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Clocks, Watches/Seth Thomas grandfather clock

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Expert: - 5/9/2010


Question
Hi John,
I just want to ask some basic questions. I pick up a Seth Thomas grandfather clock at a auction. It appears to work fine. It is a model 4372a and the movement is a a403-031. I think the date code on the movement is 8505 so I know it is not a antique. I was wondering what kind of maintenance you would suggest. I bought this for my 16 year old as he as always wanted a grandfather clock. What kind of routine maintenance should we do to the clock and when should I have a trained professional service the clock.
I also noticed some rust on long metal chimes is that anything to be concerned with?  I got it a pretty good price so I want it to last for him so any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks Joe

Answer
Joe, I believe you are correct on the date code and if my memory serves me correctly, it would have been manufactured in May of 1985.  If I find I'm wrong I'll let you know.  The movement was actually made by Hermle for Seth Thomas and my cross reference list is a little confusing as it has two movements for that number in the spreadsheet. However, if it is a Westminster chime movement it would be the Hermle 451 94cm and if it is a triple chime movement it would be an 1151 94cm.  Some clockmakers do maintain their own clocks if they have the proper instructions and the ability to do so.  If you contact me at my shop email address below, I'll send you some general instructions for doing this.  My recommendation for maintenance is to have it serviced every 7 to 10 years by an experienced clockmaker.  This includes cleaning, inspecting for worn or broken parts, repairing any found, oiling and adjusting.  When I encounter rusted chime rods, I rub them down with steel wool and a product like WD-40.  Spray the WD-40 on the steel wool, not the rods themselves.  Then wipe them down with a soft cloth.  Do this gently, as repeated flexing of the rods can weaken them.  Let me emphasize that no chemicals should be used on clock movements other than those especially formulated or tested for clocks.  Never spray anything on a clock movement.  Some people get clocks running by spraying WD-40 on them, but this can ruin a clock in the long run.  WD-40 is not a lubricant.  It is a water displacement penetrating type of formula.  I use WD-40 for many other applications frequently, but not clock movements.  I hope this helps a little.

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.  

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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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