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Expert: - 3/21/2010


Question
the clock is about 10 years old. it has never been serviced. works fine except about 6 months ago it started to chime 1 chime at the hour for all hours. ex. at 6PM just 1 bong. it has 3 weights. the weights for the running of the clock and 1/4 hour music drop fine, but the weight for the hourly chime drops at a speed appropriate to just chiming 1 time, so at the end of the week, 2 weights are at the bottom and the other has only dropped a short distance. i just wondered if this sounds like a broken gear rebuild/replacement of the movement, or anything that i might be able to fix. i am employed servicing office products. although not nearly the same as a clock i have some mechanical ability.

Answer
Duane, as I recommend that a clock be serviced every 7 to 10 years, it would be best to service it or have it serviced.  The lubricants have probably become gummy and/or there could be worn parts.  It could be that gummy lubricant will not allow the rack to drop to any hour position other than the hour number one.  Also a lift lever could be worn or bent so it is not allowing the rack hook to clear the rack, thus stopping it at the first tooth.  I don't know what the model of the clock movement is, therefore cannot identify the configuration.  If you will email me at my shop email address, I can show you what to look for.

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)  

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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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