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Expert: - 12/23/2011


Question
QUESTION: I have a Bim Bam pendulum movement that is working erratically. It is the one sold by Klock-it that uses a D battery. I have replaced the battery.  When I put a new battery in, or reseat the old one, the chime immediately correctly rings the last hour number of chimes (or sometimes rings 12), but after a few hours, again becomes silent. Do you think the clock needs to be oiled? The clock keeps perfect time. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: David, I don't know what model movement you have, but am not familiar with all the battery powered semi-mechanical or quartz movements.  As far as taking one to a clock shop, most of these movements are not repairable as there are no diagnostic procedures or parts available from the manufacturers.  The main reason is that the labor to repair one of these is usually more than the cost of replacing it.  Now, in answer to your question, and if you want to attempt to fix it, it could be that the movement contacts for the battery have a little corrosion on them which will result in intermittent operation(One note is that if a battery powered clock has corroded contacts, the contact plating has been destroyed and it will have continuous problems).  If the time is working okay, then we would want to look elsewhere such as an intermittent circuit or mechanical problem.  Can you tell me what the Klockit model number is?  That will help in determining which path to take.  But, with the intermittent problem the final solution might be to replace it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvilliage
Prattville, Alabama



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

QUESTION: Thank you for the fast reply!

Here is the web page reference to the exact clock I have.
http://www.klockit.com/products/sku-12160.html
By the way, I have inspected the contacts and they seem clean and not corroded.
My wife collects clocks when we travel, and we have over 125!  I have taken apart quartz movements and found, among other things, an ant in the gears!  I am trying to avoid taking the clock apart to get to the chime motor as it is obviously more complicated... I just can't figure out the intermittent problem, especially when the clock keeps perfect time!

Thanks again.

David

Answer
The battery powers the timekeeping and the motor that drives the strike hammers.  There could be a bad contact in the trip mechanism for the strike motor.  This would not affect the timekeeping, as they are different functions.  Without looking at it, It would be rather difficult to determine what is wrong with it.

John Newman

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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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