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Clocks, Watches/Overocean Clock Co (necor)

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Expert: - 8/11/2010


Question
Mr. Newman,
I have the above mentioned clock, no jewels, unadjusted, 341-020 and under that appears to be 1 cm. Oh and above the Overocean Clock Co there is a 73.
The other day when winding my clock, I heard something like a snap, but didn't really pay too much attention to it, then all of a sudden my clock wasn't running right nor keeping time or chiming correctly.  I don't know anything about clocks, so if I use incorrect terminology, please forgive this ole 74 year ole senior citizen lady!  I think maybe the spring has sprung.  I live in Portsmouth, Oh, there are no clock repairmen in our area.  I'm wondering if you have a list nearby in my area who works on these clocks.  And if there would be an estimate on how much it might cost to have it repaired or if it would be worth paying to have it repaired.  I've had it a long time and kinda miss it.
Any help you might be able to give will be greatly appreciated.
I hope the Good Lord will give you a wonderful day/night depending on when you read this.
Take care, God Bless
Connie Dawson

Answer
Hi, Connie.  This is the first time I have run across the name "Overocean Clock Company, but the movement I am very familiar with, which was manufactured for Overocean by Hermle.  I have a feeling this is a mantel clock and the model would be 341-020 with "11 cm" rather than "1 cm".  The "73" indicates that the clock was manufactured in 1973.  Being 37 years old, and if it hasn't had regular service, it is possible that it has a lot of worn parts.  It might be more economical to replace it rather than restore it.  However, it would have to be looked at first to determine what would be best.  As far as being worth it, I always leave that decision up to the customer, as the sentimental value has a lot to do with it.  I repair many clocks in which the repair bill is more than the clock would be worth if it was to be sold.  But customers have a great attachment to a clock that perhaps was given to them by a relative or a dear friend.  I am answering this on my home computer, as my shop computer was hit by a virus and is in the shop right now.  I should get it back tomorrow.  When I get it I will look at my listing of my Internet Clocksmiths group and see if I can find someone near you.  If not, there are a couple of other options we can discuss later.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)

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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