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Clocks, Watches/How do I put the center weight back on?
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Question
My father, now deceased, built a grandmother's clock, Emperor, from a kits about 25 years ago. Mother,97 now in assisted living decided it needed to be messed with and pulled the center weight off. What do I need to do to put the center weight and chain back on? I can't see from up above. Do I need to take the whole thing apart? Help!!She loves hearing it and it comforts her to think Dad is still with her.
Sherry, hopefully the chain is completely off. If it is up in the clock the tab on the end can be jammed and the movement will probably have to be taken out to get to it. I do have instructions and photos of the wire tool you can make out of a coat hanger to try to put the chain back on. It is a back breaker, but a lot of people have done it. If you will contact me at my shop email address below I will send you the information.
John newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note: Because of my committment 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.
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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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