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Question
Dear Mr. Newman,
I have been trying to revive a grandmother clock recently. The time is fine, but I can not establish how the counter weights function. We bought the clock in 1975. The Style # is 4417 and the Movement # is A406-001. I would appreciate it if you could provide some information on the function of the three counter weights. Thank you for you time and help.
Chris
Hi, Chris. Your Seth Thomas movement was made by Urgos (now owned by Hermle). That model, UW32319 has three different configurations, the chain-driven Westminster chime, the chain-driven triple chime and the cable-driven triple chime. The weights in pounds for each from left to right as you face the clock:
Westminster chain-driven.....4.5#, 4.5# and 6.6#
Triple chime chain-driven....4.5#, 4.5# and 7.5#
Triple chime cable-driven....6.5#, 6.5# and 11.0#
The left weight powers the strike, the center powers the time and the right one powers the chime. You have an 8-day clock, so the clock needs to be wound once a week. I hope this helps.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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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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