Clocks, Watches/my wall clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/11/2009


Question

Nam Young clock
My mom gave me this wall clock, and told me it belonged to my grandmother. I cleaned it up, and balanced it on my wall. It ran well for about a year. Recently, the chime had stopped, so I pulled the movement. I noticed on the inside, the words "Nam Young Co. Korea. Anyway, the ultrasonic cleaner, some oil, and a little dickering, has it going again on my wall. Can you tell me anything about this? ie, the age, and when the company existed? Thank you,   Christopher Kearns

Answer
Christopher, I checked some of my references and could not find anything on the Nam Young company.  Interesting, there is a company called Young Nam which is active in timing systems.  I wonder if there is any connection?  I checked one of the replies of my fellow Allexperts volunteer and Clocksmith member, and he hit a blank wall also.  One thing is that it an older Korean clock that is rather nice.  I have a few Asian antique and/or collectable clocks that I cherish.  I don't know if you have the pieces that are shown missing from the bottom, but if it were my clock I would have the pieces restored.  Sounds like you did a good job on getting it to run and strike again.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.