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Clocks, Watches/Quartz--repair or replacement?

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Expert: - 5/2/2010


Question

2" Tiffany
I've just started to research problems with quartz movements because I'm looking at purchasing an inexpensive($10)Tiffany & Co. desk clock. The seller says the second hand works sporadically so I'm wondering if it can be repaired. Does the original quality of a quartz clock make a difference? (Another auction states the clock is c1990 and originally cost $250.) Or would I have to replace the whole movement?  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Linda, most quartz movements are rather inexpensive and I have run into some previous brands that have not fared well.  However, most of them run for many years without problems.  The main concern is to find a movement that will work in the clock.  Many companies had clocks manufactured to their specifications and only a certain number would be made and then no more ordered. Tiffany does not make clocks, but has them made with their name on them.  I would consider most of them quality clocks.  Usually quartz movements are not repaired because there are no parts or documentation available.  Clockmakers do not want to spend the time attempting to fix them because if they don't work they cannot charge the customers and the customers don't want to pay the cost of the shop labor rate as compared to a new movement.  To choose a movement, the mounting size must be the same as the original, the hand shafts must be of the correct length and the hands must fit on the the hand shafts.  Since you have not purchased this clock yet, you cannot provide any additional photos to show the movement from the back.  It is a nice looking desk clock and I would say that the auction cost of $10 would be worth it just for a decoration.  I, myself would buy it.  Sorry I could not help you more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Linda, in doing some further research I found the information on your clock and the movement is actually a watch movement.  As with the labor involved in clock movements, the watch movements are usually replaced rather than repaired.  This movement would most likely have to be replaced.

John Newman

Linda, can you contact me at my shop email address below.  I have an idea.

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.

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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