Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 3/3/2009

Question
Hi, We have two of these clocks. They each have three holes on the lower part of the face.  The center hole seems to be the one to wind the clock and it can be wound, the clock is telling time. The other two holes I beleive one is for the chimes Westminister, St Michaels and Whittington. The center hole winds freely but the two outside holes  are frozen and can't be wound.  I would like to take it to our local clock shop,  but I would like to know how much I should pay to have the two springs unwound.  We paid about $89.00 when these clocks were new about 30 years ago at Montgomery Ward. What is a fair price to release the springs on each clock?

Thanks for your help

Answer
releasing the springs will not solve your problem. Springs are ment to be fully wound weekly and if your springs are wound, GOOD!

They do not chime for other reasons- and since I do not know what the problems are- no way to answer your question. Get estimates. Many 1978 - 31 year old clocks need complete overhauls= $250 each about the cost of replacement of the mechanisms.