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 QUESTION: I have a very old(1935)wall clock with chimes.It is keeping perfect time,but recently the chimes are all mixed up.The hour chimes at half hour with one ring at quarter,two at the hour and three at quarter past.Can I set it myself ? Had removed the clock to polish the wooden frame.could that have caused it?Would appreciate if anything can be done.Thanks
ANSWER: Vandana, I need to clarify a couple of points of your question. First, how many winding holes are on the dial, two or three? Three would mean that you have a chiming and striking clock. If it has chimes does it play the Westminster chime? There are some variations to this. Normally on a Westminster chime, it will chime 4 notes on the quarter, 8 on the half, 12 on the 3/4 and 16 on the hour and then strike out the hour. I might need the make and model of the clock movement which is usually found on the back movement plate. Did you remove one or both of the hands and then replace them? I might need a full front view digital of the clock. Let me know.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply,John.There are three winding holes on the dial.It is a Westend Watch Co. make clock.It chimes one note at quarter,two notes at half ,three notes at three quarters and then the no.of notes as the hour may be.Yes we did remove both the hands since the fine wire holding them came loose.We could not find any make or model except the name on the dial.If it could be of any help it needs winding ones in 7 days and is still keeping perfect time.We are not sure if it plays the Westminster chime.Hope these answers are useful.Thanks.
ANSWER: "It chimes one note at quarter,two notes at half ,three notes at three quarters and then the no.of notes as the hour may be."
Is this the way it was doing, or is doing now?
John
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QUESTION: Dear John,
This is the way it has been doing.Coincidently we have found a local person who is interested in such clocks and feels confident that he will be able to set the clock.Thank you for answering all my questions.Will surly let you know if it starts working fine.
Answer Vandana, it has been a while, but I remember seeing some clocks that have a chime arrangement that chimes the quarters but not the hour when it just counts out the hour. This might be one of them. Seeing a photo of it might jog my memory. But let me know what your local person finds and how it works out.
