AboutJohn Newman Expertise Because of the variations of clock values throughout the world, and particularly the lack of data on modern production clocks, I regret that I CANNOT DETERMINE CLOCK VALUES. 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 involved in building, repairing and restoring clocks for about 30 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.
Question I cannot get the Westminster chimes to work on my clock. There is a sliding bar that turns off the chimes, but I have it on "chime" and it only clicks at the hour and quarter hour. I have taken the back off of the clock to expose the inner workings and cannot find anything that might be a fix. According to the information book about the clock, the right weight is linked to the chimes, and of course the weight is not descending as the clock ticks away. The clock does keep good time but I can't enjoy the beautiful chime it used to have.
Answer Barb, I don't know which model movement you have, but that's not important right now. You can find the information on the back of the movement plate. One of the more popular movements was the Hermle (sometimes another name was imprinted on the back) 451-050 94cm. With the back cover off, look at the chime hammer assembly which is to your left. You should see 4 hammers. Are they all at rest in the same line? Or is one of them raised? There should be a couple of gears next to the chime assembly. Gently rock them back and forth to see if maybe one of the hammers has jammed. This sometimes happens when the chime/silent lever is moved during a chime operation, but not very often. The other factor is the lubrication. How long has it been since it was last serviced? After about 7 to 10 years, the lubricants start becoming gummy and the first symptom is that the chimes start slowing down and finally stop. The strike will stop as it is dependent upon the chime function completing the hour chime. Therefore you will not see the right or left weights decending. If this is the case, it is probably time to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. That's about all I can think of. If you see anything further or have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
