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Clocks, Watches/Linden Mantel clock (westminster Chime)

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Expert: - 2/28/2010


Question
I don't wish to over wind the clock, but it seems like it runs down after four-five days, and of course in the middle of the night.  What should I be careful of to not overwind the three controls?
  Thank You

Answer
Mike, generally, you cannot overwind a clock unless you really force it.  Wind each of the winding arbors (doesn't matter in which order) until you feel a definite increase of resistance of each one.  I'm not going to give you the number of turns from a wound down condition because of the variation of different clock models.  Let it run until it stops again, or until 7 days have passed.  If it does run for the seven days, everything is okay, as the clocks are designed to run 8 days.  This is so you can wind it once a week without it stopping.  If it doesn't run the full time, then the clock probably has gummy lubricants and/or worn parts.  I recommend these "modern production clocks"  be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  Let me know what it does.

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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