Clocks, Watches/FALSE PLATES

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Expert: - 5/15/2010


Question
I HAVE AN OLD GERMAN CLOCK WORKS (WORKING FINE) BUT I NEED TO FIND A FALSE PLATE REPLACEMENT FOR THE DIAL. THE CLOCK WAS MADE BY BADISCHE UHRENFABRIK AND I ALSO BOUGHT A NEW DIAL FACE AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO MEASURE WHERE THE WINDING HOLES SHOULD BE DRILLED.
THANK YOU, ELLIE

Answer
Ellie, I do this occasionally and it is rather difficult and time consuming to match a dial to a movement for which it was not designed.  The false plate has to be attached to the dial in some way to be reliable.  I have used epoxy or drilled holes in the dial (behind a removable part such as the time ring) for screws to be screwed in matching holes in the false plate.  Dial posts have to be mounted on the false plate to match the holes (if there are any) in the front plate of the movement.  The dial posts have to be turned down to fit the holes and the posts and the shoulders have to be dimensioned so the dial is at the right distance from the front plate so the hand shaft protrudes the correct amount for the hands to be mounted with proper clearance from the dial.  If the dial has a moon dial, the drive mechanism will have to be positioned and aligned.  Then the EXACT dimensions have to be used when drilling or punching the holes for the winding arbors.  I have designed a special tool for this using a digital caliper.  If the holes are off slightly, the key will interfere with the dial when winding.  As I said I occasionally install a false plate for this.  I don't know exactly your application, but often I will attach the dial to the dial board or frame centered on the clock and then mount the movement so it matches the holes, which have been punched EXACTLY to be centered on the dial.  If you would like to email me at my shop address below, I can discuss your application and maybe give you some more specific instructions.  I will not be able to give you any details until after May 25, as I am out of state on a trip and will not return to my shop until then.  Let me know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.  

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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