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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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Clocks, Watches - 'Ridgeway' grandfather clock

Expert: John Newman - 11/6/2009

Question
We have a 'Ridgeway' grandfather clock that was purchased twenty years ago. The clock functions properly.

Once in a while, I will shut the chime off at the top position before going to bed, and, when the clock hands hit the next chime interval, the clock will chime one more session and then it finally shuts off. Eg. The other night I pushed the chime lever all the way up to the off position around ten minutes to twelve. When the hands went to twelve, the clock chimed! After that, it shut off as originally intended when I shut it off around ten minutes to twelve. (This clock has the little lever that you push all the way up to shut the chime off.)

I have spoken to two different local clock technicians and neither one of them had ever heard of this. It has happened about two or three different times over the last several months.

Can you or any other clock experts you may know of explain this?

Thanks, Peter.

Answer
Peter, what is probably happening is that the just before the hour or quarter the chime mechanism goes into a "warning". That is the clock setting itself up to chime. I would equate that to cocking a gun before firing. If you did it a little earlier it probably wouldn't do it. A little later and it would happen consistently. It is interesting. I have never heard of anyone mentioning this. For my own curiosity, I will check one when I get to my shop next week.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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