Expert: John Newman - 2/6/2010

Question
John, I sent you a question on January 20, '10, unfortunately I have not receive an answer yet. You did acknowledge receiving the question, but I did not receive your answer.
Thanks again,
Robert

Answer
Robert, I do apologize for the mix-up in my reply,  I shelved your question until I could get my server running again and then could not find it.  I have now gone back and found your question.

First, you say the hands do not move.  If the clock is chiming, striking and the pendulum keeps swinging with a good beat, I would say that the minute hand shaft is slipping somewhere and I don't think lubrication would solve the problem.  The minute shaft powers the hour tube through what we call a motion works.  So if the minute hand is not running, neither is the hour hand.  I would think that the solution would be to determine what is slipping.  I will check my Urgos service manual to see if I can find anything that might be obvious.  It seems to me that having it repaired by an experienced clockmaker would be less costly than a new movement.  Of course if the complete movement needs servicing or overhauling, the cost of the shop work could be anywhere from a cost 1/10th of a new movement or as much as.  I might have one of these movements in my stock or can order a new one.  I will check at my shop tomorrow and see if I have one.  Also, I am quite backed up with work and cannot take any work in right now.  I would have to have the movement in my hands to do a proper evaluation for restoration.  If you will contact me at my shop email address below, I can give you some more information.  Again I'm sorry about the delay.

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)