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Question
John,
I have a Howard Miller wall clock with a Quartz movement 2215 4/4 Westminster and 4/4 Ave Maria chime pendulum movement. It was working fine until I set the time on the clock back one hour for the fall time change. Now the hands on the clock will not move to keep time. I used the time setting knob in the rear as instructed (like I have done twice a year for the past eight years). The pendulum swings, the hands will move using the time setting knob and the chimes will toll on the hour when using the knob. After setting the time manually with the knob the hands just stay in the same position. Any thoughts on how I can get this fixed. Thank you for your time and I await your answer.
Bob
John, I'm pretty sure the 2215 is a Hermle movement used by Howard Miller. I would not say that the mechanism failed because of turning the hands backwards, as all indications I have read state that it is permissible to turn them backwards. It could be something simple to fix, but I would have to see it. Like all movements, they do fail at some time. Exact replacements are available. Rarely do clockmakers attempt to repair them, as there is no available documentation for diagnostics and parts, and the labor soon exceeds the cost of a replacement.
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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