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Clocks, Watches/Continuous chime on pendulum clock

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Expert: - 1/11/2011


Question
I bought a pendulum clock at a bargain store today. Not to worry I did not pay much for it.  It was not running when I purchased it.  There is not a name on the front but there is 206 on a brass piece under the face.  The pendulum works fine, the clock runs great but it chimes on the hour and half an hour and continues to chime for 20 minutes.  It keeps really good time so far.  There is a key and it has two holes on the face for winding.  I am not sure why there are two holes.  The one on the right was wound tight enough but I did wind the one on the right.  If you can help me I would appreciate it.  It can sit on a desk or hang.  It is not a grand-father clock.  The pendulum just swings back & forth and there are no weights.
Thanks for any help.  Marie

Answer
Marie, I am not worrying;  I buy clocks at bargain stores! 6>)  I'm wondering if this might be an Asian 31 (or 30 or 32) day clock.  I have seen many of these with a tab on what we call a stop lever is broken off or pin broken off of what we call the warning wheel.  This actually happens on other clocks, but more so on the Asian clocks.   If this is the case, the dial has to be removed and the parts repaired by an experienced clockmaker.  I don't know of anything that you could do yourself.  Sorry I could not help you more on that.

Concerning the winding holes, the right winding arbor is for the time and the left on is for the strike.  I cannot tell you what direction to wind because the different brands vary, but you just try to wind in one direction and if there is an abrupt stop, it would wind in the other direction and click as you wind it.  One word of caution, just wind with a firm grip on the key and don't try to do it too fast.  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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