Clocks, Watches/Urgos 9 tube clock

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Expert: - 9/9/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm putting together a GF clock from parts.  I bought a
    set(14) of brass tubes from a musical instrument.  Can
you tell me what the length of each of the tubes is in a
9 tube clock?

Thanks, Dean H.

ANSWER: Dean, I have a spreadsheet for determining the tube lengths, but cannot find it now.  There has been a lot of discussion on the exact key in which the notes are played.  From an old catalog, I have information listing the longest tube as 59" and the shortest being 39".  I will keep looking for the ratio of the tubes and get back with you when I find it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


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

QUESTION: Hi John,
    You are the expert I need!!  Now, lets get into movements---I bought two used(not running) movements, thinking that I could get one to run out of the two.  It turns out both have worn out escape wheels(they have one big tooth, then a small one, then a big one etc.).  Do you, in your parts company, have an escape wheel for either a Urgos  UW 03052B or a UW 03038B ?? Could you tell me the difference between the  two movements??

Anxiously awaiting your reply,  Dean H

Answer
Dean, first, movements of the same type tend to wear in the same places, which means that a worn part could be also worn on the similar movements  This could account for both escape wheels being worn the same, if they are.  I will have to look into the type, for there are some "self-adjusting beat" types that have teeth that look like they are worn.  I know!  Many years ago when I first started out in clock repair I ran across one of these and ordered a replacement.  It looked the same.  I still have it, never having to use it!  It is very unusual for an escape wheel to wear in the way you describe, but then we never say never or always in the clock business.
 
One correction.  Even though it may sound like it, I am not really classified as a "parts company".  I am a one man shop, engaged mostly in repair.  I do field calls through Allexperts and am the unofficial "Vintage Emperor Parts Consultant" for Emperor.  They let me use that name but I don't get paid for it.  6>)  They send me the questions customers have concerning the old Emperor products.  Being the former plant engineer for Emperor and probably the only Emperor employee still active in the clock business, I am glad to answer questions in that area.  I also acquire all the vintage Emperor wood parts and hardware I can find, from On-line auctions, local sales, and I have purchased most of the remaining Emperor stock of Vintage Emperor Parts.  So I do have a limited supply of vintage Emperor parts.  With my Internet Clocksmiths Group and other sources, I can provide answers for other types of clocks and at least refer customers to suppliers or obtain hard to find parts.

Sorry about the digression.  I will check on the escape wheel for you and also check to determine the difference in your two movements.  You would have an advantage over me in that you actually have the movements to compare.  There are sometimes subtle engineering changes in these movements that do not affect the operation, but these numbers do mean a variation of functions or pendulum length.  I'll get back with you with that and the chime tube lengths.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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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