26/12/2024
This Kern Midget Anniversary Clock belongs to my Mother. She purchased it a couple of years after I was born, some time in 1970. It was her pride and joy to own such a beautiful timepiece as it was the only design that stood out from the others.
One day whilst the maid was helping mum with the housework, knocked it off the shelf it was placed on, completely destroying it as it crashed and hit the floor. Mum was devastated. She tried getting it fixed but the movement was a total loss as it had bent arbors, broken wheels and teeth. No parts were available, so she put it in a box and stashed it away until recently, when I discovered it rummaging through one of our many treasures around the house.
Given the knowledge and experience I now have on horology, I was able to locate a doner movement of identical specifications and requirements. Repairing the old movement was not a feasible option as the majority of the parts needed to be re-cut and there was no guarantee that it would work as it should, since these timepieces are sensitive, delicate and hugely temperamental!
The doner movement was in perfect condition but needed a good clean, a new mainspring, suspension spring and 1 bushing.
Thanks to the Horolovar guide on Anniversary clocks, I was able to identify and fit in the right suspension spring for this model.
New bevelled glass panels and rear mirror were locally cut at Paul Tonna, a renowned Glass factory in Mrieħel.
The heavily stained and tarnished brass was treated, polished and lacquered by myself.
I presented it to mum on Xmas Day. It was my gift to her. She was delighted to see it working again. She was not aware that I had taken it and had no hope of seeing it working ever again.
