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Clocks, Watches/Bought a clock at Goodwill and want to know how to make it work
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Question
I purchase this clock for $15 and think it looks great. All i know is it has Elgin on the case, it takes a size C battery, it is about 2.5 ft tall pendulum wall clock and it says Tempus Fugit on the face. I have no idea what I have or how to make it run again. What do you advise?
Monica, the phrase "Tempus Fugit" is found on many clocks, particularly in the arch portion of a clock where some have moving moon dials. The term is Latin for "Time Flies". If the back of the movement has switches and pushbuttons for programing, it would be difficult to determine how to program it, as there were so many different types made. Instructions are usually lost over the life of the clock. If you insert a battery in properly and it doesn't run, the best thing to do would be to replace the movement. Very seldom can one be repaired, especially for less than a replacement movement. If you want to replace it yourself, you have to make sure the movement will fit in the case and the hand shaft mounting bushing is the correct length to match the thickness of the dial. Google Klockit and you will find that they have an on-line catalog. You can look at the movements they have offered and see if one matches yours. The pendulum movement includes a pendulum and a pair of hands that you choose for sytyle and length. I hope this has helped.
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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