Expert: John Newman - 10/12/2011

Question
Sir,
I hope you might be able to steer me to an answer.  I purchased an Emperor clock kit in the spring of 1975.  It was a kit using maple and the movement was included.  The movement had a moving moon dial and there were three heavy weights powering the clock, the hourly chime and then the quarterly chimes.  I have had it assembled and running since early in the summer of 1975.  I did have minor adjustments made by a clock smith located in Largo, Florida who has now passed on.  I have attempted to locate a local clock smith where I am presently living, in the western mountains of North Carolina.  I have not been able to locate any local clock smiths and felt that since the clock is over 31 years old that I might be better advised to purchase a replacement movement since the walnut case is in original condition and I miss the chimes since I now live alone.
You mentioned that there are still sources for replacement movements.  I surely would appreciate if you could forward me a contact address so I might obtain a replacement.  Of course, I would also be willing to send you the present movement if you are in business and would consider repair of my present movement.  Also, if you are in business, I would also kindly consider if you would act as an agent for me in obtaining a replacement movement.

The movement is at the present time, still in the case but looking on the back plate I find the numbers “223632” stamped and assume that is the clock number.

Answer
Donald, there are conversion kits for these movements if they cannot be repaired economically.  I probably have them.  I was plant engineer at Emperor and am familiar with these kits.  The Allexperts forum is for advice and we usually do not offer sales and service here.  But since you do not have a clockmaker near you, I will offer the following:  If you will contact me at my email address below, I can discuss the details of having the movement evaluated for restoration or replacement with a conversion kit.  The "223632" number should be a serial number.  However, there should be some other identification information on the back plate of the movement.  Also, If you can send me a clear digital photo of the back of the movement, it would help me identify it and view the mounting that was used.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note concerning questions not related to Allexperts:  Because of my commitment to answering Allexperts questions within a prescribed time limit and the large backlog of clock work at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis, other than Allexperts follow up questions.  I will try to answer these emails as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience.