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Clocks, Watches/chiming on Welby shelf clock
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Question
Hello
I have recently gotten back in my possession a Welby shelf clock which is about 30 years old. It's a 7 day wind up clock with no pendulum. It is chiming accurately at the quarter and half hour but it is behind by one strike on the hour (I actually moved the hands backwards to adjust the hour when I started it up for the first time and so may have gotten it out of sync). For example, if it is 11 am, the clock with strike 10 times. How can I adjust the striking to match the actual hour? I could wait until the clock finishes its 7 day cycle and stops and then perhaps the strikes will match the actual hour but can I adjust before it winds all the way down?
Cathy, the only thing you have to do is to wait until the clock chimes at the hour and then strikes. Count the number of strikes. Gently move the hour hand to the hour that just struck. Then set the time as you normally would using the minute hand. I am not sure if your clock is what we call a "safe back" clock, meaning you can turn the minute hand backwards. I test this by gently turning the minute hand back past a quarter or the hour. If I don't feel any hard resistance and it clicks when passing a quarter or hour, then it is a safe-back clock. If the chimes get out of sync, they should correct within one to two hours. Let me know how it goes.
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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