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Expert: - 5/2/2010


Question
My clock is set to play and strike on the hour.  It correctly strikes the correct number of times except at 9PM.  At 9PM it only strikes once. It is set to strike from 8AM to 11PM and all other times are correct.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
John, that is an unusual problem.  I feel it has something to do with the auto night off feature.  It sounds like there is a lever or cam that is bent slightly that is binding at that particular time, inhibiting the rack to fall to the 9:00pm strike position.  I have also experienced clocks with a very fine line between working and failing that a slight temperature variation that will make a difference.  This is due to an adjustment being at the limit of functioning.  It would probably be be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. Sorry I could not help you more, but I would have to work with it for a while to see what is happening.

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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