Clockmakers Hall of Shame

[Jim DuBois]

I have been a bit taken aback by some of the folks who get upset about this subject. Many of us post for sake of amusement, not really to belittle misdirected past efforts at clock repair. There are people who collect make-do repairs of many household items and respect them for what they are. Someone made-do with what they had on hand. Sometimes we see remarkable ingenuity, usually not. One might well assume that many of the really sloppy jobs we see were done by an owner trying to his clock back on the road.

Personally, where we should take serious exception is to some of the work we see done today by people who charge a bunch of money and do horrible work. Or just do horrible work, even for cheap money.

I recently saw a 3 train high-quality tubular chime clock movement that was corroded, rusty steel, and green brass, it had been dunked, in who knows what. It didn't run for than a few days when it came home. The repair bill from that fine craftsman? A mear $3000.

 

[RJSoftware]

You have to admire their kahonees

 

[Bruce Alexander]

You have to admire their kahonees

uh, uh. Nothing admirable there in my opinion. Borderline criminal or criminal negligence perhaps.

 

[D.th.munroe]

I recently saw a 3 train high-quality tubular chime clock movement that was corroded, rusty steel, and green brass, it had been dunked, in who knows what. It didn't run for than a few days when it came home. The repair bill from that fine craftsman? A mear $3000.

Unfortunately Jim, I have yet to have a nice tubular chime movement that was not treated this way for those prices, brought to me after for repair. A few really nice english fusee movements as well, maybe not rust, but alot of sticky goo (sometimes it hasn't turned green yet) and often what I call "high water lines".
Dan

 

[Bruce Alexander]

I have been a bit taken aback by some of the folks who get upset about this subject. Many of us post for sake of amusement, not really to belittle misdirected past efforts at clock repair. There are people who collect make-do repairs of many household items and respect them for what they are. Someone made-do with what they had on hand. Sometimes we see remarkable ingenuity, usually not. One might well assume that many of the really sloppy jobs we see were done by an owner trying to his clock back on the road.

Hello Jim,

I think that was the crux of the debate on whether this Thread should have been renamed ("Shame" removed from the Title) or locked outright vs. being left as it was created by the OP. There was a Poll taken and most participants voted to leave the Thread alone. I think that the controversy has had a dampening affect on posts here though. Mark, David and a few others argued forcefully for the former. I understood/understand and respect their opinions but I think that the Thread can have positive, educational value if it is used properly.

We can speculate on the circumstances behind the unconventional repairs and maintenance that bring cases here but there's really no way to know. Was it some unethical shop, or some clueless "Mr. Fix-it". As far as the end result is concerned, it really doesn't matter and there is no benefit in pursuing all of the possibilities unless we want to engage in "barbershop" conversations/discussions/arguments.

Personally, I try to focus on the work, not the person(s) who did the work. There has been some conversation in a recent thread about folks being "self-taught" in the business/avocation/hobby. I did have a long-distance Mentor who got me started but I have largely taught myself through reading, watching videos and participating here. When I first started working with clocks, I "collected" at lot of different models to own and learn on. A lot of those early clocks I should have let someone else have but when the bug bites, we have fun acquiring and actually laying hands on clocks of all sorts. In any case, my intention was to learn on my own clocks and then turn around and hopefully sell them at a modest profit or at least break even having learned something in the process. I can now take in clocks belonging to others and do competent work for them...if I can find the time because I've still got too many clocks to service and sell. I got a little carried away. It was fun while it lasted though.

I have found that there's a lot of crap work which is hidden in the recesses of too many antique unwanted orphaned clocks that are floating around in the market. I sometimes find it irritating to have to reverse something that has been done in order to repair it properly using best methods as I understand them. It cost extra time and money to do so. RC counseled us to view these types of things as a way to get away from monotony and as an opportunity to learn additional skills. So I try to keep that in mind as I go forward.

I think that it's a fact that the more commonly found, mass produced clocks have lost 50% or even 75% of their market value over the last 10-15 years. I won't complain about the economics. Someone here might suggest that I get the eff out of the "business". The truth is that if I didn't enjoy the work, I would have gotten out a long time ago IF I had ever decided to get into it in the first place. It's just a lot more costly than I thought it would be. Hacked work makes it more expensive. No doubt that's why some have resorted to parting out clocks instead (another recent thread). As a matter of fact I watched with some remorse when what appeared to be a very nice Herschede Model 294 "Haverford" was just recently...within the last week or so...parted out on eBay by someone who calls himself a monger of clocks. He's really a destroyer of clocks and a monger of clock parts. As a mentor in another life once told me, now that you've discovered that you can't save the World, the question becomes, "Can you save yourself?".

If I decide to get the eff out of the business and liquidate our clocks, shop tools, equipment and supplies I won't do it that way. I'll sell most of our remaining clocks "as is". If I get a quarter on the dollar I'll probably be doing good. Auctioneers routinely offer lots of 3 or more clocks for a lot less money these days than one in good condition may have sold for a decade ago. Those of you who have made a career in Horology know the realities far better than I do.

I'll continue to try following RC's advice, but I still get irritated and often wonder "What in the hell....?" when I run across a resource consuming bodge that I just can't let pass through my shop as is. So, yes. I get upset sometimes.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[bangster]

I'll note in passing that a bodge is a bodge, whether done with the best of intentions or part of a scam. These bodges give us guidance as to what NOT to do. The shame is on the bodge, not necessarily on the bodger. The value of the thread is: Don't Do That.

Is what I think.

 

[Berry Greene]

Hey Guys & Gals,
Check out this one. Not only would the solder put escape wheel out of poise but look at the tooth at the 1:00 position.
This should give a unusual printout on Microset connected to computer and set to record every beat.
Assuming it will even run.

Keep these pics coming, I have over a hundred already.

It looks as though a piece has been let in but how come one tooth is reversed. That's weird. Big lumps of solder could have been brushed off while still molten That's ugly!

 

[shutterbug]

Just what ... not why ... but this thread has lasted longer and has had more posts than any other that I can think of. Good or bad, the fact is that it gets a lot of attention

 

[Berry Greene]

I think its an excellent thread too Shutterbug. There's a huge amount to be learnt here and maybe even impart. I read Bruce Alexander again just back there and I am following in his wake when I look at the path he trod. I'm at that point where yes I often know the preferred way forward and then I wonder is this the only course? Would a well executed alternative "bodge" be accepted. On some of the rubbish I have kept going it really wouldn't matter except in terms of pride. One can always throw time & money at anything. In a way that's almost too easy. I'd agree though that for other people's property its the only way. But for my collection of dubious interest and value one can wonder how can I do this quickly and cheaply. You're right - yes I have probably crossed the line here & there. So what I say is keep it coming because at a minimum what Bangster says there is true. Not like that Berry - that's tasteless - but this way has a certain ingenuity and class to it.
To read of that rip off in Spanish comes out just the same in English. Spheres it may be, but that is beyond shabby and says and does nothing for the human race does it?
Hey what brought me back here was a poem. But where's it gorn ... I write stuff sometimes more in humour than serious endeavour. It could be frustration rather than some deep rooted artist trying to get out!!
Regards, Berry G

 

[Jay Fortner]

A little art on the barrel cap and back of the dial is not such a bad thing. It's the guy that scribes X's at the pivot holes he intends to bush that I'd like to throttle.

 

[Carl Alelyunas]

A little art on the barrel cap and back of the dial is not such a bad thing. It's the guy that scribes X's at the pivot holes he intends to bush that I'd like to throttle.

Yeah, that's just lazy. It takes one sharpee and a little more care to use a temporary marking on the plate. After the little x's or circles, it's there forever. And I've seen some plates where the guy goes and signs his name with the scribe, too.

 

[R. Croswell]

I found this fabulous lantern pinion "repair" in a Welch, Spring & Co. Patti movement that I am currently working on. Ironically all the gobs of solder weren't holding anything. The trundles just slipped out easily with just a little pull. The area of the trundles in the shroud were however corroded where flux had penetrated but the solder didn't. Four of nine trundles had been replaced, and although they were a close match for diameter, I believe it best practice to replace all the trundles for uniformity. Not doing so wouldn't be a hall of shame issue, but I believe the solder mess probably is. I'm sure that repair worked, but anyone who had the "skills" to make that mess surely could have made a neater mess.

RC

 

[Phil G4SPZ]

Here are a couple of pictures of a 1950s Reiner 400-day clock that I’m working on. The front plate is badly scratched all over, covered in dirty fingerprints, and a bush has been soft-soldered into the centre pivot hole. In addition, although it’s hard to see from the photo, three of the smaller pivot holes have been ‘punched-up’, something I’ve not seen before in a 400-day clock.

Phil

 

[Dick Feldman]

As a matter of fact I watched with some remorse when what appeared to be a very nice Herschede Model 294 "Haverford" was just recently...within the last week or so...parted out on eBay by someone who calls himself a monger of clocks. He's really a destroyer of clocks and a monger of clock parts.

Have you noticed that same person recently has "parted" at least one more Herschede clock on eBay.
I thought it novel that the movements and tube racks were not offered for sale.
Fortunately or unfortunately I am in the market for a set of tubes.
Three of the 9 I have are cracked and a race car mechanic botched a repair on those.
I am ashamed to post pictures.
You can bet that the ones I have will be on eBay if I find suitable replacements.
Where is the morality?
Best,
Dick

 

[brian fisher]

Have you noticed that same person recently has "parted" at least one more Herschede clock on eBay.
I thought it novel that the movements and tube racks were not offered for sale.
Fortunately or unfortunately I am in the market for a set of tubes.
Three of the 9 I have are cracked and a race car mechanic botched a repair on those.
I am ashamed to post pictures.
You can bet that the ones I have will be on eBay if I find suitable replacements.
Where is the morality?
Best,
Dick

a set of nine good Herschede tubes will probably set you back a grand or more on ebay.

i think the best way to sell the bells you have would be to sell the uncracked ones individually. i promise you there will be a good market for them that way.

 

[Dick Feldman]

a set of nine good Herschede tubes will probably set you back a grand or more on ebay.

The first set of tubes for sale were scuffed but not cracked. The second set had fine cracks in three of the tubes. If I remember, the first set sold for about $700.00 plus shipping and the second set sold for $608.00 plus shipping.
It seems used Urgos tubes are down as well.
Herschede tubes are larger diameter (about 1 3/8" vs Urgos at about an inch diameter.)
Like Herschede and other high end clocks, the prices have slacked off a bit on tube sets.
Is there any news on the concern that bought the R and M Imports stock?
Dick

 

[Bruce Alexander]

Have you noticed that same person recently has "parted" at least one more Herschede clock on eBay.
....Is there any news on the concern that bought the R and M Imports stock?...

Hello Dick,

No, I haven't been browsing eBay much lately. The Seller seems pretty prolific. I imagine he must be like a hunter/butcher selling meat for a living.

On the matter of R and M, the last I heard Moore Clocks was supposed to have bought out R & M's Herschede stock and tooling. I sent several e-mails to them early in this year with no response, courtesy or otherwise. This is the page they've set up on the Internet: R & M Imports Products - www.mooreclocks.com/ but they seem to be doing absolutely nothing with it. Maybe they've bitten off more than they can chew.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[steamer471]

In my short time of collecting I have been very fortunate that most of the clocks I have acquired have not seen many bad repairs. Till now. I bought the Kroeber Parisian, the case is in good shape with the glass pendulum. Well when I looked at the movement I couldn't believe the solder, epoxy and just plain mess that was made of this one. I love the tooth soldered on the escape wheel. Believe it or not it's running and keeping time. Doesn't strike though.

I

 

[shutterbug]

Yikes!

 

[steamer471]

Sorry for the duplicate pics. I don't know if its the new stuff but I swear I posted these. Look at escape wheel tooth and notice they even soldered the suspension spring to the post. The springs look like stainless steel. Writing says France.

 

[shutterbug]

It has all of the earmarks of a home tinkerer. Inventive and effective .... but ugly

 

[Bruce Alexander]

The Solder Fairy has been pretty busy with this clock. Most of those should be pretty easy (but time consuming) to clean up. You've got a few challenges there though. Recoils can be very forgiving, can't they? What are your plans going forward?

Regards,

Bruce

 

[Carl Alelyunas]

Wow. Words fail me. Just....wow.

 

[steamer471]

The Solder Fairy has been pretty busy with this clock. Most of those should be pretty easy (but time consuming) to clean up. You've got a few challenges there though. Recoils can be very forgiving, can't they? What are your plans going forward?

Regards,

Bruce

Not having a lathe, or the training to use one, this one is beyond my skill level at this time. I have yet to do this type of escapement work and the clutch worries me also I'll bet there is plenty of pivot work to be done. Stubborn sucker, still running and keeping time. I'm going to keep an eye out for a replacement movement at least for parts. Considering the condition of the case this reminds of the story I read on here about the guy "making antiques".

 

[Jim DuBois]

I often complain long and loud about stripping clocks and refinishing them. Here is a classic example of how to ruin IMO a decent and fairly uncommon clock. Photo is from a fellow collector who is going to do his best to restore it. He has some major work to do.....

 

[Bruce Alexander]

I often complain long and loud about stripping clocks and refinishing them. Here is a classic example of how to ruin IMO a decent and fairly uncommon clock. Photo is from a fellow collector who is going to do his best to restore it. He has some major work to do.....

Hello Jim,

I really like the columns on the case. Could you please tell us a little more about this clock? Also, what is done is done. What would you do to mitigate the "newness" of this finish? It looks like Shellac, but there's no way to tell from a photo. I'm guessing that a good rub down with 4-0 Steel Wool and perhaps some paste wax might make it less glaring...

Thank you.

Bruce

 

[Jim DuBois]

Bruce, that clock will require a fair amount of veneer work. The upper door is either missing all its veneer or is a complete replacement, I tend to think the entire upper door is a less than well-done replacement. The columns may have had gold leafed capitals. The columns were most likely painted black during the period the clock was made, may have been stenciled, could have been gessoed and faux grained or decorated too. The splat requires something, it would have been stenciled originally, if it is original to the clock. Much of the veneer needs to be releveled and reglued, then colored all to match. All the glossy stuff would be gone following the proper restoration of the surfaces, before the finish. Then both color and finish could be applied. It would be a long and somewhat painful process to do all this properly. I have done a few that were hacked to this degree, but I don't invite more to rework. The time spent would be worth far more than the clock when completed I fear.

 

[Bruce Alexander]

The time spent would be worth far more than the clock when completed I fear.

Thank you Jim. I find the same to be true of hacks to more common clocks which is often why I'll post in this Thread. I have a clock listed on eBay. Would-be buyers want to haggle. I quote my "best price" and they just can't seem to resist the urge to take another bite. I find it maddening. I think I'll stop accepting "Best Offers". My time is worth something, if only to me.

 

[bruce linde]

there are two kinds of ebay best offers... 'reasonable' and 'you're wasting my time'... with the vast majority in the latter category. if i accept best offers i now add 'reasonable best offers welcome' to my listings.

while this hasn't done much to curb the time-wasters, it does seem to have upped the number of reasonable offers, even if only slightly.

ever forward.

 

[Rod Schaffter]

there are two kinds of ebay best offers... 'reasonable' and 'you're wasting my time'... with the vast majority in the latter category. if i accept best offers i now add 'reasonable best offers welcome' to my listings.

I've never had a Best Offer offer I've made turned down; I must be too reasonable...

 

[Matt Parker]

Anyone can cut a strip out of an aluminum can and make a suspension spring...but this guy put the work in!!

 

[bruce linde]

i really don't know what to say ... except, maybe, that some things can't be un-seen?

 

[Sooth]

Is that.... leather?

 

[kinsler33]

Is that.... leather?

Looks like it. Aluminum doesn't corrode like that. I've actually manufactured a suspension spring or two lately, for they tend to come to grief when you've got a hand tremor. I managed to re-use the brass ends of an old Hermle sus. spring plus some sus spring material from Timesavers. Came out nicely, blue steel and all.

M Kinsler

 

[bruce linde]

Is that.... leather?

looks like what’s left of a hard-used scrubbing pad... yipes

 

[Jim DuBois]

But, did it work?

 

[shutterbug]

It probably worked. Suspension material can vary a lot, from none (cuckoo's) to silk thread, to springs and other more inventive things like leather or aluminum can strips

 

[Berry Greene]

Anyone can cut a strip out of an aluminum can and make a suspension spring...but this guy put the work in!!

View attachment 639716

That's nailed the problem!

 

[Bruce Alexander]

That's nailed the problem!

Yeah. I suppose, but it still looks pretty screwed up to me. I wonder what other inventive fixes await.

 

[shutterbug]

LOL. Nothing wrong with that, Bruce

 

[Karl Thies]

Got this donor movement on Ebay at a good price, but look at how the last repairer did a job on the strike side of a Seth Thomas ships bell clock. I can only guess that he couldn't figure out how to get the eight bells in proper sequence with the levers, and a poor job of wheel repair and gluing the fan,.luckily it is just for parts and the ones that I need are all good.

 

[kinsler33]

How on earth could that particular wheel lose teeth? It looks like there's nothing but the fan load on it.

Mark Kinsler

 

[bruce linde]

i'm unexpectedly missing a tooth after biting into a rice cake... it happens!

 

[Karl Thies]

Got another shoemakers repair of an old Seth Thomas ships clock with exterior bell. The bell rods are an interesting way to repair the worn out original rods. Someone tell me why people keep painting solid brass cases with brass colored paint. Why

 

[shutterbug]

Pretty interesting repair
Check the false barrel where the springs attach carefully. They are a weak spot in the clock design. I've hard soldered them back in successfully, but it can anneal the brass too. Don't try soft solder.

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

Another use for a measuring tape. Suspension spring on a Scottish tall case clock.

 

[PatH]

Did it work?

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

Did it work?

It did but it didn't quite measure up!

Ron

 

[shutterbug]

It looks like it's the right length though

 

[SuffolkM]

I'll just leave this here...