Clocks, Watches/Emperor Clock

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Expert: - 5/30/2010


Question
I have an Emperor Grandfather clock with a 209 movement.  The clock was moved and the chains and weights were removed.  I am looking for instructions to replace the weights and chains, to set the clock and to oil and put back into service.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
James, I do not recall the Emperor 209 movement.  The closest model to that number that we had would be a 299.  Let me know if it could be that number, and when I return to my shop on Tuesday, I will confirm.

Chains should not be removed for transporting a clock, just secured.  The chains will have to be inserted and run over the chain wheels.  The outside ones (left and right, as you face the clock) are rather easy to do, working from the side of the movement.  The strike wheel (on the left) turns clockwise and the chime wheel (on the right) turns counterclockwise.  The end of the chain with the solid tab end is put over the wheel and the wheel is turned with a small screwdriver until the tab can be pulled down from the bottom of the movement.   I do not believe the tabs have to be removed on this model.  The installation of the center chain is a little more difficult and requires the solid tab to be removed and a wire tool (that you make) has to be used to thread the chain.  The center wheel turns counterclockwise to install.  I will try to get down to my shop before Tuesday to give you the instructions and photo of the tool.  I will need your email address to do that, so please reply to my email address below and I will answer with the information and photos you need.  I do not ask for personal information on a public forum.  

I can also send you some general oiling photos and instructions at that time.  

On hanging the weights, if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the right.  If one weight is lighter than the other two, it hangs on the left.  There are some exceptions.

As far as setting, the minute hand is turned (as your movement is a "safe-back" type, it can be moved forward or backward to set) to set the correct time.  If it has a moving moon dial, the dial (looks like a circular saw blade) can be turned in the clockwise direction so the full moon is showing on on the day of a full moon or no moon showing on a day of a new moon.  There is a formula for setting the moon dial on any day by checking the newspaper or Weather Channel and then moving the moon dial a certain number of clicks to advance it to the proper day.  But since there are two types of advance mechanisms, I don't know which type your clock has, so the best way is to wait for a full or new moon to set it.

After you have gone through all of the above, let's see if you can get it running.  If not, get back with me and I will send you a set of instructions for troubleshooting.

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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