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Clocks, Watches/grandfather clock won't stay running

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Expert: - 12/9/2009


Question
Dear John - Our grandfather clock will no longer stay running for more than a few minutes. I tried moving the pendulum  all the way to the side and released but didn't seem to reset. We feel it may need oiling but we don't know how to properly oil it.  Can you help guide us on that? Colonial clock company is the brand.

Thanks,

Charles


Answer
Charles, it could be that the clock does need servicing.  If it hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, it could have gummy grease and oil and/or parts could be worn.  I can send you a labeled diagram of a modern movement for lubricating and it applies to most movements.  You should use oil and grease designed for clocks.  They can be obtained from suppliers, such as Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R %26 M Imports or Black Forest Imports.  The can be Googled or just look under clock suppliers.  Some of these companies have On-line catalogs.  There are few types of oils, some going for under $5, and one type for over $20.  The expensive type is a better quality for modern precision movements, but you would have to break down and clean your movement to use it, as different oils are not always compatible.  If you will email me at the address below, I will reply with the diagram.

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.)

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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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