HAC(?) click and ratchet that needs repair

[Natedog]

I acquired this one a few years ago, and it has been sat in the "awaiting attention" pile
It came with a snapped main spring. I managed to source a replacement spring locally, and fitted it without actually checking for any other faults first (i know, rookie mistake!) when you start to wind the clock, the spring "jumps" after very little winding. Looking closely, you can see that both the click and ratchet are both worn. Would i be right in thinking that the only way to get this running again would be to replace the ratchet wheel? It's very hard to see without dismantling it again, but i think the click itself is not too bad, and it's the ratchet that took most of the damage

 

[wow]

It sounds like the spring is not catching on the outer loop. If it slips after a little turn I don’t think it’s the click.

 

[Dick Feldman]

There is no such thing as a click assembly being "not too bad"
If it fails, you are in for a blue thumbnail and blood all over the room.
That is, whomever is winding the clock is likely to be a victim. Can you stand that being on your conscience?
If that came to me for repair, I would first try to replace the click wheel with one made from steel. Many times a Hermle ratchet wheel will go without modification.
Look closely at the click for: a deformed tip, being loose on the pivot rivet and make sure the return spring is viable. (for another hundred years, huh?)
Yes, it seems the main spring is slipping on the barrel hook, but everything should be brought up to standards, including ALL barrel hooks.
Since most of the time, all trains are wound, the same goes for the other trains because those trains have cycled the same or near the same number of times.
Best of luck with your clock,
Dick

 

[Natedog]

Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated
Cousins list a hermle ratchet wheel nice and cheap, so i've got one of those added to my next order (I'll wait until i've got enough to make it worth paying for the delivery)

Would it be worth swapping the click itself to steel also?

As for the click spring, I've got a nice scar on my hand that confirms it is still good and strong!

 

[Dick Feldman]

The click assemblies should all be updated.
That includes the click, the click rivet, the return spring and the ratchet wheel.
No guarantees about the Hermle ratchet wheel fitting but it may.
Brass ratchet wheels seem to loose the tips of their teeth.
Once you have the ratchet part of the main wheel apart, you should be able to see what you need.
Too bad you do not have a worn Hermle movement for parts.
Do you know anyone that may have a worn out movement you could scavenge parts from?
Brass clicks seem to work well and I see no need to convert to a steel click.
With most applications I cut out a new click from an old clock plate using a jewelers saw.
Be suspect of the clicks supplied by normal clock suppliers.
Those are thin, come with brass return springs and are made in India.
Best Regards,
Dick

 

[Simon Holt]

Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated
Cousins list a hermle ratchet wheel nice and cheap, so i've got one of those added to my next order (I'll wait until i've got enough to make it worth paying for the delivery)

Would it be worth swapping the click itself to steel also?

As for the click spring, I've got a nice scar on my hand that confirms it is still good and strong!

To save you waiting, as you are in the UK I could send you one from my 'bone pile'. I have a couple of different sized steel ones: the silver one is from a Hermle - the black one I don't know the origin of:


Hermle: OD = 16mm; square hole = 4mm; thickness = 2mm
Other: 18 x 4.5 x 1.6

If you're interested, PM me your address and let me know if you want both or just one.

Simon