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Question
I have just purchased a wonderfull kitchen wall clock. Its running well but I just need to know
How often should I wind the clock (and the striker)?
Do I wind it until I can go no futher?
Is it possible to overwind the clock?
Thank you so much for your time
Regards
Jenny McCloy
Denmark,Western Australia
Hi, Jenny. You probably have an 8-day clock which means you should wind it once a week. On a time and strike clock usually the winder on the right is for the time and the one on the left is for the strike. Wind it until you feel it get tight. You can not overwind a clock unless you really put so much force on it that something breaks or bends. I receive many clocks in my shop where the customer says it has stopped because it was wound too tight. This is usually not true because there was something wrong with it and someone thought it needed winding more. When you wind the clock, hold on to the key firmly and don't turn too fast. If the key ever slips out of your hand, it can let go and damage the clock and your hand. Just wind it slowly and carefully. Also on wall clocks they have a tendency to move on the wall when you open the door to set and/or wind. This will put it out of beat and it might stop running. To prevent this, start the clock and listen for the beat. It should be "in beat" which sounds like tick....tock....tick....tock. If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it will be out of beat. Move the bottom of the clock to the left or right until you hear the even beat. It might be out of level a little, but that's the way it runs best. If it has to be tilted too much for an even beat, the mechanism will have to be adjusted. If that is ever the case let me know and we'll try to correct that. After you get it running in beat, make a small mark on the wall next to the bottom side of the clock. Then, if the clock shifts when you open the door or wind it, you can put it back on the mark and it will be in beat again. If you have any more questions, get back with me. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your clock.
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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