You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Lost instructions for setting Danbury Westminster clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/10/2010


Question
Dear Sir,

I have a pretty little battery operated Danbury Clock Company Clock which has the word "Westminster" under the hands. On the felt pad on the bottom side of the case appear the words "Things Remembered." Inside there is a plastic box containing the movement which says it was made in Taiwan. There is also the number 12888 on that plastic box.

I have been unsuccessful in finding instructions for how to set the clock on line. Can you provide an e-mail address for a manual, or give me some guidance on how to set it. I have been able to get it done, but it was hit or miss. My on-line search for instructions was frustrating. Usually a manual can be found on line for just about anything, but not this.

Thank you,

Kevin

Answer
Kevin, I receive many questions concerning the setting and operation of these programmable clocks.  There are tens of thousands of these being made and many have different procedures for setting them.  There is very little published instructions, information, parts and even replacement movements available for these clocks.  The model numbers and names are seldom known outside the company that manufactured them and that information is not passed on, except for the instructions that come with the clock, which is usually misplaced or lost.  The labor to repair them would usually run more than the clock sold for.  Unfortunately, they are considered "throw-away" items.  I don't like it but that's the way it is.  I just picked up a nice used sports watch and it took me a few hours of pushing buttons to get the time, date, alarm and stop watch functions to work.  I think I am still missing some functions.  I'm really sorry I cannot help you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.