Clocks, Watches/chime block

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Expert: - 12/26/2010


Question
I have an Emperor Clock UW030158/281756 URGOS and the chime rods were broken in shipment several years ago.  The block has 12 rods -- 8 on one side which play the chime and 4 on the other which strike the given hour.  I have read where you suggest replacing the block instead of the individual rods.  Can you tell me where I can purchase the block and the specific reference number I will need to order it.  Thanks.

Answer
Barry, these assemblies are available from a few of the clock suppliers.  One is Timesavers (www.timesavers.com).  They have a 12 rod model (P/N 20727) that is designated for Hermle movements, but works with most other grandfather movements.  I don't know of any that are specified for Urgos anymore, but they are usually rather standard.  One of the problems is that the suppliers of "aftermarket" parts do not always match the exact replacement.  On chime rod assemblies the mounting plate and holes sometimes differ, even for the same designated movement.  Therefore the mounting holes and/or soundboard locations have to be changed a little.  It helps to have the dimensions of the mounting plate and hole dimensions handy when talking to the suppliers.  It is really best to have a clockmaker experienced in working on these to look at it.  I do have some vintage assemblies, and it is possible that I could make one up for you if you sent the exact dimensions and photo to me.  Or I could populate your original if you sent it to me.  Another option is that you could do this, but they are installed a the factory with machines and you sometimes have to use a special procedure for extracting the old plugs/rods.  One of the growing problems with these units is that the manufacturers are now using press-in rod plugs rather than the threaded ones, and the threaded replacements are not as plentiful.  But they are still obtainable.  I've tried to give you some options.  If you can muddle through all of this, get back with me and let me know what you would like to do.  My shop email address is below.  I can give you some more details.

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.)  

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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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