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Clocks, Watches/winding a mantle clock

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Expert: - 9/27/2009


Question
I just had a Urgos Mantle Clock repaired that my father had built many years ago.  It is working correctly chiming on the quarter, half, and three quarter hour, and of course, on the hour.  My question is, should I wind it clockwise or counter-clockwise and should I wind it at 4, 6, and 8 when it is time to rewind.
Thank you!!

Answer
Fran, the winding directions of clocks varies between manufacturers and models.  I would try gently turning the key in one direction or the other for each winding arbor.  Each should move in one direction and give a clicking sound, but not in the other direction.  The clock is probably an 8-day clock meaning you wind it once a week.  The left winding arbor (at the 8) is for the strike, the center (at the 6) is for the time and the right (at the 4) is for the chime.  The sequence in which they are wound does not matter.  I hope this answers your questions.

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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