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Clocks, Watches/Urgos Replacement Clock Movement

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Expert: - 1/20/2010


Question
Mr. John Newman:
I am the original owner of an Emperor Floor Model 3-Chain Driven Clock purchased in the1980's. The Emperor Model is a 401M. The movement is an Urgos with the model # UW03078B stamped on the back. In addition, there is another number stamped on the back as 403210. I believe the second number is a serial number. My research indicates a replacement number for this movement is 03X012. Do you presently have this model in stock, and if not, could you let me know when you may? If you do not carry this in stock, could you please provide me with a supplier that does? The movement that I presently have is in "beat" and the chimes are in sink, but the hands will continue to stop moving and preventing the chimes and bong from working - the chimes and bong work as long as the hands are moving. The clock weight (middle) continues to move down as normal. The chimes and bong weights (outer) are not moving down as normal because of the clock hands not moving. The clock hands will normally run for about an hour prior to stopping. Advancing the minute hand a few minutes will normally get the hands moviing again only to stop later. It seems as though the shaft for the hands attachment is stopping. I wanted to know if I can oil the bushings that support this shaft to see if this will clear the problem? If it does, then I want to have the movement cleaned and oiled. Before I attempt to oil this movement, I want to know if I can purchase a replacement movement first. Also, would you let me know what your charges are for cleaning the above referenced movement?

I want to get someone with your expertise to advise.

Thanks ahead,

Robert  

Answer
Robert, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but my wireless server at the shop went down yesterday and I am having to use other means to get back on the Internet.  I should be back up tomorrow and can look up some information for you.

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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