Clocks, Watches/wooden clock case

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Expert: - 3/23/2010


Question
hi
 i purchased an emperor clock face and movement for model 101/105m in 1985  would it now be possible to purchase the wooden casing in kit form

Answer
Hi, Keith.  I'm not sure which model you are talking about.  Emperor designated their movements is series like 100M, 101M and then went to the 189, 199 series and up.  I'm not sure what the 105 was.  Can you look on the back plate of the movement and give me the information?  Also a digital photo might help. My shop email address is below.  What type of case did you want?  If the movement is the 101, it would be a Hermle 451 which is generally used for a floor clock.  The theoretical pendulum length is 94 inches for a grandmother type clock usually around 74" high and the 114cm pendulum clocks are a little higher.  There is an 85cm movement that can be used for shorter clocks or even tall wall clocks.  Let me know what movement you have and the type of case you would like.

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.)

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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