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Clocks, Watches/Replacement clock movement

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Expert: - 7/28/2009


Question

Bulova wall clock
I think the movement in my Bulova wall clock has died. It is about 25 years old and a part of our family. We miss it dearly. By reading on the internet, I think it is called a "bim bam" movement. It uses 1 D cell battery and the face is 3/8" thick. The numbers on it are:
A4123
V12
Do you know where I might find a replacement? I would really appreciate any help you could provide.

Thank-you,

Wayne Jones


Answer
Wayne, unfortunately, model numbers on these types of clocks are not much help, as there is very published information on them.  I would look at the offerings from Klockit and Timesavers.  You can use a search engine such as Google to find these companies and they both have On-line catalogs.  You were correct in determining the dial thickness because of the various shaft lengths to accommodate different dial thicknesses.  If you cannot find what you think is the exact replacement movement for your clock, send me a couple of clear digital photos and I'll see what I can do.  My email address is below.

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

Due to the number of Allexperts questions and workload at my shop,
I can only answer Allexperts questions and follow ups in a timely
manner from this email address.

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentWow, I couldn't believe how fast I recieved my response. John, I really appreciate your advice and I will search the websites you suggested. Thank-you very much. Wayne Jones Saluda, NC


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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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