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Clocks, Watches/Forton Quartz Westminster Mantel Clock

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Expert: - 10/6/2010


Question

Mantle Quartz Fortron
I have this clock and cannot make it work any longer. I took it to a shop and when I got home, the balls would spin for about 2 minutes and stop.  The hands would not move at all. The demo button used to work and you would be able to hear the chime;that does not work now. In essence, nothing is working on the clock. I put in a new battery so that is not the problem. Can you please help me?

Answer
Deborah, first, most types of quartz clocks are just not repairable.  The are made of snap together plastic parts and use microcircuits for timing.  There are no parts or documentation available.  The reason is that the labor to repair one of these reliably would usually cost more than a replacement clock.  However, there are complete modules available for SOME of the manufacturers models.  When I take one in my shop, I have the customer wait while I check the suppliers to see if I can find a replacement.  Some units have the rotating ball assembly in the base of the clock which is separate from the top movement unit.  Does yours?  Others combine the two.  Can you email me a clear digital photo of the back of the clock movement? If it has a back cover, remove it first.  I might be able to find a replacement movement to suggest to your local clockmaker.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of my commitment to answering Allexperts questions within a prescribed time limit and the large backlog of clock work at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis.

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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