Expert: William J Perkins - 1/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Movement purchased from Imp. clock co.  Mod 101 High Pallet bridge.  In talking to clocksmiths, I believe the repair costs about equal a new movement.  Your thoughts please, and are the Mod. 101 available?  Where?  Thanks

ANSWER: I am not familiar with Imp. clock co.  Perhaps it is one of the many low grade generic clocks that proliferate the market.  Generally these firms made use of low grade materials, including flashy cases, weight shells, pendulums and dial faces.  The movements were what I would best term as throw away.  I quite frankly never worked on one of these clocks.  In my opinion it was far more cost effective to replace rather than restore and I would advise the client accordingly.  I could probably be more specific if you would copy down and send me all the information stamped upon the movements back plate.  Often times that information will tell us particulars and who actually produced the movement.  With that identity made we would know exactly what replacement movement would be in order etc.  Based upon the limited information provided, I would definitely recommend a new movement.  Regards WJP


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My original question was not written correctly.  I purchased the clock in question from EMPEROR CLOCK COMPANY of Fairhope, AL. in a kit.  The clock was partof the kit.  The instructions that came with it and lists the clock as MOD. 101 HIGH PALLET BRIDGE, 8 day,weight driven, chain wind, full westminster chimes each quarter hour and strikes each hour.  would you have a phone number for emperor clock company?

Answer
Emperor clock maintains a customer service unit.  You can reach them, on-line at <emperorclock.com>  Since you have identified your clock to me I am able to recommend that you replace the movement.  You can save yourself some money by purchasing from Mark Butterworth.  Mark is the largest distributor of mechanical movements in the USA.  He will have exactly what you need at a reasonable cost.
Regards WJP