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Clocks, Watches/Elgin Alarm miniature clock
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Question
Hi my dad has this Elgin clock which was given to him by an old friend many years ago and he is wanting to know more about it but i cannot find anything or another one like in on the entire web.Maybe i am searching the wrong avenues i hoped maybe you could help me please? On inside back it reads what looks like: no101 Jewel unadjusted,Japan Bradley Time Div and thats about all i have to go on.It looks like it is made from Brass but i am not sure of this either.Or the year it was made.Can you please put me on the right track to research this
Kim
Kim, the wording on the back is actually no(0)Jewel. The reason for this goes back to old customs laws that require imported jewels to be declared. As many watches and clocks contain jewels for bushings, the wording stated that there were no jewels. Usually these types of jewels in clocks are synthetically manufactured and have no special value. Generally, Elgin was noted for their watches and did produce some clocks. Some of the clock movements were made for Elgin by other companies. Later they had clocks imported from Asia and other countries with the Elgin name on them. As with many of the old clock companies, the names have been sold for marketing purposes. As there is very little available information on clocks of this type, I'm afraid I cannot provide any information.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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