AboutJohn Newman Expertise Because of the variations of clock values throughout the world, and particularly the lack of data on modern production clocks, I regret that I CANNOT DETERMINE CLOCK VALUES. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been involved in building, repairing and restoring clocks for about 30 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Expert: John Newman Date: 7/5/2008 Subject: Urgos mantle clock
Question Good day,
I recently got an Urgos mantle clock from my father. My own estimate suggests that it may be easily 45 years old. It works albeit that it loses some minutes during the course of the day. It has three key holes for winding / chime and has three different chimes with the option to silence them. I am trying to synchronize the chime with the time, but thus far have been unable so to do. Can you please assist ?
Answer Laurence, you didn't give me any model information and so I will be guessing on the type you have. If it is a pendulum movement, there should be a small round nut under the pendulum bob. You would tighten it or turn it so it moves the bob up a little. I would set the clock, run it for 24 hours and note the error in that time. Then turn the nut up 2 complete turns and set it again. Start the pendulum and check it in another 24 hours. Keep doing this until you determine how many turns you need to bring it into proper time. Of course if it runs too fast, you need to back the nut off a little.
Also I need a clarification on synchronizing the time. Do you mean the chime or strike. That can make a difference in correcting it. The chime is the tune that plays every quarter hour and the strike counts the hours on the hour. Let me know.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
