors.

3. Listen to the chime sequence to identify if it’s Westminster only or a triple-chime unit.

With this info, Clockworks can guide you to the best-fit replacement or conversion kit—even if the original specs aren’t available.

What Other Services and Parts Does Clockworks Offer?

Clockworks isn’t just a parts supplier. We also provide:

• Professional cleaning and oiling kits for do-it-yourself maintenance.

• Chime rods and hammers for clock tone restoration.

• Quartz conversion kits if you prefer low-maintenance timekeeping.

• Complete clock kits for new builds, including bobs, weights, and mounts.

We also carry replacement clock keys, and movement hardware, supporting all major clock brands beyond Urgos—including Kieninger, Seth Thomas and more.

Why Should You Trust Clockworks with Your Urgos Replacement?

We’ve served thousands of customers looking to restore their mechanical clocks—whether heirlooms or collector’s pieces. Our team understands the nuances of vintage German movements, and we carry one of the most complete inventories of replacement parts in North America.

Our goal is to help you keep your clock ticking for decades to come, with clear instructions, responsive customer service, and quality parts that last.

Final Thoughts: Honor the Urgos Legacy with the Right Replacement

The history of Urgos clock movements reflects a time when craftsmanship and precision defined home timekeeping. Though the company no longer operates independently, their designs live on in thousands of cherished clocks.

Whether you’re looking to restore a vintage UW32 or install a new triple-chime movement, Clockworks has the expertise, parts, and support to help you succeed.

For help identifying your Urgos model or ordering a replacement, contact us at [email protected] or visit www.clockworks.com.