Clocks, Watches/Expert Profile

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 in the area

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)

What do you like about this subject?

There are so many different types of clocks that one runs up on a different one each day. But I think that the most important aspect of my business is meeting the people that are the clock owners. They have such facinating stories about their clocks. However, the greatest satisfaction is bringing an old, worn out clock back to life.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Along with my demanding work in repairing and restoring clocks, I hope to start an introductory hands-on clock repair course. I am gathering information for an article on the history of the clock industry in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Some of the early clocks were long term used for noting planting times for agriculture, later for timing tides so ships could successfully leave and enter harbors, and so monks could time their vigils in the night. Now the most accurate clock is the cesium atomic waterfall clock whis is accurate to 1 billionth of a second per day!