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Expert: - 3/13/2010


Question
I have an 8 day school clock that is 29 years old and has stopped working. We tried cleaning with contact cleaner and used sewing machine oil. The pendulum stops swinging and there is no tick tock sound. Any ideas on what we can try to get it working again?

Answer
Diane, if the movement has not been serviced regularly (my recommendation is every 7 to 10 years), it could be that some of the parts have worn and need to be repaired.  We don't recommend using cleaners and lubricants other than specifically formulated for clocks, but sometimes this will get a clock running.  If you have cleaned and lubricated all parts, that must mean that you had removed the movement from the clock to perform this.  One thing you can do is to remove the pendulum and move the crutch (that is the arm that comes out of the back of the clock)back and forth and see if the escape wheel actually moves when you do this.  That is the part that gives you the tick tock sound.  If this is not happening, it needs to be serviced.  It would help me identify the movement and check a couple of things if you can send a clear digital photo to my shop email address below.  If not can you give me the information found on the back plate of the movement?

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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