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Clocks, Watches/Cat. No. 0792, Made in Germany

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Expert: - 9/1/2009


Question
A few month ago someone asked you about the battery for this clock which I have one with same Model No. 0792-000.  Mine uses a AA battery but I understand it could have a different power source. My problem is that a battery post is broken on mine.  Is it economically feasible to repair this clock?  Engraved on the back is Kieninger & Obergfell, Made in Western Germany, No (0) Jewels.  I was given this clock as a retirement gift in 1992.
Thanks for your considerations.  Wallace, Opelika, AL, 36804, Tel  

Answer
Wallace, I cannot remember the question I had answered concerning the clock similar to yours and I do not have any information on the model number.  I recall answering a question concerning the batteries on a rather unusual electronic clock.  As far as the feasibility of repairing your clock, A clockmaker could give you an estimate on doing the work and the decision would be up to you.  We work on many clocks where the repair bill is more than the "value" of the clock as far a selling price is concerned.  However, these clocks have a lot of sentimental value and the customers are happy they can be restored.  If you can email (shop email address below) me some photos of the clock so I can identify it and the battery arrangement, I might be able to give you some ideas.  There is a clockmaker in your area, but he is more backlogged than I am!  If you are ever coming over to the Prattville area, let me know in advance and we'll take a look at it.

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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