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Question
Sir: I have a Viking clock we purchased in Foley Ala. The chimes have stopped working. Perhaps they were wound too tight The only weight that moves is the center one. Does this clock need to be taken somewhere for repair or what are my options?.It has a #790/800 clock movement.
Joseph, I have no cross reference to the clock company numbers for the movements and the actual movement manufacturers numbers. But in this case it's probably not important. First, it's unlikely that the weights have been wound too tight. I have seen this happen a few times, but it was when the chains were pulled so tight that the chain hook jammed in the wood movement mounting board. If the clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years it could be that the lubricants have become gummy and/or some parts are worn. Under these conditions, the chime function, powered by the right weight, is the first to fail and since the strike,powered by the left weight, is dependent on the chime working, it will not work either. That's why the left and right weights are not coming down. One more common cause of the chime not working is on most movements the heaviest or one of the heavier weights has to be on the chime (right) side. If it is not the chime will not have enough power to work reliably. If this isn't the cause, it will probably be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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