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Expert: - 1/6/2011


Question
A few years ago the westminster chime stopped working properly--I forget what it was doing then, so I oiled it and put extra tension on the weight to see if I could get it to work again.  It didn't so I gave up.  Lately I decided to play with it and have the hour strike working but the westminster is only working every 15 minutes properly.  Other times it will only do part of it at the quarter hour and then the rest 5 minutes later.  I could see if it did this all the time that I probably got some adjustment to slip or got a bur on one of the gears, but it only does it sometimes which makes no sense.  It is 25 years old with a German movement which I will look up if it helps--have to move the clock to see it.

Answer
Clem, how long has it been since the clock was serviced?  I suggest every 7 to 10 years.  After that time it should be serviced, which includes cleaning, inspecting, repairing or replacing worn or broken parts, lubricating and adjusting.  The problems you are having can be a combination of worn parts and/or old and gummy lubricants.  With all of this in order you should not have to apply additional tension to the weight.  That can damage the clock.  I have actually taken service calls on clocks with 15 or 20 links from a broken chain due to someone pulling them down to make the clock run.  As far as the bur on the gears, as the gears turn at different ratios, a bur on one gear could appear to be a random thing but is really not.  However, I don't think this is the cause.  With your description, I think it would be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.

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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