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Clocks, Watches/Servicing a Winterhalder

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Expert: - 11/9/2010


Question

Winterhalder
Sir, I have an old Winterhalder grandfather clock that began stopping for no reason. My first mistake (before finding you) was to follow the wrong advice: WD40. The second problem: the clock is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. How to trust a local "expert" to repair this clock that is with my family since 1917? Should I try to lubricate it myself? I am handy with tools but no engineer.
Thanks a lot.

Diego

Answer
Diego, there should be a few clockmakers in Buenos Aires. I would ask around and see if any other clock owners have any comments as to the reputation of a clockmaker.  A reputable clockmaker should be able to service it properly.  I don't know how the WD-40 would be treated, but the consensus among my Internet Clocksmiths group is that the clock should receive a number of repeated washings to remove the WD-40 residue before the standard cleaning, as it will contaminate any tank solutions such as in ultrasonic cleaners.  To service the clock, the dial has to be separated from the movement so all the lubrication points can be accessed and parts inspected for wear.  Also, I see that this is a tubular chime movement and there are additional lubrication points and adjustments to consider.  If you want, I will send you some service and lubrication instructions and labeled photos.  Contact me at my shop email address below and I will send them.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of my commitment 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, other than Allexpert follow up questions.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 9Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentExtremely helpful answer. I was really concerned about the clock, especially after finding out (through an earlier Mr. Newman´s response) that I had made the single worst mistake possible . . . Keep up the good work!


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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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