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Clocks, Watches/Bells chime the wrong time

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Expert: - 7/15/2010


Question
how do I fix Seth Thomas “Helmsman” bells? Model No. 1052-001.For example, at 9:00 I am hearing only 3 bells (XX XX XX)instead of (XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX). Can you help me? I am unsure what to do...

Answer
David, I am not familiar with the ST 1052-001.  The cross reference numbers I have for available ST mechanical movements go only up to 502-002.  Since the model name of the clock is the "Helmsman" and you speak of bells, I would think it is a ships clock.  Is this correct?  Using an "X" to designate each strike, the way most ships clocks work is that at 0900 you would hear 2 bells (XX), 0930, 3 bells (XX X), 1000, 4 bells (XX XX), 0930 5 bells (XX XX X).  This would continue until 1200 where you would hear 8 bells (XX XX XX XX), which would indicate the change in the watch on a ship.  At 1230 you would hear a single bell (X).   This repeats every watch of 4 hours.  Some watch systems went into a "Dog Watch" which varied the hours, but that get rather detailed and isn't very common on most available clocks.  You gave me one example which I understand that at 9:00 it strikes 3 bells.  By your number of X's, I'm not sure if you mean XX X, or XX XX XX.  Once we establish and understand the pattern, and the error is consistent from hour to hour, it could be that the hour hand has been inadvertently slipped and can be slipped back to the correct position.  Check the error on a few hours and then get back with me.  BTW, is this a mechanical or battery powered clock?

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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