S. Haller anniversary clock

I recently purchased an anniversary clock made by S. Haller. It has a spring type drive that utlizes a single spring wound around two different arbors. (Similar to a fusee type, but utilizing the spring instead of a chain.) It has a balance spring located above the four ball pendulum. On the back it states S.Haller, made in Germany, one(1) jewel unadjusted. The clock is approx. 11 inches in height. Does anyone know of this maker and this type of drive mechanism for an anniversary clock. Thanks Jim

I recently purchased an anniversary clock made by S. Haller. It has a spring type drive that utlizes a single spring wound around two different arbors. (Similar to a fusee type, but utilizing the spring instead of a chain.) It has a balance spring located above the four ball pendulum. On the back it states S.Haller, made in Germany, one(1) jewel unadjusted. The clock is approx. 11 inches in height. Does anyone know of this maker and this type of drive mechanism for an anniversary clock. Thanks Jim

I will second that opinion. Kirxklox, is correct. Best to stay away from this one. If you choose to do otherwise, be sure someone is handy to call the ambulance.
Filby

Hey guys, I thank you and my wife thanks you for the info. The clock will not run and I purchased it due to the unusual looking movement. I will show the clock at the next meeting, as to what to stay away from. I am still looking for some info, if available.

Thanks for forwarding it to the 400 board. How do I get to that section?

Again, thanks for the advise. Jim

[harold]

Can anybody post a picture of this time bomb. I have never seen one. Movement if possible.

For more information on this very dangerous clock I would refer you to the following articles:
"A German Booby Trap", by Newton Noell, Watch and Clock Review, April 1986 page 29 and page 32; May 1986, page 27 and 28.
Horological Times, June 1993, Bulletin Board, Responses:S. Haller 400 Day Clock, page 32-33.
The Torsion Times, Terwilliger's Corner, 3rd Quarter 2000, pages 79-82, "Some notes and observations about the Haller clock, Plate 1522B, also known as The German Time Bomb".
With this information, members of the NAWCC should be able to get copies from the Library.
This clock is deceiving, in that there appears to be no way to reach the ratchet without removing the back. That is when things get very exciting, very fast.
There are thousands of these clocks out there waiting for the unsuspecting repairman or the curious child. If you have any 400 day clock that is marked S. Haller on the back plate and does not have the familiar suspension spring, leave it be until you are certain of what you are handling.
I have experienced what can happen. But I was lucky; common sense told me to wear a face shield. My injuries were minor.

David Filby

[fixoclock]

Another very distinguishing feature of this Haller "Time Bomb" , I believe from all the ones I have seen, is the skeletonised dial.
The clocks are quite attractive.

[fixoclock]

A reply for Harold.
A picture of the Haller "Elgin" clock is presently on EBAY item no. 2105069904.
As at 21st MAy 2002.

The distinctive suspension spring also separates this clock from most other 400day.
Kirxklox, as you have seen in the above messages, I am well aware of the dangers of the S.Haller. However, I have not aware of any "imploding" as you have stated, destroying the base, globe, etc. Do you have personal experience of this or know where this is documemnted?

David Filby

Imploding, exploding, catastrophic failure, it's all the same. The clock goes to pieces without any outside help. If you've ever seen a TV implode, you know what I mean.
Thanks for the info about the plastic parts; I was unaware.
As for my adventures with the S. Haller, I had no idea how to reach the ratchet to let down the mainspring so I figued that removing the screws on the back plate would give me access to the ratchet. I no sooner got the third screw off when the mainspring shot out like a bullet, hit me in the head, shattering my faceshield, and then hitting me in the arm. Without the faceshield I undoubtedly would have lost an eye. Had the mainspring edge hit my bare arm, I believe it would have lacerated me to the bone. As it was, the flat side hit my arm leaving a 3x4 inch welt that took days to disappear. Parts, tools, dust, everything went flying. The first thing that I did was to check if I could see out of both eyes, then I looked for blood. I was a very lucky man that day.

David Filby