Clocks, Watches/United Clock Corp

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Expert: - 7/1/2010


Question
I have a covered wagon 4 horse United Clock Corp that we purchased new some 40 years ago and the glass over the hands got broken. This there any place that has parts for these clocks?

Answer
Don, I have seen a lot of single horse clocks, but not many 4 horse-wagon models.  Do you still have the broken parts of the glass?  It makes it very easy to order if you do.  You can order it from most clock supply houses.  A couple that I use are Timesavers or Merritts Antiques.  They can be Googled and have On-line catalogs.  You must specify convex glass and the measurements have to be within 1/16" as the glass comes in 1/16" increments.  If you don't have the glass pieces, you will have to remove the bezel from the movement after removing the movement from the clock case.  Then cut a perfect circle out of cardboard and try it for a fit before you order.  If you can't do this you would have to take it to someone that can do it, such as a glass company.  As a last resort, you could send it to me and I could fit it for you.  Tell me what you can do and we'll go from there.

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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