Clocks, Watches/Smiths Clock Keys

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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
We have an antigue Smiths clock and I would like to know what type of key this clock takes so I can find a replacement key.  Thank you so much for any help you can give

Answer
Linda, various size keys are used on different clocks, even those from the same manufacturer.  There are about 10 different sizes.  A key needs to be an exact fit so it can be inserted without resistance and cannot have much play.  The correct way to do this is to take it to a clockmaker and have it sized.  Another way is to order a series of keys, choose the correct one and return the others for a refund.  The third way is to measure the winding arbors on the clock.  These are the square pieces in the holes of the dial.  They are a little difficult to measure as they are inside the hole.  And measurement should be done with a caliper or micrometer so the measurement can be in thousandths of an inch or millimeters.  An example would be 4mm or .0390" would take a #8 key.  That's a little technical, but that's how we have to determine the keys.  I have a "Perivale" English mantel clock which is probably similar to a Smiths.  It takes a #11 key, so I would order a #9, a #10 and a #11 key.  Some of the suppliers I use are Timesavers, Merritts, R %26 M Imports and Black Forest Imports.  The can be found by Googling these names and some have On-line catalogs.  If you have trouble getting them, I do have some in stock and can work out an assortment.  If you can email me at my shop address below, I can give you some details.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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