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Question
QUESTION: My clocks hands will not move. WHY!!!!???!!!!!!
ANSWER: Ana, there are thousands of different clocks out there. Divided into three groups, there are electric, battery powered, and mechanical. I could not even start to advise you what is wrong. If you will tell me the make and model of the clock and clock movement (motor) I might have a better idea of what might be wrong and have you do some checking. Please get back to me with some of that information and I'll be glad to help.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Its a battery powered- yes the battery is good- youngtown quartz wall art clock with stickers as the numbers. I can hear it go tick- tock but the hands will not move.
Ana, It looks like something is binding in the clock movement or one of the plastic gears has broken. About the only thing I can suggest is to check the hands to see if they are interfering with each other or one has been pushed too far on the shaft. As there were many inexpensive models of battery-powered/quartz clocks manufactured, there is very little information or parts available. The labor fees for diagnostics and repair fast exceed the replacement of a new movement. Also many of these movements are not manufactured any more and substitute movements have to be used. Of course modifying a case to fit one of these movements can be labor intensive. However, by the description you have given me of your clock, you might have an easily replaceable movement. Is it possible for you to send me a clear digital photo of the back of the clock? I will see if I can recommend a replacement movement. My email address is below.
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.
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Answers by Expert:
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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