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Clocks, Watches/Waterbury wall clock

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Expert: - 3/9/2010


Question
Mr. Newman,
In your travels, have you ever seen or heard of Waterbury manufactering a wall clock with the model name "Lobby"?  I have one.  It has a 17" dia. dial with overall demensions of 38"H and 24" wide.  In my research, I've seen "Lobby" models made by different manufacturers but not Waterbury.  Any help will be appreciated.

Answer
Peter, I hve not found anything on the "Lobby" yet,  STill searching.

John Newman



Peter, have received an answer from a member of my Clocksmiths Internet Group.  He found a description from a book on Waterbury clocks by Tran Du Ly.  I have some reference books by Mr. Tran and he is one of the world's best authorities on clock pricing and identification. I do not give values of clocks, but this is taken from his book:

"Trans Duy Ly shows a Lobby in his book, pg 208. Oak or mahogany finish, 30 day, time (pendulum movement) $38.50. 18" dial, H 39", W 23".  Very ornate carved case, 1915 vintage, worth $2k (2001 price guide) in mint condition.  It's in the hanging clocks section. Appears to have two winding arbors just below handshaft. (maybe screws)  Roman numbers, spade hands, minute hand has a counter balance."

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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