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Question
Our elderly neighbors gave us a Kassel Wall Clock that stopped working thinking that I may be able to diagnose and repair the problem. I can fix lots of things, but not clocks. The best thing would be to get a new clock works. Are clock works available for them and if so, how much would be the cost.
Thanks for your help.
Rich, this is an Asian clock and the exact mechanical replacement movements are difficult to find, as they are not identified easily in regard to mounting, winding holes and pendulum length. What I do on most of these when that customer wants to keep the case, is to convert it to a quality chiming pendulum quartz movement. Converting one of these includes, insuring the movement fits in the case, checking to make sure the pendulum doesn't hit anything such as a cross member below it and choosing the correct hand bushing mounting for the dial thickness. Holes must be drilled in the case back, top or side for the speaker sound. Also a hole or panel should be cut in the back of the case to allow changing the batteries and operating the function controls such as volume, chime melody selection and night-off feature. The movements I use are known as the Quads or Hermle 2214 series. If you are interested in more details, you can contact me at my shop email address below.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. 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 a clockmaker for about 35 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.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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