Regula 34 M

[MuensterMann]

I am working on a large 8-day all-the-bells-n-whistles cuckoo clock. It has a Regula 34 with the M date code. It is not from 2020, thus leaving either 1980 or 2000. Based on the style in the images below, do you think it is closer to 1980 or 2000? Thanks!

 

[Ticktocktime100]

Hi,

Is there nothing after the M? If I remember well, these movements have an M followed by two digits. Just looking at it, I would say closer to 1980.

Regards.

 

[MuensterMann]

No code after M.

 

[MuensterMann]

I was hoping that some particular aspect of the clock could point to 1980 or 2000 as a time of manufacture.

 

[JimmyOz]

When you clean it up you maybe want to fix those lifting wires, they are way to long.

 

[MuensterMann]

Yes, not only too long, but needed the right bends near the bellows to prevent binding.

I am looking at other examples of such clocks trying to identify age-related hints.

 

[MuseChaser]

Love the German Shepherd Dog!

 

[chimeclockfan]

Cold war era Regula movements were signed 'Western Germany'. This one says 'Made in Germany' so I am inclined to say it was made in 2000.
The carvings and detailing are also in line with higher-end cuckoos made during recent years: a lot of cuckoos from the 1960's to 1980's were plainer.

 

[Schatznut]

The gong hammer in your photo is obscuring the area where "SYNTH OIL" was stamped on movements after about 1990. This is the later style movement that has the actuator wheel pressed on the shaft other than mounted with a setscrew. Still, an 8-day movement with animation is pretty special. My guess is 1980, not 2000.

 

[chimeclockfan]

What does the cuckoo bird look like? Don't see any bird in the photos. I find the older models from the 60's/70's/80's had a plastic bird with moving beak like this little guy:

 

[MuensterMann]

The movement does state "Made in Germany" as opposed to "W. Germany". The cuckoo bird is made of wood. "SYNTH OIL" is stated on the movement on the left side (it is not blocked by the hammer, but it is faint). The star wheel is pressed on - and I replaced it after cleaning with one with a set screw. The flutes were glued to the sides, but I didn't have to remove them to get the movement out - since case is so big. More images below.

 

[chimeclockfan]

What a happy little bird. Still inclined to say 2000 with all observations considered, but am eager to see/compare with any other clocks specifically dated.

 

[MuensterMann]

The clock also has the wooden weights.

 

[Willie X]

My guess would be 2000, based on the bird, soft hammer, music box mounting, overall bright brass and about the right amount of dust. Wooden weights, oh yeah, 2000. Ha. Willie X

 

[Schatznut]

That looks like a fun clock to work on! I like the details on the dancers, and it's good to see a wooden bird and know it has wooden weights. The SYNTH OIL stamp would suggest post-1990-ish, so based on that, I concur with Willie regarding its build date.

 

[MuensterMann]

And 2000 it is! Perhaps SYNTH OIL and MADE in GERMANY are the most conclusive evidence for the movement's age period - if one just found the movement without the clock.