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Clocks, Watches/Verichron Quartz Wall Clock Repair Question

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Expert: - 10/13/2010


Question
I was given a Verichon wall clock by my grandparents. When
it started making a grinding sound I took it off the wall
and opened the clock up to find out what was making the
sound. When I pulled off the electric motor (I assume this
was for winding the clock). When I did this the clock
unwound very fast and a small plastic part came flying off.
I believe it is used to stop the winding process as it is
the only spot I could find to put the plastic part back on.
I am not sure it I put this part back on the clock
correctly. It will no longer tick when the pendulum swings
and no longer keeps time. I would greatly appreciate any
help or advice you could give me. I do have pictures of the
movement if you would like me to send them to you.
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Nicolas, I worked on one of these quite a while ago.  I don't think I would be able to advise you by description.  Please send me some clear digital photos of the movement to my shop email address below.  If there was a problem with the motor, it might be that I can help you find a replacement.  When I reply I will give you some details

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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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