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Clocks, Watches/Quartz movement (with westminster chime)

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Expert: - 5/26/2010


Question
Hi John,
A lady brought me a wall clock to fix (the main thing she wanted
is the westminster chime) It has a Tempus Fugit face plate made in Korea and the movement is a real cheap one made in China(the Qlick spring broke and did other damage) it is really not worth fixing (I would to call her and give her the price on the Quartz westminter movement to see if she wants to spend that amount)
( The pendelum is 8" long)

 Thank you
        Dwight

Answer
Dwight, I have done quite a few of these Asian clock conversions, changing from the worn out economy mechanical movements to the quality quartz chiming units.  The customers are very pleased with the results, as the clock is very accurate, has not changed in appearance from the outside and they do not have to wind it.  It does have the Westminster chime + another chime option, volume control and a night off or reduction in volume.  I can give you some information on the procedures to do this.  But you haven't actually asked a question, so I don't know what you need.  Let me know and we'll go from there.

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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