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Clocks, Watches/spare parts for junghans mantel clock

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Expert: - 9/28/2009


Question
I have a Junghans Tambour Mantle Clock which I recently discovered in my fathers house. It is not working but problem appears to be cleaning and oiling only.
However, the chimimng rods with the block are missing. As I child when one of the rods had broken I had removed the fitting for repairs but could never get it fixed and put back. It had Westminster Chime, 8-day winding. Markings on the back are W64   15   10    Made in Germany   183/40 and 92 under it.
From where can I get the ching rods set and how would it approx. cost?

Answer
Nikhilesh, it is rather difficult to determine if a failing clock just needs cleaning and oiling.  There can be hidden problems that have to be diagnosed.  However, it might be that the cleaning and oiling is all it needs.  As far as the chime rods are concerned, the configuration and dimensions have to be considered.  The numbers are probably not going to be able to help, as records are seldom available for these types of clocks.  The orientation and sequence of the mounting of the rods has to be in the correct direction.  When the quarter hour chimes, the hammers hit in a descending note sequence, the first being the highest.  Is the first one to the front or rear?  This would determine how the rod assembly is positioned.  Also, there are different mounting configurations as far as where they are going to be secured to the case.  You can look at the catalogs of the suppliers to pick one out.  Sometimes suppliers do not have detailed parts information for customers, and we (clockmakers) usually select the item that we think is the correct one.  Sometimes we choose the incorrect one.   Some of the suppliers are Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R %26 M Imports and Black Forest Imports.  They can be Googled and some of them have On-line catalogs.  Other than that, it would probably be best to take the clock to an experienced clockmaker and let them obtain one for you.  I hope this helps a little.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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