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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 - chiming on Welby shelf clock

Expert: John Newman - 11/3/2009

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?

Answer
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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