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Expert: - 9/11/2010


Question
Hi i have a old clock i guess its from teh late 60s or early 70s i think it was wound to tight its not working i was just wondering if it is worth to get it fixed. thank you..................steve

Answer
Steve, generally, winding a clock tight is not the reason for it not running.  To me, winding a clock too tight is forcing it with extreme pressure until something breaks.  When a clock doesn't run, someone will wind it tighter, and maybe someone else will wind it the last few clicks until it is wound fully, but not enough to break anything.  I do receive a lot of these at my shop for repair, and I have never had one that would not run because it was wound too tight.  There were other causes.  In answer to your question, the best thing to do is to take it to an experienced clockmaker and ask for an estimate on servicing it.  The decision would be up to you as to whether it is worth it or not.  I work on a lot of clocks that are not worth (if it would be sold) as much as the repair bill.  But I have worked on clocks in the $15 range that cost $150 or so to repair, but the customer was very happy to get it running again as it had a lot of sentimental value.  Hope this helps a little.  

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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