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About John 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.
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Clocks, Watches > Viking Regulator
Expert: John Newman
Date: 9/13/2008
Subject: Viking Regulator
Question
QUESTION: Hi John--Would like to know if the clock works which were made in Germany might still be avalible. If not do you work on them?
I built this one back in the 80s and it is now giving me a hard time. Or rather no time; can not keep it going.
Any suggestion?
Thanks, Robert
ANSWER: Robert, first I would need to know the make and model of the movement (works). That information can be found on the back movement plate.
The additional information required:
1. Is the movement mounted on the case back or the dial board?
2. What is the measurement from the center of the dial to the center of the pendulum bob and what is the diameter of the bob?
3. Does it have chimes and strike or strike only, and what do the chime rods, gong or bell look like?
The first thing to do is to try to obtain an exact movement to replace the original. If a different make or model is used, the mounting will probably be a little different, the winding arbor holes will probably be in different locations (which might require a new dial) and some slight modifications to the case might have to be made. But it can be done. If you built it then you could probably perform the conversion. But first, let's check the model of the original movement. Also, a couple of clear digital photos would help. Let me know and we'll go from there.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John The clock has a Dial Board, Center dial to center bob 12", bob is 2 3/4" clock strikes & chimes
back odf movement read HERMLE no jewels,unadjustable,made in West Germany, 131-030, 39cm-106
hope this helpsRobert sending pictures
Answer
Robert, great photo and information. I am familiar with that movement. If you want to send it to me I can evaluate it and give you some options on restoring or replacing. If you will email me at my email address below, I will give you the details. Just as a precaution, whenever you remove a movement, first mark around the mounting feet on the board and then try not to disturb the position of the feet on the movement. May times the feet have to be swapped from the original movement to the replacement and we want to maintain the position. I do have alignment plugs I can provide to help install and align the original or new movement.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the amount of answers and follow-up information
for the Allexperts forum and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret
that I cannot answer other questions from this email address at this time)
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