Please view these information tabs to learn more about replacing a Kieninger Clock Movement.
Kieninger clock movement identification
The first step to replace the movement or any components is to first do the identification process on the Kieninger clock movement. To get the new clock movement price and what it includes, we start with the numbers. The numbers are also required to get components of the clock also. Components include pendulums, dials, hands, keys, cranks, chime blocks, mounting screws, weights, pulleys or chains.
Decoding Kieninger clock movements
For example lets say the movement numbers are 81 K 116cm.
- 1981 =The first numbers 81 is the year made if it is an on older unit. On the new units this number is not the year but only an internal engineering code.
- K = The K is the movements series. This is the basic raw movement plate size and internal gear configuration.
- 116CM = The pendulum length in centimeters measured from the top of the movement all the down. Based on the smallest 4 1/2 inch bob diameter.
Dating the Kieninger movement
Above is stated 81 was the date, however this has changed in the later years. After a certain date that first number is no longer the date produced. So it may or may not be the date, but you can just ignore that first number when replacing the unit. There is no longer a solid way to date the Kieninger clock movement unless it is stamped on the plate.
We can help
The new movement will fit into the clock case just as the old one did. Keep using the same components such as the dial, pendulum, chime block and weights. If it is a weight driven clock it will come with the chains or cables with pulleys. If this decoding process is confusing, just email the numbers or a picture to [email protected] Kieninger clock movement questions and ordering can be done by phone also 800-381-7458.
- - The content of this web page and web site was written and copyright by James Stoudenmire of Clockworks.com - It may not be used commercially without permission. - -
Kieninger Clock Movement Ordering
Kieninger Clock Movement Ordering starts with the numbers off of the back plate of the clockworks. The numbers help us figure out the correct unit by plate size. After we get the plate size we narrow it down by attributes such as triple chime. In other works all the units that have the letter K on the back will have the same plate size. After we determine we have a K series we select things like triple chime or Westminster only. If there is any uncommon things added after that we select it. Such as sequential or carousal or other special qualities added such as this.
Steps to a new Kieninger clock movement
First go to the letter that is stamped on the movement only. If for example the movement number is 81 K 116cm ignore all but the K at first. Find the K series on the Kieninger movement page at Clockworks.com. Then we can continue with matching up the CM in the drop down list.
Attribute selection
On that same drop down list with the CM listed there are some other options usually. The options to select are the specific quality's the movement may or may not have on the movement. Such things as Westminster only or triple chime. If there is dancers on the movement it may say carousel. Just pick the what ever movement you have that matches the options.
After ordering the Kieninger movement
After ordering the new Kieninger clock movement a receipt will be emailed. The installation instructions will be provided via a link on the receipt. Weight driven units ships with the chains or cables with pulleys included. The new movement will ship the next business day by Fed Ex ground.
- - The content of this web page and web site was written and copyright by James Stoudenmire of Clockworks.com - It may not be used commercially without permission. - -
New Clock Movement Benefits
New clock movement benefits far outweigh the benefits of an overhaul. This section will explain why that is and what the best course of action is to get your clock working.
Getting the movement worked on
Clocks need to be oiled after 10 years or so. Then, after 20 or 30 years, a full break down of the movement is necessary. This is all well and good and can be done with the old movement. The movement will run for another 5 or 15 years with no issues but then it will be time to do it again.
Every time the movement is worked on and re-bushed, it will last less and less time before it needs attention again. The repair process is expensive because it takes time to separate the plates, remove all the gears, do the necessary work, and then put them all back together again. This process may need to be redone if not perfect the first time. The turn around time to complete an overhaul could be anywhere from 1 to 3 months, and in some extreme cases, a year. It is a slow moving venture that costs twice as much as a new movement would. If a new movement is not available, then this is the best, and only, way to handle a clock repair.
Replacing with a new clock movement
If the movement is still in production, it is far better to just get the new one. Mass production makes the movement so affordable it will cost a fraction of the price of the repair work. The movement will be the same one but brand new and ready to run 30 years without much complaint. There is absolutely no way to repair an old movement so that it is better than new. Even the best clockmaker using the best equipment cannot make the movement better than a new one.
A new one is a factory fresh restart. The clock will be like it was originally when it was purchased from the store. The new movement will be made by the same people, with the same machines, and the movement is the same. It is not a close replica or made somewhere else besides Germany. It is the same movement. Not a knock off or replica. So wouldn't it make sense to get the new one instead of chasing the old? The choice is clear and obvious. The new movement will cost a fraction of the price and the clock is up and running in no time.
Movements to consider getting repaired instead
If a unit is no longer in production and not available new, then a repair is most likely your only option. However we will try to convert it to a new unit that is close and easy to adapt. If it is not an easy one to adapt, or would take too much case work, then the best solution is to get it worked on.
Another movement to consider getting overhauled instead of replaced is the tubular bell, which is a high end movement. The price of a tubular bell unit makes an overhaul more attractive. This is because of the high price on the new ones which is currently around $1600. Usually the price is less for the new unit but instead these units are more costly than the overhaul by clockworks.com anyway. We can charge only $900 for the complete overhaul on these units. Ultimately the choice is yours. There is a good argument in both directions that makes sense on these expensive units.
Clockworks.com = The best repair service
We would love to do the overhaul here at clockworks.com and we do the best job. There are two ways to fix clocks; the easy way and the hard way. We only do it the hard way with no short cuts. It is even more important for us to do your repair than another company because we do not go to your house. There is no one being intrusive in your home and possibly damaging your clock case.
The movement itself is the only item that gets sent to us. No components need to be sent since we have everything else here such as weights, dials and pendulums. It is a great advantage to have clockworks.com work on your movement for this fact alone. A clock supply depot such as us does not need to wait for parts. We possess everything we could possibly need to complete a thorough, professional clock repair right here.
The new movement
New clock movement benefits usually do indeed outweigh the repair option. The movement will already come lubricated with clock oil so there is no need to oil it. The clock comes with cables and pulleys, or chains, the leader, and suspension spring. This is everything that comes out when you remove the two screws that are under the movement, besides the dial and weights.
Once you get the hands and the clock dial out of the way (instructions included) it's only a matter of removing the two screws from underneath. The new movement can be swapped out by an experienced person in 10 or 15 minutes. An inexperienced person will take longer, but the point is that it isn't hard to do. There are some instances where a clock case was made in an annoying way that makes it more difficult, but for mass produced clocks this is not the situation. This more related to a few individual clockmakers who may have designed the case to make it more tricky to get the movement in or out.
Summary
A new clock movement is typically less than half the cost of an overhaul. It will also be on its way to the customer instantly instead of months later. A new clock movement will last the longest of any other choice.
- - The content of this web page and web site was written and copyright by James Stoudenmire of Clockworks.com - It may not be used commercially without permission. - -
K Series Kieninger Clock Movement
The K series clock movement are the most produced 3 weight movement series that Kieninger has created. They have a hand shaft length of 47mm from the front plate of the movement and all the way out to the end of the minute hand nut threads.
Why a new Kieninger movement
Replacing a movement is less costly than a overhaul. The K series clock movement last 25 years before needing an over haul, but since its still being made at a fair price it is so much better just to replace. The K series clock movement will be problem free right away instead of months, last longer than a overhaul and comes oiled.
What the K series clock comes with
This high quality K Series Kieninger clock movement comes oiled and includes its cables, pulleys, leader, suspension spring and hand nut. The movement will have removal and installation instructions and our support.
Kieninger decoding
An older Kieninger clock movement will have the date first, then the series "K" and the CM length on the back plate of the movement. Such as 83 K 116CM. However the first number on in the later years was no longer a date code and more of an internal code for the factory.
Movement removal and installation
Removal of the is easy and we provide instructions for the installation. This movement is in stock and can ship today. We are full time clock makers and retailers both, so if you need any assistance with install we can help.
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