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Clocks, Watches/kundos mega quartz mantel clock

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Expert: - 7/5/2010


Question
John,
My aunt was given a kundos, mega quartz , tempus fugiy, mantel clock in 1982 for her retirement. This was never on show as far as I know.
She has gone into care, altzheimers, and I have the clock in my possession. It works, ok, but it is a chimming clock and we do not know how to set it.
There is a setting for on and off chime. If we touch it, it will chime. I know on certain clocks they have to be set to, example, so many minuetes to the hour before the chimes work.
Can you help.
Carol

Answer
Carol, I have very few instructions for quartz chiming clock movements.  There were many versions made by different companies and instructions were lost.  If you have a local clock shop, they might be able to figure out the "code" for setting it.  Every now and then I have one come into my shop that I am able to figure out.  Sorry I could not help you.

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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