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Question
I think all I need to know at this stage is what to use as the proper lube for the clock. It finally, after many years, quit running, but when I took it out of the case, hung it open and tried a fine spray oil (LPS Greaseless)on all bearing surfaces plus in the springs, it ran fine. Back in the case it ran for a few months but has stopped again.
Tony, I will have to give you a strictly professional answer to this question. Most of the Asian 31 day clocks are made of materials that have a history of wearing excessively. By the time they quit running there can be multiple problems with the movements. Many clock repair shops will not take them in for service because of the amount of work required to restore them and the customers are usually reluctant to put the money into the project. Another thing is that when we service movements, the proper procedure is to completely dismantle them, clean all parts and inspect them. Any worn parts have to be made or replaced. There is very little available supply for the Asian clocks. There are replacement movements, but because of the somewhat lack of standardization over the year, they are rather difficult to find and try to fit in the case. That's another addition to the labor involved in finding them. Another thing is that when we lubricate movements, special clock oils are used and placed on specific points only. Spraying with a different type of lubricant means that there will be oil over the entire movement which will attract dust and in many cases and actually pull the oil from the pivots and bushings. Many of these lubricants are not compatible with the standard clock oils. The movement will have to be run through multiple rinses to remove all residue of the previous spray. If you like the clock, I would suggest having a quality chiming quartz pendulum movement installed. I do this for a lot of my customers for these type clocks. They have dual melodies, volume control, night off or diminished volume settings. And the batteries (C cells) do not have to be changed often. Sorry I could not help you more.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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