K Series Kieninger Clock Movement

Kieninger clock movement identification

The identification process is the first step to replace a Kieninger clock movement or any other components. To begin with, start with the movement number in order to purchase a new clock movement and to see the price and what it includes. Also, these numbers are essential to get compatible components for the clock. Examples of some components include pendulums, dials, hands, keys, cranks, chime blocks, mounting screws, weights, pulleys or chains.

Decoding Kieninger clock movements

For example, let's say the movement numbers are 81 K 116cm.

• 1981 = If it is an on older unit, the 81 would be the year it was made. On new units this number is not the year but only an internal engineering code.
• K = The K is the movement series. This is the basic raw movement plate size and internal gear configuration.
• 116CM = This is the pendulum length, in centimeters, from the top of the movement all the way down to the bottom of the rating nut. This is true only for the smallest 4 1/2 inch bob diameter.

Dating the Kieninger movement

In the above description, 81 is the date, however this is not always true in later years. After a certain date that first number is no longer the date that it was made. Rather that first number became an engineering code that has nothing to do with the date. So it may or may not be the date code, but you can ignore this as it is not pertinent to replacing the unit. There is no longer a solid way to date the Kieninger clock movement unless there is a stamp on the back 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 chime hammers as well as chains or cables. If this decoding process is confusing, just email the numbers or a picture to us. We are happy to help with figuring out what you have and the best course of action. Similarly, Kieninger clock movement questions and ordering can be done by phone as well.

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 included. The new movement will ship the next business day by Fed Ex ground.

New Clock Movement Benefits

New clock movement benefits far outweigh the benefits of a restoration. 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 have fresh oil 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. So obviously this is a new clock movement benefit.

Every time the movement needs to have work done on it or needs bushings, it will last less and less time before it needs attention again. So another new clock movement benefit is that this would not happen. 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 on a clock movement 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 clock 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 clock movement is still in production, it is far better to just get a new clock movement. Mass production makes the movement so affordable it will cost a fraction of the price of the repair work. The new clock 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 clock movement so that it is better than new. Even the best clockmaker using the best equipment cannot make the clock movement better than a new one.

A new clock movement is a factory fresh restart. The clock will be like it was originally when you first made the purchase from the store. The new clock movement will be made by the same people, with the same machines, and the clock 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 clock movement 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 That Would Need a Repair or an Overhaul

If a new clock movement is not possible, then a repair is most likely the only option. However we will try to convert it to a new clock movement 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 have us work on it.

Another clock movement to consider having restored instead of replacing it is the tubular bell, which is a high end movement. The price of a tubular bell new clock movement makes an overhaul more attractive. This is due to the high price on the new clock movements which is over $1600. Usually the price is less for the new unit but instead these new clock movements are more costly than the overhaul by Clockworks anyway. We can charge a much lower amount 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 new clock movements.

Clockworks = The best repair service

We would love to do the clock movement overhaul here at Clockworks and we do the best job. There are two ways to fix clocks; the easy way and the hard way. We only repair clock movements the hard way with no short cuts. Even with new clock movements, we inspect them and make sure all is well before shipping them out. 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 clock 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 work on your clock 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. If a new clock movement is not possible, then this repair is your best and only option.

The new movement

New clock movement benefits usually do indeed outweigh the repair option. The movement will already have lubrication with clock oil so there is no need to oil it. The new clock movement 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 clock movement, besides the dial and weights.

Once you get the hands and the clock dial out of the way (instructions are sent via email) it's only a matter of removing the two screws from underneath. The new clock movement can then be put in by someone with experience in 10 or 15 minutes. A person with no experience will take longer, but the point is that it isn't hard to do. This is definitely a new clock movement benefit. There are some instances where a clock case was made in an annoying way that makes it more difficult, but for clock movements that were in a mass production this is not the situation. This relates more to a few individual clockmakers who's design of the case makes it more tricky to get the new clock movement in or out.

Summary of New Clock Movement Benefits

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.