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Clocks, Watches/Electric clock movement

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Expert: - 5/8/2010


Question
Dear John:
I have a model 100 Emperor GF clock that I put together years ago.
The original movement is a 77 made in Germany.
A long time ago the movement froze up.  I then put in a battery
operated movement with chimes.  That operated OK for a while but
then it gave up also.  I don't think the quality of it was very
good.
I don't like the idea of having to wind it every week so I want to
put in another electric/battery movement.  Can you advise me of
where I can get a good quality battery or AC powered movement with
chimes, pendulum and removable speaker?
Ordering via the web or mail is fine.
Thank You, Carl

Answer
Carl, I would suggest Googling Timesavers.  They have an On-line catalog.  There is a new high quality quartz triple chime pendulum movement that has chimes that sound like cathedral chimes.  I install them regularly for replacements of quartz and inexpensive mechanical movements.  Timesavers movement numbers are 30407, 30408 and 29615, depending on the handshaft length for mounting.  I'm not sure if this movement would have enough power for a floor clock pendulum, so you might have to order a heavy duty pendulum unit, Timesavers number 23223.  They should be able to assist you in purchasing a pendulum which would be long enough and look good in the clock.  I would suggest a wood stick pendulum with a brass bob.

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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