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Clocks, Watches/Electric clock motor

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Expert: - 2/4/2011


Question
Hi, I have Canadian made westclox,monitor model sw9, that stop working. I can start it by turning the flywheel ,but quickly stop. I read one of your comment about oil the motor, could this be the problem or is it just worn out? Thanks Louis

Answer
Louis, I apologize for the delay in my answer.  I actually sent you a lengthy answer, but evidently it did not go through.

First, I am not familiar with the model you mention and they made many different clocks. It could be a bad rotor or gear.  It also could need oiling.  I feel a clockmaker experienced in electric clocks would have to look at it to determine the actual problem.  I have worked on quite a few of these, some requiring parts or lubrication.  If the rotor is bad I sometimes have used ones when new ones aren't available.  Many of the electric motors are obsolete, as they are not as much in demand because of the newer battery powered quartz clocks.  There are members of my Internet Clocksmiths group that rebuild the rotors, but any work done on these clocks would be at the same labor rate as other types of clocks.  I know some rotor run $80 to rebuild.  People that put a sentimental value on these clocks will gladly pay for the cost.  If the clock does not have resale, sentimental or collectable value, a quartz movement can be substituted.  And the difficulty of converting one differs in the various types of clocks.  I realize this is not a definite answer, but I hope it helps a little.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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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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