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Clocks, Watches/royal bonn la rambla 1755

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Expert: - 10/28/2011


Question
I was givin a the case for this la rambla  it is in perfect condition but it has no works just the case and the front glass hinged door did royal bonn use it's own works and can i find a suitable replacement as I would like to restore it as close as possible.thanks for your time.

Answer
Mark, there were a number of Ansonia movements made during that era.  Usually, they were used on different clocks, not being exclusive for one particular clock.  Sometime the mounting configurations were a little different.  It takes a bit of time to find a movement that fit the particular configuration with the proper dial to match the glass door and bezel, along with a gong and mounting board at the bottom of the case.  I have done this before.  The fist thing is to have the case in hand to look for the mounting points and make some measurements of the door.  There are Ansonia movements on eBay or Internet auction sites, and I look quite a bit for the Ansonia movements.  I have done two complete restorations, one that was underwater for two weeks in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, and the other that had been in a barn for quite a few years that had rusted and was damaged.  I was able to save the plates and other brass parts, but used the parts from the eBay movements to restore them.  I am on vacation now, but will research the La Rambla when I get back to the shop next week and get back with you.  If we need to continue any further after that I will give you my shop email address so we can be in more direct contact.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown 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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