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Clocks, Watches/Ridgeway Tempus Fugit Grandmother Clock
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Question
I just acquired a Ridgeway Tempus Fugit Grandmother clock circa 1969. The clip (you said it looked like a razor blade in one of your responses) that holds the pendulum is broken. Can you suggest a place where I might find a replacement?
Thanks very much.
Dennis, I would need to know the model of the movement (and possibly some additional to verify the version), or a photo and dimensions of the two broken pieces of the suspension spring. I do have suspension springs in stock or can give you some clock supply house contacts. FYI, "Tempus Fugit" is not a model number of the clock. It is Latin for "Time Flies" and is found on most clocks with an arch dial that does not have the moving moon dial. Because of the queue of the limited number of questions on my Allexperts Website, you can reply to my shop email address below.
John Newman
The Village CLocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Due to my committment to answering Allexperts questions in a timely manner and the workload at my shop, I reqret that I cannot immediately answer personal email questions other than Allexpert follow up questions.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Very nice person. I'm thinking of moving to Alabama or where ever it is where he has a shop. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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