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Old 01-02-2021, 01:36   #1
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Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I can't figure out where to submit this post so please redirect me?


I have a very old Seth Thomas Ship's Clock (8 bells striking/4hour watches) in need of a pallet fork and possibly main spring. The only numbers I can locate on/inside are:
model # is E887-001.
also: 4807 & 115D inside


Can anyone please help me find a reliable clocksmith for the repair? Almost two years ago I located someone who had the parts, in California, but was unable to send the clock then. He'd warned me he was old. Now he's gone. A local clocksmith has been able to keep the clock going but the mechanism is very touchy, easily stalls out, so it needs the attention of someone who has access or can make parts. My local man cannot.


I can give more information to whomever might be able to fix it, if anyone can give me a name and email or number to call.
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Old 01-02-2021, 04:19   #2
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

There is Chelsea Clock here in Massachusetts.

https://www.chelseaclock.com/p/repair-restoration
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Old 01-02-2021, 07:50   #3
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I have used this business. Did good work. Located in Kansas City.

https://clockshopusa.com/
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Old 01-02-2021, 09:29   #4
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

YOU TWO ARE WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for the prompt replies, Anchorbend & S-V-Saga! Will follow up immediately!
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Old 01-02-2021, 10:15   #5
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

Just received another helpful link for repairing my ship's clock, which has led me to doing a bit more research on line and I feel slightly abashed to have thought I'd previously been thorough in my searches! Perhaps more sites have popped up since, but for now it looks like I can resume the search on my own. If not, I'll be back with an update. In the meantime, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUPPORT!
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Old 01-02-2021, 12:41   #6
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

Robert White services sextants, barometers and barographs. I'm not sure if he does clocks, but I'm sure he could.
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Old 01-02-2021, 21:47   #7
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

A word of caution - a clock cleaning can cost $500+, never mind repairs. Make sure you have an estimate and don’t tell them to ‘just fix it’......
Matt
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Old 01-02-2021, 23:13   #8
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

You are good to warn me, Matt. I will do that but am prepared to 'bite the bullet'. This clock has been on board PILAR for the last thirty-six years, forty-six years in MY life, and I have no idea how long it had been on the 1929 Stephen's motor yacht, Huntress, before our best friend gave the set, clock and barometer to us when he sold his boat. So...you can understand how difficult it is for me to not do whatever needs doing to keep this clock functioning for a lot longer. Thank you,again. Very thoughtful.
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Old 02-02-2021, 09:42   #9
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I understand the sentiment. My Seth Thomas is on my third boat since 1978 that my mom gave me from some stuff she found in the inventory of a thrift store business that she bought and ran. I don’t remember ever having it cleaned! Still keeps good time and the bells are a comfort. You might also check around locally for a watch and clock club. Lots of “old timers” there!
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Old 02-02-2021, 10:00   #10
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I have a WWII vintage Chelsea Navy clock. I live Tampa Florida and found Boyd Clocks. Second generation clock repair shop - in talking with him, the number of clock repair people had dropped to near zero over the years.

https://www.boydclocks.com/

Peter
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Old 02-02-2021, 10:29   #11
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlydon View Post
A word of caution - a clock cleaning can cost $500+, never mind repairs. Make sure you have an estimate and don’t tell them to ‘just fix it’......
Matt
I am a hobbiest watch/clock collector who repairs his own stuff. I agree with the get an estimate first bit because that should be common sense. On the other hand, if you're paying over $500 for a CLEANING, find someone else to give your money to.


BTW, there's an active clock and watch collectors site with a forum/board where you can ask for referrals who are local to you who adhere to the ethics standards of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. They have members worldwide.

https://mb.nawcc.org/
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Old 02-02-2021, 10:53   #12
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I worked as a Holorgist in the early 80’s and serviced several of these Seth Thomas ships clocks. There are a couple versions (mostly the same clock with or without chime).
The good news is these are pretty basic and there is no reason it cannot be brought back to “as new” working condition.
From memory the mainsprings for these clocks are the same used in any Seth Thomas 7 day key wind clock of the time. I used to buy these by the gross, and suspect they are still very available.
As far as the pallet fork goes the only part available is going to be from a parted out old clock. It will be very hard to find. That said, we seldom had problems with these and were always able to repair the original pallet fork. As a reference we probably serviced 200’ish of these in the 5 years I was involved.
My gut feeling is that anyone capable of repairing a mechanical pocket watch can repair this clock. I'd start with the shop in Kansas City.
Good luck,
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Old 02-02-2021, 11:40   #13
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

There’s a guy in Staunton, VA who you may wish to speak with “Once upon a time”
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Old 02-02-2021, 12:19   #14
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

I would avoid Chelsea, they take a looong time and are very expensive. I think they only like to work on their own clocks.
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Old 02-02-2021, 14:23   #15
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Re: Need help finding a Ship's Clock repairperson

My self and a number of friends have used Lenonard Taube on the restoration and repair of Chelsea and Seth Thomas marine clocks and chronometers. Lenny is a mater clocksmith.
He used to live outside of Boston but moved to Florida. I ship him clocks double boxed by UPS now.
His contact info is lenny@clockmedic.com
561-637-7184
6951 Vale Elizabeth
Delray Beach, FL 33446

Highly reccomended!
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