What to Do When Your Grandfather Clock Movement Is Obsolete

What should you do when your grandfather clock movement is obsolete and a new replacement is no longer available?

An obsolete movement does not automatically mean the entire clock has reached the end of its useful life. Some serviceable Hermle, Kieninger and Urgos weight-driven movements can be professionally cleaned, serviced and rebuilt instead of replaced.

Just A Clock Collector offers a specialized clock movement rebuild service for qualifying obsolete mechanical grandfather clock movements.

What Does It Mean When a Clock Movement Is Obsolete?

A clock movement is considered obsolete when the manufacturer has discontinued it and no longer produces a direct replacement.

This is common with older mechanical grandfather clocks. The clock case, dial, pendulum and weights may remain in excellent condition, but the original movement may be worn or no longer operating correctly.

When this happens, there are generally three possibilities:

• Install a compatible new replacement movement, if one exists.

• Convert the clock to a different compatible movement.

• Professionally service and rebuild the original movement.

The correct option depends on the movement number, manufacturer, age, configuration and condition.

If you are not sure what movement your clock uses, begin with our Clock Movement Finder.

Can an Obsolete Grandfather Clock Movement Be Rebuilt?

Many obsolete movements can be serviced, but eligibility depends on their condition.

A rebuild or professional movement service may be appropriate when:

• The movement is no longer manufactured.

• A direct replacement is unavailable.

• The movement is mechanically complete.

• The plates, wheels and other critical components remain serviceable.

• The movement is a qualifying chain- or cable-driven weight movement.

• Preserving the clock’s original movement is preferable to conversion.

A movement with broken, missing or excessively worn components may not qualify. Every movement must be evaluated before work begins.

Repair, Replacement or Rebuilding: What Is the Difference?

Customers often use “clock repair,” “movement rebuild” and “movement replacement” interchangeably, but they are not necessarily the same service.

Movement replacement

The old movement is removed and replaced with a new compatible movement. This is often the best option when a factory-new equivalent remains available.

You can review currently available replacement clock movements or search by the numbers stamped into the movement’s back plate.

Movement conversion

A different movement is installed when the original is obsolete but a workable conversion exists. Compatibility depends on the clock case, hand shaft, pendulum, weights, chime configuration and mounting measurements.

Movement rebuilding or professional service

The existing movement is cleaned and serviced so it can continue operating. This may be the best available option when a suitable replacement or conversion cannot be found.

Which Obsolete Movements May Qualify?

The ButterBearing® Clock Movement Rebuild Service is intended for qualifying obsolete mechanical grandfather clock movements manufactured by:

• Hermle

• Kieninger

• Urgos

The service covers selected chain- and cable-driven weight movements, including two-train and three-train configurations.

Not every movement from these manufacturers is eligible. Send clear photographs and identification numbers before placing an order so the movement can be reviewed.

You can also browse our current movement resources:

• Hermle Clock Movements

• Kieninger Clock Movements

• Urgos Clock Movements

What Is Included in the Movement Service?

Qualifying movements are professionally serviced by Butterworth Clock Service using its patented ButterBearing® system.

The service includes:

• Full cleaning using Zenith 1000 Waterless Cleaner and a waterless rinse

• ButterBearing® installation on the first three train wheels

• Polishing of the remaining pivots

• New bushings installed where needed

• A three-year warranty against defects

• An approximate two-week turnaround for most accepted movements

The ButterBearing® system is designed to reduce friction and wear at critical points in the movement.

What Is Not Included?

This is not a broken-parts repair service.

Broken, missing or excessively worn components are not repaired or replaced as part of the ButterBearing® service. Butterworth Clock Service reserves the right to decline any movement that is not suitable for the process.

That is why photographs and movement identification are required before ordering.

Can I Mail in My Grandfather Clock Movement?

Yes. This is a mail-in movement service, so the entire grandfather clock case does not need to be shipped.

For an accepted movement, send:

• The clock movement

• Chains or cables

• The leader

Do not send the weights.

Pack the movement carefully so it cannot shift or sustain damage during shipping. Double-boxing is strongly recommended.

How Do I Get an Obsolete Movement Evaluated?

Start by sending clear photographs of:

• The movement’s back plate

• All stamped movement numbers and letters

• The front and sides of the movement

• The dial side when accessible

• The clock case

• The pendulum

• The weights

• The chime rods or tubes

Include a brief explanation of what the clock is doing and whether another clock professional has already inspected it.

Just A Clock Collector will review the information and help determine whether a new replacement, conversion or ButterBearing® movement service may be appropriate.

Obsolete Grandfather Clock Movement FAQs

Where can I get an obsolete grandfather clock movement rebuilt?

Just A Clock Collector offers a mail-in rebuild service for qualifying obsolete Hermle, Kieninger and Urgos chain- and cable-driven weight movements. Photographs and movement identification must be reviewed before ordering.

Who repairs discontinued Hermle clock movements?

Some obsolete Hermle grandfather clock movements may qualify for professional ButterBearing® service when a new replacement is unavailable. Eligibility depends on the movement type and its mechanical condition.

Can an obsolete Kieninger movement be rebuilt?

Certain obsolete Kieninger chain- and cable-driven weight movements may qualify. Send photographs of the movement and its identification numbers for evaluation.

What can I do if my Urgos movement is no longer available?

First determine whether a direct replacement or conversion exists. If neither is available, a serviceable obsolete Urgos movement may qualify for professional rebuilding.

Do I have to ship the entire grandfather clock?

No. For an accepted movement, you generally send the movement, chains or cables, and leader. Do not send the clock case or weights.

How long does the movement service take?

The expected turnaround is approximately two weeks for most accepted movements. Shipping time is additional.

Can broken clock parts be repaired through this service?

No. The service does not repair or replace broken, missing or excessively worn components. Every movement is evaluated, and unsuitable movements may be declined.

A New Option When Replacement Is No Longer Available

Learning that a grandfather clock movement is obsolete can be discouraging, particularly when the clock has family history or a well-preserved case.

Replacement should still be considered whenever a compatible new movement exists. When replacement and conversion are no longer practical, professionally servicing the existing movement may provide another path forward.

View the ButterBearing® Clock Movement Rebuild Service or contact Just A Clock Collector with photographs of your clock and movement for an initial review.