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Clocks, Watches/coocoo clock chains

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Expert: - 10/1/2010


Question
My mother was attempting to 'wind' her coocoo clock by pulling the chains. I believe she may have pulled one chain too far and now it is stuck. the clock isn't running now. Any suggestions?  

Answer
Daphne, if the weight hook on the chain isn't jammed in the bottom of the case, I don't think it is really stuck.  Something else could be wrong.  Sometimes when a wall clock is wound it gets tilted slightly so the clock is out of beat, meaning it does not have an even tick tock.  Start the pendulum and listen for an even beat, like tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop.  Tilt the clock so it back in beat and see if it runs.  If not, get back with me and we will see what else we can do.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattvillle, 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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