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Expert: - 10/9/2010


Question
what is the value of my centurion 35 day tempus fugit mantle clock made in korea, cabinet has minor scratches
about 30 inches high and 12 inches wide...has pendulum and chimes, also has key for winding

Answer
Dena, if you will read my Allexperts personal profile, you will see that I don't give values and the reasons why.  I will say that your Korean Centurion is in the class of Asian 31 (30 to 35) day clocks that are rather low in value unless they have sentimental value such as a gift of having been in the family for some time.  Most clockmaker are reluctant to take them in for repair, as they are rather worn out after a few years and there are few available parts for them.  I have seen some of the Asian replacement movements for them and the quality is no better.  Some of the cases are rather well built, and I do swap the worn out movements with quality quartz German movements, and do it in such a way that the change cannot be detected and the chimes and strike are quite impressive.  If you Google "Centurion Asian Clock", you will find some answers on care and setting up the Asian clocks (I just found that some of the answers are mine, but there are others also).  Sorry I don't have better news for you.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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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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