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Clocks, Watches/Need information about my newly purchased Emperor Grandfather Clock

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Expert: - 4/6/2010


Question
Hi John,
I was wondering if you could help me with my clock.

I recently purchased a Emperor Grandfather clock which I believe to be from 1974. The factory papers say "1974" and the model is a "100m Movement." I was wondering if you could provide me with additional information about this model and if I have the year correct. I can't seem to find any numbers on the clock which may indicate its model/year. It works and sounds beautifully. You can view pictures of it at my flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41766777@N07/sets/72157623770651748/

Answer
Ben, your clock is and Emperor Model 120 grandmother clock.  From you excellent photos, the wood appears to be a find grade of black walnut, well finished.  This clock was built at the Emperor factory in Fairhope (Baldwin County), Alabama, and was probably the most popular clock made by Emperor.  I would say the paperwork is correct as far as the 1974 date is noted.  The 100M movement was manufactured by Erhard Juach in Germany and was later taken over by a nephew, Heinz Jauch.  Though not a true designation, we refer to this movement as the "Jauch 77".  Most of these movements have a "77" on the back plate somewhere.  One larger movement occasionally did have a "77" on some of the units.  There were some problems with the quality of the movement and, as they were not addressed properly, Emperor changed to a Hermle 451 movement, which is being used in clocks today.  Jauch has gone out of business.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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