Expert: John Newman - 1/21/2011

Question
Dear John,
I have a Viking camelback mantle clock which I purchased at Fairhope 25 or 30 years ago. Can you give me an estimate of the expense of having the broken mainspring repaired? The hinge to the glass front is also broken.

Answer
LaJuan, a simple question with a detailed answer.  Here's why.  A breaking mainspring can cause damage to other parts of the clock when it breaks under extreme pressure.  This has to be inspected before proceeding with the repair.  If the movement is fairly new and there isn't and additional damage to the clock, it could be replaced in a minimum of about 1/2 hour.  This involves removing the hands and extracting the movement from the case.  Depending on the model of the movement, the mainspring could cost anywhere between $15 and $30.  Now, if damage has been done to other parts and/or the lubricants have become gummy with age and/or there are worn parts, it could require an overhaul, which could take 2 or 3 hours.  If the mainspring barrels are worn, they would have to be rebushed or replaced.  The replacement costs for the barrel assemblies have tripled in the last few years.  It is a general rule that if the barrels are worn, it is best to replace the whole assembly, which includes new mainsprings.  As this adds up, bringing up the cost of restoration to or exceeding the cost of a new movement.  I as many other clockmakers, will not do partial jobs, particularly on older clocks.  When we have completed a repair, we want to make sure it is going to be reliable and have to do a complete job to insure that.  Unfortunately, there are some clockmakers that do not restore these clocks anymore;  they just replace them.  But I always give the customer the costs and let them decide on whether to restore or replace.  This explanation is in reference to your movement, which I have frequently referred to as a "modern production clock", meaning that it is still in production and can be easily replaced with an identical unit, or at least there are replacement parts available.  As you might have noticed, I haven't really answered your question as to expense.   That is because the labor costs vary greatly in different economies around the country, and the world.  It is the consensus of the members on my Internet Clocksmiths Group that a good reference for pricing is the automobile dealers shop rates in the area in which you live.  Like 2 hours labor @ $75/hr. would be $150.  If you are going to have the work done, it is best to take it into a shop for an estimate.  Good luck and I hope is is an easy fix.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama