Expert: John Newman - 10/18/2011

Question
QUESTION: Mr Newman,
    i just bought a Ti-Chron Clock in a roadside antique store outside Austin Texas. I wasn't really in the market for a clock, but I love 'em, and the price was good.
     This is a mantle clock. I bought it for $60. It seems to work fine - so far anyway - and it has a beautiful chime on the quarter hour. My question to you is about the brand name. I have never heard of Ti-Chron. Is it a worthwhile purchase (a bit late, I must admit, since I have already bought the sucker.)? Do you have any suggestions for keeping them moving? I plan to bring it to a clockmaker here in Austin to have it cleaned thoroughly as soon as I can.
     I appreciate your time and your expertise in this matter.

         sincerely,
         John

ANSWER: John, I am not familiar with the Ti-Chron name.  I am thinking Asian 31-day (1 month  between windings) clock.  I do not give appraisals or values on the Internet, as I am not a certified appraiser.  The general rule is that the value of a clock is what someone will pay for it, and if it is in good condition and you like it, then it was a worthwhile purchase.  I do not know the clock shop fees in your area, but for a warranteed service of the clock, I would think it would run one to two times what you paid for the clock.  The fee for cleaning, oiling and adjusting a clock in my area would be double what you paid for the clock, without any additional parts repair or replacement.  I do not quite understand the question about (...suggestions for keeping them moving).  If you will get back with me with a little more explanation, I'll see if I can answer that part of the question.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John,
    Thanks for your answer. I can't find anything on Ti-Chron ether. This clock appears to be pre-WWII, so, given that, was there an Asian market to the US then? I really don't know. I just read the bit on the side of this website and read about your work in China. That must have been a fascinating experience. When was this? By the way, my Ti-Chron clock is stamped with "made in USA" on the bottom of the face.
    My question about "keepin' this thing running?" I dunno, maybe I am a bit insecure about owning my first clock. I bought an old anniversary clock from a guy in Ft. Collins CO a few years ago, but it seems to be extremely self-sufficient. Disregard the question.  
    
         
         Thanks for your help,
         John Pabor

Answer
John, I don't think the clock was pre-WWII.  Also I don't think it is Asian.  I believe the label that the clock was made in the USA, and the movement is probably German, like Hermle, Jauch or Urgos, in that order of probability.  I have some Chinese mantel clocks made between 1915 and 1935 which are similar to American clocks of that type.  There has always been an "Asian market to the US", but I am guessing that the peak of the Asian 31-day clocks was in the 1970's to the 2000's.  They are making more cases now for the US and the quality is improving.  I would imagine that movements will follow the same path.  

My experience in China, as you say, was fascinating.  I was there in '94, '95' and '96.  I had friends that had been there 5 to 10 years before and according to them, things had really changed.  I imagine they have changed even more, particularly with the spreading global economy.  I would go back in a minute if I had the opportunity.

Don't feel insecure in owning a clock.  All you have to do is ask questions, and we are here on Allexperts.

 
John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama