Clocks, Watches/grandfather clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/9/2010


Question
I have a Ridgway grandfather clock it is 18 years old. I have had it serviced every year. This year I keep thinking I do not need to oil it every year as before. What do you think, should I keep having it serviced or is it a waste of money??


Answer
Millie, who suggested that it be serviced every year?  With the quality of modern German movements and synthetic oils, I recommend servicing every 7 to 10 years.  Granted, if it is serviced every year, it will last a little longer, but how much longer as opposed to the expense of frequent service calls?  That would be like having your car serviced every 500 miles instead of every 3000 miles.  One of these clocks will run probably 15-20 years with no service without wearing out.  A customer of mine had a clock her clockmaker serviced every 2 years at his recommendation.  At the average service call costing $150 in this area, that was $75/year.  In 10 years, that would be $750, more than the cost of a replacement movement.  I say don't do it that often.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.