Clocks, Watches/Urgos movement

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/25/2010


Question
My father built a cherry Emperor Grandfather Clock in 1975 that has a 9 chime Urgos movement.  I cannot find the model number but the serial number on the movement is UW03042B.  Is there anyway to check the model number from the serial number?  I inherited the clock this year after my mother passed away and have had it serviced and the chimes, weight and pendulum removed and packed by a local clock shop in anticipation of moving it from NC to WA.  Is there a manual available for this movement and are there any special things I should know before turning it over to a professional mover?

Answer
Cal, the UW03042B is the model number, not the serial number.  I believe I have the manual on that one.  Contact me at my shop email address and tomorrow I will check and send you the details of obtaining one.  I will also copy you on my instructions for transporting the clock.  Being a 9 tubular model, there are some additional instructions for packing, but I would say that if a clock shop prepared it for you, it is probably good to go.

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.