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Expert: - 2/23/2010


Question
westwood chadick clock
westwood chadick clock  
QUESTION: This clock does not work, is it worth try to fix?
It says on back of clock westwood chadick No.7 jewels made in germany.
Is this an 8 day clock?
Thanks Patti

ANSWER: Patti, your clock looks like is is one of the kind they called the starburst clocks (of many different sizes) made back in the mid-1900's that were rather popular and then faded out.  Now they are coming back as collector's items.  I have seen many NOT sell at flea markets or garage sales for a few dollars.  Things have changed.  Check out "starburst clock" on eBay and you'll see what I mean!  I don't know if this clock was passed down through your family or you just like it.  But here's what I tell my customers:  "I'll tell you what it will cost to fix it and you tell me if it is worth it".  I would say that most of them get fixed.  With the wind up time-only movement and 7 jewels, I would say that is a grade above the rest.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

Back of clock
Back of clock  
QUESTION: Wow John u were so fast thank you.
I am sending u a photo of the back of the clock,
can u tell if
this a 8 day clock?

Answer
Patti, I'm sorry I did not answer that part of the question.  I read it too fast.  I am rather sure it is an 8-day clock.  Most of the German wall clocks of this type were.  It wouldn't make too much sense to have to get up to a wall clock to wind it every day.  Most of these retro clocks were 8-day and they evolved to the ever popular battery clocks that would run at least a year on batteries.  I don't think they are as popular as the wind ups.

John Newman

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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