Clocks, Watches/Identify clock

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Expert: - 2/14/2010


Question
My in-laws have just purchased a clock from the local flea market and are trying to find out information and parts to repair.
It has the following identifying marks.

Nuelck SYN SIN made in West Germany
SBS FEINTECHNIK 661
on the back  X 66/6 PL 18.6 6 L

where can we go or contact to get replacement parts, schematics and general information on this clock?
Thanks

Answer
Alan, it seems like this type of clock was associated with the Zaandam clocks made in the Dutch Zaan Region.  These clocks were first made in the 15th century.  The "Nu elck syn sin" is translated to "To each his own", and is found on some modern clock faces.  I believe your clock (which, from your description of the information on the back plate appears to be a reproduction) was made by the SBS Feintechnkk company that manufactures Regula cuckoo movements in Schnoach, Germany.  I do not recognize the numbers.  The 661 could refer to a date like 6/1961 and the 66/6 could possibly be a model number from the now defunct Urgos company that manufactured clock movements.  Hermle did purchase some of their designs, parts and tooling and does produce some of the Urgos movements.    

I did not know much about these clocks and through Google and my Internet Clocksmiths group I was able to come up with this answer.

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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