Clocks, Watches/clock part

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/25/2009


Question
I have a Schmeckenbecher Quartz clock that was a retirement gift. On the face of the clock it says Craftguild.

My problem is this, below the clock there is 4 gold colored balls that used to rotate back and forth. It ceased to do this after the not so grandkids dropped it on the floor.

I just took it apart and the is a fine thin metal with a small square of metal with like a rod thru it. About an inch down from the top is a rod that fits into a gear that turns it.

Do you know of any place where I can purchase this piece or have it repaired?

My description I am sure leaves a lot to be desired, but if I can help further please let me know.

Thank you
Dick Sabo

Answer
Dick, as there were so many different manufacturers and configurations of theses movements, it is very difficult to tell exactly what you  have.  If you will email me a couple of clear photos, I'll try to identify it and let you know if there are any replacement units I might know of.

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.

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.