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Clocks, Watches/sychronizing Korean made clock

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Expert: - 9/26/2010


Question
I have a Korean key wind 31 day, pendulum, regulator style clock that strikes 6 times at twelve o'clock and 12 times at six o'clock....and it follows this pattern around the dial for each hour, striking 9 times at three o'clock, 3 times at 9 o'clock, etc.  In other words: striking the number of times opposite of which way the hour hand is pointing.  It strikes correctly (just once) on the half hour.  It is not a chiming clock.  It keeps time very accurately.  I bought it on an estate sale, so am not aware of the history of it.

Can I correct this myself at home, or will I have to take it in for repair?

Many Thanks for your help!......Larry  

Answer
Larry, run the minute hand around until the clock is at the top of an hour and it strikes.  Let's say you set it for 3 o'clock and it strikes 9 times.  Stop the pendulum and carefully remove the minute hand nut and the minute hand.  Then remove the hour hand (it might also have a nut that will have to be removed).  The hour hand is keyed so it goes on in two (opposite) directions.  Reinstall the hour hand so it points to the 9.  If there was a hour hand nut, install it and then reinstall the minute hand at the 12 and and secure it with the minute hand nut.  Use the minute hand to reset the time and you should have it to the correct time.  Evidently the hour hand had previously been removed and installed in the incorrect position  If you have any problems or questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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