Clocks, Watches/clock chimes

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Expert: - 9/4/2009


Question
I have 3 grandfather clocks with Viking 111/133 movements.  I have the movement manual. The chimes don't work.  The silence levers are in the correct position and the hammers are positioned correctly.  I can hear the click at the quarter hour. The 2 flywheels move slightly.  About 5% of my attempts I can get the chimes to continue by adding pressure to the chime weights. I can rotate the chiming cams both directions but not enough movement to activate the chimes.  My father built several of these clocks in the 1970's  The one he built for me has been working all these years.  The 3 that the chimes don't work have been idle or maybe were not set up correctly.

Answer
George, if your clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, the oils have probably become gummy and/or some parts are worn.  The chimes slowing down and stopping are the first symptoms of this.  If the chimes don't function, neither will the strike, as the strike function is dependent on the chime.  There is very little cross-reference infrormation on manufacturers model numbers and the movement numbers.  Therefore I do not know the configuration of the movement and the components, such as the weights.  However, it is most likely that the heaviest weight would go on the chime side (right side as you face the clock).  The chimes need more power.  Also, it is not a good idea to pull on any of the weights.  This puts more tension on the chain than designed.  I have taken a few service calls where there were chain links all over the base of the clock.  Probably the best thing for you to do is have an experienced clockmaker look at it.  If you don't know of any in your area, email me at my shop email address below and I will check my Internet Clocksmith's Group and see if there is anyone in your area.

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.)

Clocks, Watches

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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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