Clocks, Watches/dmburbank@una.edu

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Expert: - 9/25/2009


Question
QUESTION: I bought a clock from an auction yesterday.  Apparently, a expert looked at it and said it was a 1940's / 1950's Waltham "library" clock, made from Walnut Wood.  The interesting part of the clock is the shape. It has a flat base with the actual clock part part in the shap of a triangle with slightly rounded sides.  The clock itself is very thin (maybe one inch wide).  So, I bought it purely because of the way it looked, not because I'm a clock collector.  Anyway, my question is:  what exactly is a "library clock"?
Thanks!

ANSWER: Dana, a "library" clock is a general term for a small table clock that would probably be used in a home library.  They also were called boudoir clocks.  Waltham made quite a few of these.  I remember seeing one with small finials on the sides that looked like torches with flames.  If I am not mistaken, the movements for these clocks were like large pocket watches and are a nice collectable clock.  I believe these are the same movements that were modified with a winding and setting stem that was accessed from the bottom, put in different cases and used as "car clocks" to mount on the dashboard.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Great!  Hard to believe I couldn't find this answer with a simple Google search, but it wasn't there...  Thanks for your help!  

The winding stem is on the bottom of the clock.  However, I cannot get any "traction" when I wind.  Safe to say I'll have to have the movement replaced?  And exactly how far are you from Florence?  We have zero clocksmiths in the area, to my knowledge.

Answer
Dana, as the movements are not manufactured any more, it would not be "replaceable".  But it probably can be restored.  Since it is considered a large watch, you might take it to a watchmaker.  Either the winding stem connection to the mainspring is bad or it needs a new mainspring.  A watchmaker should be able to help you.  If you are talking about Florence, AL, my shop is in Prattville, a few miles north of Montgomery.  I am not taking in these types of "clocks" right now because of my workload, but if you cannot find anyone near you, I know a good watchmaker in Birmingham that has done some work for me.  If you need that information you can contact 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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