Expert: John Newman - 2/12/2010

Question
We were left this clock by an elderly woman who lived in neighborhood and has passed on. It has the info inside on the plate (NO) JEWEL, SAU JIN L.T.D., DAE WOO IND. CO. L.T.D., date 1983 8 (112 Stamped in black ink)in front of the date.
We did read about one other gentleman who wrote to you and described a clock with the same markings, but I do not believe he mentioned if it had a date on it.
Our clock seems to suffer from some of the same issues this gentleman was speaking of. Such as either slowing way down or stopping at a certain point on the larger gear just behind the movement plate. On this particular gear, my husband notice some discoloration on the surface of the gear.  I also noticed a scratch on the surface of the gear at approx. the same place.  We also seem to have some issues with our pendulum. Aside from it not being an expensive time piece, it looks as though someone has dropped it and the claws which grasp (t-bar) or next swinging piece up from the pendulum, are not uniform shaped and the pendulum itself is twisted. We don't have money to put into this clock and we are not gorillas who like to guess at how something used to be shaped so we need a bit of advice. Do you know where we might find a print or manual for a clock such as this one.  The only other thing for us to do with it is to put it in our upcoming yard sale and I still wouldn't know how much to sell it for.  I'd rather keep it and use it but I'm funny about items that don't work! Any advise would be immensely appreciated!
Thanks,
Bob and Diana

Answer
B %26 D, what you have is an Asian clock which I rather sure is Japanese.  These clocks are inexpensive and many of us do not work on them because of the issues of wear and weak materials.  Being 31 day clocks, and as all spring wound clocks should be worked on with caution by experienced clockmakers, the mainsprings are very dangerous if they ever break or are "let down" without following the proper procedures.  To correct the pendulum top hanger, try visualizing the "claws" as holding your index and middle finger up like a "V" and curling them evenly.  The two claws should be rounded evenly so the fit over the "T-bar" fairly snugly.  There are no prints or manuals that I have ever seen for these Asian clocks.  Clock repair books will refer to specific clocks, but most of the theory and repair procedures apply generally to all clocks.  However, to work on clocks, one should have some specialized basic training.  I cannot recommend than unexperienced persons attempt to do this.  Sometimes I will guide someone through a simple diagnostic and repair on some mechanisms.  

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Bob and Dana, I have received a question on a Dae Woo clock similar to yours.  The clock is missing a crown and a pendulum.  Do you possibly have a photo of the complete front of the clock showing the crown?  Also, could you tell me the length of the pendulum from the top of the hook to the bottom of the bob?  You can reply to my shop email address below.  I appreciate any help you can give that I can pass on.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)