Clocks, Watches/Thank you

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Expert: - 7/30/2009


Question
John, you helped me with my question back on 7/22.  The weight on the left side (facing the clock) was not moving and the hour chime was only chiming one time on every hour not the proper number of times.  I checked the weights as you indicated - they were in the correct placement (heaviest one to the right, again facing the clock but a strange thing happened.  I removed all 3 weights from their respective chains and placed them back on.  The clock now chimes properly. I don't know how it happened but thanks for your reply and help.

Art

Answer
Art, you're welcome.  It could be that there was a hang up caused by old lubricant, a worn part or a little debris in one of the gear teeth, or as we sometimes find, a glitch that goes away and we never did know what caused it.  Sometimes these things will correct themselves, but then come back later due some of the above causes.  If that happens, it might be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it and determine what the problem is and service it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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