Clocks, Watches/alarm clocks

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Expert: - 12/17/2009


Question
QUESTION: I have some small mechanical alarm clocks with things that move on the outside. They need fixing, but I can't find a book that is for someone who knows nothing about clocks.  Like clock fixing for dummies.  I would like to take them apart, clean them, etc. Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: Carol, most clockmakers start out by working on mantel, wall and floor clocks.  Alarm clocks are what might be called a "sideline" of clockmaking, as most are not expensive and people usually discard them and buy new ones.  However, there are collectors that treasure these clocks and the demand is increasing for them.  But I do not know of any books or instructions for alarm clocks alone.  Usually a clockmaker studies the above mentioned clocks and then branch off to alarms.  Most of them have balance wheels for regulators like watches.  I will check with my Internet Clocksmiths Group and if anyone knows of any books or instructions for alarms, I'll get back with you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Carol, I received a reply from one of the Clocksmith members.  He suggested a book that was actually the first horological book I purchased!  It has been so long ago that I had forgotten there was a chapter on alarm clocks, which is about 14 pages long.  The book is "Practical Clock Repairing" by Donald de Carle.  The book, of course, covers a complete introduction to clock repairing and is a good reference.  You might try checking your local library for a copy.  I have found that some libraries do not carry too many references on clock repair.  Amazon has the book for around $28.00.  Good luck and welcome to the world of clock repairing!  If you decide to continue in clock repair as a hobby or avocation, get back with me and I'll be glad to help you get started and set you up with some good resources.  My email address is below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


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.)



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: IF YOU KNOW A COLLECTOR WOULD YOU PLEASE GIVE HIM MY ADDRESS AS I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SELLING THEM. I KNOW AT LEAST ONE IS A LUX.. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. CAROL

Answer
I think our emails might be crossing now, but I did send you a reference of a book which has been out of print for 60 years, but copies are still around.  In answer to your question above, I have contacted a friend that in in touch with a Westclox collector.  I will get back with you when I get the contact information.

John Newman

Carol, just received this information:

http://billsclockworks.com/about/index.html

Check out this Website and maybe Bill can help you find someone.

John Newman  

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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