Expert: John Newman - 12/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi John
My 77 year old dad has a wall clock of the above description. He says that the face of the clock has the word "Blessing" printed on it. He thinks the "JA" is the model number (?). He is desperate to get some information on the mechanics of the clock as he needs to make an adjustment of sorts, but does not want to damage it either. He is not computer literate at all and asked if I could find something for him. Can you work on this or do you need more information? Best regards

ANSWER: Hi, Gwen.  I have seen these clocks with RA on the pendulum, which was an indication of the old clock regulator pendulums that were temperature compensating, thus RA stood for Retard and Advance.  I have an Asian clock in my shop right now which has D & A on it which I believe is the company name.  But I do not remember seeing a JA.  It is good that he wants some information before attempting to work on it, because I take in a few clocks a year that someone has attempted to work on and done a bit of damage, sometimes to both the clock and their hands.  If I knew the problem with the clock I could possibly determine what was causing it and the advise him on how to adjust it or suggest having an experienced clockmaker look at it.  To generally instruct someone how to adjust clocks would require a course in basic clock repair. Get back with me and let me know a little more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John
Just spoken to my dad regarding the Korean Pendulum Clock and he is very excited about your response. He has confirmed that the clock definately has the RA on the pendulum. He says the clock has not worked for a while. He told me that beneath the Hour/Minute hands (which are slightly bent) is a leaver that works around the snail which gives you the different chimes and he would like to reset the clock can work again. Dad has also advised that there are no watch makers in Cape Town, South Africa who work on these old timers. His clock is older than 22 years. He has a basic idea of clock repairs, but due to the age/delicacy of the clock he needs to be extra careful. Any further advice you might be able to share? Best regards

Answer
Gwen, I would be more than happy to assist your dad in getting his clock to run again.  If you would reply to my email address below, it will help free up the queue of Allexperts questions of which I have a limit.  Are there two problems?  You mention the snail, which is part of the rack and snail mechanism.  You are correct in that the hour strike is controlled by this mechanism.  Is that one problem, and is the other the failure of the clock to run?  Also, is it possible for you to send a clear digital photo of the front of the movement with the dial removed?  That will help me diagnose it.  I'm not sure just how much experience your dad has with clocks, but let me emphasize that a clock movement should never be dismantled unless a person is experienced in capturing the mainsprings securely before the plates are separated.  

Incidentally, my wife and I have enjoyed reading about South Africa in the series of novels, "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"  by author Alexander McCall Smith.

I look forward to hearing from you.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)