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Question
The clock is a Acctim wall clock made in England, it will not chime on the quarter or half hour or on the hour, it keeps good time, when i turn the hands of the clock i can feel the movement set ready to chime but nothing happens, please can you help.
Richard, there can be many causes for the chimes not working (if the chimes don't work, the strike usually doesn't work either as it is dependent on the chimes completing the full hour chime#. Some of the causes are:
1. Forgetting to wind the chime mainspring. All mainsprings should be fully wound.
2. The silent/chime lever (if it has one) being in the silent position
3. A transport lever in the back of the clock inhibiting the chimes
4. Gummy lubricant
5. Worn parts
First check items 1 through 3. You didn't tell me the history of the clock as far as was it chiming and striking and then just stopped, or if the chimes ran slower and slower over a period of time. A clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years. If it has been longer, the cause could be items 4 and/or 5. In that case it should be looked at by an experienced clockmaker. Let me know what you find.
John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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| Comment | Thank you John, i will work through the list of possible causes and let you know, i got this clock in a auction for little money, i found it didn't chime when i got it home, my interest in clocks only started this year after retirement,I had one bit of luck, i was given an electric clock 1940 ish made by Ferranti in a bakalite case art deco, it was'nt working but i rewired it an oiled it and it now keeps very good time. | ||
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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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