Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 2/3/2008

Question
I recently purchased an Emperor Grandmother Clock.  It does not work, so my local clock doctor said it needs new 'works' as it was stored in a damp basement for several years.  My question is how often does it chime (quarter hour, half hour, hourly?) and does it play anything on the hour.  I have no paper work on this clock.
I purchased it for less than $50 so I feel it is worthwhile to get the 'works' replaced, the cabinet, face and weights are in very good condition.  Thank You!!

Answer
probably has an Urgos German mechanism made now by Hermle Wholesale cost about $160 Westminster chime and hour strike- very traditional 4 decending notes on 15 after adds 4 each quarter till the full Big Ben tower of London chimes of 16 notes followed by a chord strike of the hour count. They were a "kit clock" parts supplied by Emperor and put together by the owners. Well worth the repair depending upon what your local clock doctor is going to charge you ( 400-500 would be my guess)- new works will run 20 years without any problems or service even.