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Question
I have a grandfather that runs very well but the chimes do not work. Subsequently, the left and right chimes do not move. Is there anything I can do? Thank you.
Hi, Sherri. The chimes have failed on your clock. The right weight (as you face the clock) powers the chime, and since it is not working does not drop (move). The strike is powered by the weight on the left. Since the strike is dependent on the chime going through its full hour function, which it is not, the strike will not work and the left weight will not drop either. I do not know what type or make clock you have and will need to know that information so I can tell you in more detail what might be wrong. The most important information is to know the model of the movement. If the top of the clock has a back panel that can be removed, the model can be determined by the information on the back plate of the movement. Can you send me that information? If you can't access the movement from the back, some clocks have side panels that you can read the information using a flashlight and small mirror. I do this quite often and have learned to read backwards very well! But before you do any of this, check something out. Check to see if there is a silent lever on the face of the clock. It should usually be right outside the "3" on the dial. A lady called me yesterday to place a service call for the same reason. I had her check the lever and it was on the silent position. I had her move it to chime (or one of the three chime melodies) and it started chiming immediately. Also if the clock hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, it could be that the lubricants have become gummy and/or some parts are worn or out of adjustment. The chime function is usually the first to fail because of needing service. Let me know the information above and we'll go from there.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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