Clocks, Watches/400 day Kuno clock

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Expert: - 3/1/2010


Question
I am looking for an "Escape Wheel" and a "Suspension Spring" The information I have been given is-
Kundo Plate 1407A 4 Ball Pendulum
USE.0023" (.058mm) Horolovar
Unit 5E
USE.0022"-(.056mm-)Horolovar
Unit 5F      (14 x 30)
Information taken from "The Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide" by Charles Terwilliger, page 104
I live in South Africa and unable to source one here.

Answer
Paulette, do you have the blocks and fork for the suspension spring or do you need the complete suspension assembly?  Also, I would possibly need to know the number of teeth of the escapement wheel and the diameter.  It is a miniature Kundo which, I believe, takes a different escape wheel than the larger ones.  I will do some more research.  When we determine the above, I will check on availability of the suppliers here is the states or if I have any (I have a pending request for another order in South Africa and might be able to combine shipping if it were convenient and acceptable between the two of you).  Sent the information above to my shop email address and we won't have to go through the Allexperts process.

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

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)  

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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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