Clocks, Watches/tempus fugat clock

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Expert: - 10/6/2010


Question
My mother has a Hamilton Tempus Fugat wall clock. It's a three hole wind up movement. The weights are strictly for decoration as they are stationary. On the bottom of the face it says "Germany". I guess it's age at about 25 years. I'm having a problem figuring out how to synchronize the actual time with the number of chimes. What's the procedure?
Thanks,
Tom

Answer
Thomas, the phrase is probably, "Tempus Fugit" which is Latin for "Time Flies".  It is usually found on the arch dial of a clock that does not have a moving moon dial.  I don't run into many German clocks with the decorative weights.  Most I have seen are the Asian 31 day clocks.  And I believe you are referring to the strike counting out the hours rather than the chimes, which we refer to as the melodies played on the quarter hour.  If I am mistaken, let me know.  The reason I mention the Asian clocks is that they have a keyed hour hand that you cannot slip to obtain the proper hour.  It can be inserted only two ways.  If it is the wrong one it will strike once on the hour and count out hours at the half hour.  Okay, assuming that it is a German movement that is striking the wrong hour, turn the minute hand until it strikes the hour.  Count the number of strikes.  Carefully slip the hour hand to that hour.  Then, using the minute hand, reset the clock to the proper time.  That should do it.  If not, get back with me and we'll look at some other options.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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