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Expert: - 7/6/2010


Question
My "clock man" has had a stroke and can't communicate to me how to fix it.  I rewound my clock and now the hour chime won't quit chiming. I understand I need to wind it every 7 days, which I  do, and it chimes at the right time for a day or two then chimes non-stop until the weight goes to the bottom.  Can you help?  Thank you.

Answer
JoAnn, I'm sorry to hear about your clock man.  I think you are referring to the strike rather than the chime.  If the clock has a chime it plays a tune on each quarter.  The strike counts out the hour.  If the hour is continuing, the stop mechanism is not functioning properly.  It is possible that there is a worn mechanism or a lever or stop pin out of adjustment.  One other possibility.  I have had this happen twice in my career.   Somehow the weighs were installed correctly.  I do not know the model of your clock movement, but generally if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, the heavier one goes on the right (as you face the clock).  If one is lighter than the other two, it goes on the left.  If a heavier or heaviest weight is hung on the left side, it can pop past the stop mechanism and will continue to strike.  If that is not the case, it would be best to let and experienced clockmaker look at it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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