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Clocks, Watches/Model 100 M movement

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Expert: - 10/24/2010


Question
Sir,

I recently inherited an Emperor kit built grandfather clock that my dad build years ago ( at least before 1976).  I have set up the clock, go it running ( it seems to keep good time).  However, it does not chime or strike.  I have tried advancing ( slowly) the minute hand and I can hear the movement trip ( a small click) when that hand passes the quarter, half and hour positions, but the fan assembly does not activate and the hammers don't move.  
The chains for the chime and strike weights have been pulled up to the point that the on the chain hook is just clearing the main wheels,  But I have verified that the chain hooks are not binding on the main wheels.  I have made sure that both silent levers are disengaged ( I don;t think it is a problem with the silent levers since neither of the chime or strike trains seems to want to move at all.

Any good ideas for how to get this great old clock to strike and chime again?

I do have the parts and assembly instruction manuals that came with the clock.

Thanks,

Blaine


Answer
Blaine, the Emperor 100M was manufactured by Jauch.  The company is no longer in business.  This movement has a history of excessive wear.  The initial symptoms are the chimes slowing and finally not working at all.  Of course, if the chimes don't function, neither will the strike.  In addition to the wear factor, the lubricants could have become gummy and causing this problem.  This can be the case with any movement that has not been properly serviced in the last 7 to 10 years.  It might be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it and give you an estimate on restoring it as compared to doing a conversion to a different movement.  There are conversion kits available, as this is done quite often.  If you need any details on this, you can contact me at my shop email address below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.

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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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