You are here:

Clocks, Watches/ELGIN QUARTZ ANN CLOCK/"C" BATT

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/26/2010


Question
ELGIN QUARTZ ANN CLOCK/"C" BATT
Question:    Please, can you tell me the use for the buttons on back? I've misplaced the instructions but should be able to set the chime/time once I can identify the difference between "H" (blk button) and "S" (red button). I need to decrease the speed.
We moved from southern California and in the process misplaced the instructions!
I love this clock which was given to me by my then employers about 1980...lovely chimes, and it survived the 1994 Northridge, CA earthquake. I boxed it up and have just now unpacked it. I am running it just to hear the chimes though I need to reset the timing. In the process of trying to set the chime for the next hour, I used the wrong button.
Thank you for your kind reply...even if you don't have the answer. J Burns, Mariposa, CA

ELGIN QUARTZ ANN CLOCK/"C" BATT
Question:    Please, can you tell me the use for the buttons on back? I've misplaced the instructions but should be able to set the chime/time once I can identify the difference between "H" (blk button and "S" (red button). I need to decrease the speed timing.
We moved from southern California and in the process misplaced the instructions!
I love this clock which was given to me by my then employers about 1980...lovely chimes, and it survived the 1994 Northridge, CA earthquake. I boxed it up and have just now unpacked it. I am running it just to hear the chimes though I need to reset the timing. In the process of trying to set the chime for the next hour, I used the wrong button.
Thank you for your kind reply...even if you don't have the answer. J Burns, Mariposa, CA

Answer
Jeanne, I'm sorry but I just don't have programing information on chiming quartz clocks.  There were many different types made by the manufacturers and instructions aren't readily available.  Typically, instructions that come with the clock are misplaced and with so many different models, each was unique and does not apply to others.  I have been able to decipher some to be able to program them, but that is time consuming and sometimes unsuccessful.  Sorry I could not be of any help.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.