You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Kieninger Grandfather clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/30/2011


Question
I am trying to find more info on a grandfather clock my Dad gave me several years back.  On the back it has: JAK in a gear - I know this means it was the top of the Kieninger line.
Original Kieninger
Made in Germany
No (0) Jewels unadjusted
 80
I get everything except the '80'.  Was this the it s made? We did live in Germany in 1980, but I can't be sure this is the year.  

Also - where would I turn to get a guestimate on the value?  I am trying to determine if I should spend the $$ to get it fixed.

Answer
Jennifer, the logo you described, along with the "Original Kieninger" was the one used on earlier Kieninger movements, which was their standard logo for the movements they manufactured at that time.  As many movements are shipped to different countries, The "No (0) Jewels unadjusted", was a requirement by customs to insure that an import duty on jewels or certain types of labor would not be applied.  I will have to check on the "80", as many of the clocks were not dated.  I do not give values on the Internet because of the many variations of conditions of the clock and the demand and economy in the area in which you live.  When my customers ask if their clock is worth servicing, I tell them how much the charge will be and then let them decide if it the clock is worth that to them.  Often the repair charge for a clock is more than it is worth as far as selling it, but sentimental value usually is the deciding factor.  I will get back to you on the date of manufacture, but 1980 does fall in line with the markings on the movement.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Jennifer, from the comments I received from my Internet Clocksmiths Group, we are pretty sure the movement was manufactured in 1980.  Kieninger made a quality movement, but the JAK logo as the logo they applied to all of their movements.  I hope this helps a little.

John newman  

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.