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Clocks, Watches/Westminster Chiming Clock

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Expert: - 9/2/2010


Question
I have the same question as Cathy regarding the clock chiming sporadically during the night and I have noted the answer to her question.

My other problem is that the closk is no longer striking the correct time on the hour.  It is either one short or one too many.  Appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks  

Answer
Winnifred, I am not sure what Cathy's question was, but I usually need to know the make and model of the movement of the clock.  And I don't know exactly know what you mean by chiming sporadically during the night.  Does it chime at different quarters, or chime only part of the quarterly melody and then finish it later?  Also a clock with the hour hand out of position will strike a certain number of strikes off each hour.  Wit it being intermittent on both examples, I would say that is hasn't been serviced in quite a few years and the lubricants have become gummy and are not letting the levers and wheels move or turn consistently.  It looks like it would be best to have an experienced clockmaker service it by cleaning, lubricating and adjusting it.  If I have assumes something that is not actually happening, get back with me and let me know the model number of the clock movement and how long ago since it was serviced.  Let me know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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