Clocks, Watches/moon dial gear pin

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Expert: - 10/21/2011


Question
I have an Emperor clock, model 101 high pallet bridge, and the taper pin that turns the moon dial is missing.  I just need to know what size pin I need to replace it.  It's the pin that fits in a small hole on the gear wheel and catches the teeth of the moon dial.  I've found that there are several diffent diameters/lengths to choose from when ordering.  Any info would be appreciated!

Answer
Anne, the size of the pin on one of my Emperor drive gears is 0.047".  It is a straight pin.  However, when I replace a broken or missing pin, I do as you are suggesting and use a taper pin.  One reason is that sometimes dials were supplied by different manufacturers and the pins might vary in diameter.  I drive it in (from the side opposite the bushing) and apply a very small amount of super glue to the joint, then cut the pin off on the two ends to dress it up.  The end on the bushing side of the wheel should be about 3/16" and the other end about 1/16".  The best thing to do would be to order an assortment, but will you need the rest of them?  If you will contact me at my shop email address below and give me your mailing address, I will put a couple of taper pins in an envelope and send to you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)  

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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