AboutJohn 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)
Question I recently was given a Trend clock. You recently answered a question about this company for someone else. According to you they no long make clocks but office furniture. anyway, I was given a Trend grandfather clock, model 834WM-835. I know nothing about this clock. There is no instructions. The pendulum and weights were off when it arrived. I have no idea where the pendulum goes or the 3 weights. Any idea or should I call in someone?
Answer Beth, I do not have cross-reference information for Trend clocks and movements. Trend, was bought out by and merged into Sligh, who has ceased manufacturing clocks as you noted. But that doesn't hurt in getting information the clock. It would help if you could give me the information found on the back of the movement. Also, if you could send me a digital photo of the complete front of the clock I can check for a couple of manuals that would work. My shop email address is below. But with the above information I would be glad to get you started in hanging the weights and pendulum and getting it running as soon as you get the information to me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note: Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts questions at this time.
