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Clocks, Watches/Alaron C-34 Winding Key

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Expert: - 9/14/2009


Question
My father bought this clock from a neighbor during a moving sale.  The neighbor said it worked the last time he used it, but was unable to find the winding key (he was in his 90's!).  Are those obtainable?  So far, my search has been in vain.  Do universal winding keys work for a clock such as this?  Should I try taking the clock to a jeweler?
Thank you in advance for your help!

Answer
Christina, there are quite a few sizes of clock keys and it is important the correct size be used, particularly on Asian 31-day clocks.  They must fit fairly snugly, for if they are too loose they can slip and do some serious damage to the clock or your hand.  A jeweler's shop might have one if they also work on clocks.  I think I have an Alaron in my shop right now and will check the key size.  This isn't a 100% sure test because the clocks of this type did not always use the same movements.  I have the keys but can also give you the names of some suppliers.  I'll check today and let you know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Christina, I have found the movement for the Alaron clock.  I had relegated it to the boneyard for spare parts.  The name stamped on it is "ROLENS WATCH  IND. CO. LTD MADE IN KOREA".  the measurement across the flats of the winding arbor is 0.152"(3.86mm) which takes a #8 key size.  I would order one with the extra large wing. I do have them in stock or you can order them from Timesavers, R&M Imports, Black Forest Imports or Merritts Antiques, to name a few.  They can be found by Googling their names.  If you have any more detailed questions you can reach me at my shop email address below.

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

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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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