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Clocks, Watches/Viking Alabama clock kit (movement 133 triple weights)
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Question
Hello John I have 2 questions:
Clock has been running well for over 10 years, last week the chimes quit working, clock runs fine. I looked at troubleshooting in manual and don't find anything there that is wrong. Chain looks OK although it is hard to see it all on wheel. When I fiddled with the lever and weight it ran for a couple of cycles but stopped again. Any other things to look at?
The hour hand has always "slipped" a little bit over the course of a week. By the end of the week it is about half hour behind correct position. Are there any strategies to fix this?
Regards, John
John, if the clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, the lubricants have probably become gummy and/or there are some bushings or parts that are worn. The chimes are usually the first to fail in this situation and of course the strike will not work as it is dependent on the chimes completing the completed hour cycle. It would be best to have an experienced clockmaker service it. That would include field cleaning, inspecting for worn or broken parts, repairing them, oiling and adjusting.
The hour hand could be actually slipping and to correct this it should be pushed a little tighter onto the hour tube (like a shaft with a hole for the minute hand arbor to fit). It is what we call a taper fit and the further you push it on the tighter it gets. The other cause might be that the gearing between the minute hand and hour hand is not aligning properly and the teeth slip. This could be seen after removing the dial, and this would again require the services of a clockmaker.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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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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