Clocks, Watches/tempus fugit

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Expert: - 1/25/2010


Question
i pick this clock up in an empty house and canot figure out how to get it to work again there are no weightsand it seems to frozen model number is 127 serial number is 940 looks like it is a ridgeway clock

Answer
Kevin, the "Tempus Fugit" (Latin for "Time Flies") is not a model or make but a standard symbol on an arch dial clock that does not have the moving moon dial in the arch.  I would have to know the model of the movement (information found on the back movement plate) to tell you anything about selecting weights.  Of course you would want the style and finish of the weights to match the pendulum and dial.  Weight sets(3), consisting of the shell assemblies and weight fillers for a smaller floor clock movement can retail for a ball park figure of $270 more or less.  For the larger movements they can run $350 and up.  Sometimes you can find good deals on new or used weight set by looking on On-line auction sites.  

When you say it seems to be frozen, I would have no idea what to tell you to do.  Any extensive movement restoration would probably cost more that replacing it with a new movement.  If you get all of the correct parts (are there any more broken or missing?), I can give you general instructions for setting up a floor clock.  But probably the the best thing for you to do is to take your clock to an experienced clockmaker and have it evaluated before you start putting money into it.

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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