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Clocks, Watches/Comtoise movement Pendulum with Baby rocking in Cradle

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Expert: - 2/15/2010


Question
Comtoise Large Pendulum Wall Clock - I need a diagram showing how to set the internal weights of the rocking cradle inside the pendulum. The large wall clock is a hand made replica made in Germany. I purchased it 20 years ago at a watch and clock show in Hong Kong. The manufacturer will not tell me how to adjust the internal weight inside the pendulum so the cradle rocks well! I will be grateful for any help you may be able to provide. Thank you.

Answer
Richard, that sounds like an interesting clock you have.  I have never seen the "rocking cradle".  I did receive a couple of replies from my Internet Clocksmiths Group.  No information on how to do it but a couple of ways of sourcing the company:


One is the Web Site

            http://www.comtoise.com/museum.htm



And the other is by e-mail at


             deckert@comtoise.de



I'm sorry I could not help you any more, but I hope this helps.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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