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Expert: - 11/22/2009


Question
Hello. I have a Howard Miller Wesrminster chime regulator clock that stops running every 2 hours or so. I was recently serviced because it stopped working. Is there some sort of adjustment I could make or should it go back I for more service?

Answer
Allen when I service a clock I check for everything that could be wrong and try to bring it up to good running order.  However, occasionally I do miss something and have to do a little more work on it.  I ask my customers to let me know as soon as possible if anything is wrong and I will correct the problem under the warranty of the work.  Just as a note I explain how to set the clock up when they take it back home.  The most common problem with wall clocks is that the clock might have gotten out of beat when being transporting it.  It should go tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop.  The bottom of the clock can be moved to the left or the right slightly to correct the beat.  If this does not work, it could be that the beat will have to be set mechanically.  I would call your clockmaker and, since he is familiar with your clock, ask about setting the beat or bringing it back so he could check it out.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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