I've read on the georgenelson.org website that original clocks were all electric.
Where does that place the vintage Nelson clocks with a key wind mechanism. Does a $400 oppurtunity seem fair for a ball clock key wind? Almost out of breath here... how long does a typical winding last?
Whew...got that off my chest
Hmm, the winding versions...
Hmm, the winding versions are pretty rare (relatively) and I'd always just assumed that they were an option during the early days (I still think that...but I don't have a definitive answer).
In fact I don't have definitive answers to any of your questions. However, I do have a friend with a wind-up ball clock and, from what he's told me, it seems that Howard Miller used really really cheap movements, so a lot of times the movements on the wind-up clocks, in particular, no longer work properly. My friend wasn't really able to find any clock repairers who wanted to work on the clock because the movement was so low quality. He eventually did get it repaired (instead of replaced, as the clock repairers advocated), but it went out again in a short amount of time. So anyway, just make sure the thing works first. If it's in pretty clean shape, $400 doesn't seem too bad. The wind-ups always go for more and, at least from an aesthetic standpoint, I find them to be preferable (no cords hanging down).
I don't know whether they're 8-day clocks or what...
$400.00 for key wind-up, hellava good deal
Yes, Howard Miller did offer some of the best selling wall clocks in both electric and wind-up.
This makes sense because;
1) Howard Miller had the technology in place, and
2) George Nelson was keening involved in BOTH home and office use, and some offices might not want the cord showing on their wall, so a wind-up was the next best thing.
As to if the Ball Clock was available in the kew wind-up format from the first day of sale, that I'm not sure of.
BR, your friend truly had an...
BR, your friend truly had an unfortunte experience. I'm flustered as I've always been under the impression these clocks used superior mechanics. Just handling this clock gives a strong reliable impession, that's without winding it, which I'll inspect today. Some more hemming and hawing coming my way.
My sentiments on the pros for key wind. No wires, or batteries...just good ole fashion crankin. Very "green". There's something about seeing a keyhole on a clock. I'll have to refine my thoughts on this.
i had a wind up Nelson...
i had a wind up Nelson key clock and it last around 5 to 6 days and depends on the condition of the clock mine was old and i paid 250 at a garage sale and I was Leary at first cause i thought it was a fake . but then i found out that he did make both styles wind up and electric ( this was 5 years ago that i bought the clock) and it did have some rust on it so you might want to take it to a clock maker but if you really want to enjoy it,
I would save the wind up take it out and out and put in a new quartz movement in , if you ever want t o get rid of it you have the old movement, It does become a hassle t o wind up clocks every couple of days, But if you are a clock fanatic and serious collector this is all MUTE
Howard Miller did do wind-ups.
Howard Miller did do wind-ups. I have a Nelson spool clock with a key wind-up. Don't know how log it would run as I never bother to wind it. It just hangs on the wall, looking nice. If I need the time, I check the battery operated, or plug-in clocks but sometimes they are not even correct. I'm often too lazy to change them for daylight savings.
Wind-up
I always thought it would be cool to have one, since I'm not crazy about battery clocks.
I have a Russel Wright GE kitchen clock, that's electric.
I would expect that considering Howard Miller's excellent quality, if the wind-up clock is working, it should be fine.
Also, I believe that a wind-up that's not working well can be repaired.
Hi all
I personally prefer...
Hi all
I personally prefer the original electric clocks for a stout reason. The design allows the time to be kept with the cycles of power. The motors run at 1 RPM! Thats right... the 60 cycles per second allow that accuracy! The only problem with a good electric-Nelson is getting a wired outlet through the wall. So if you are smart... you get the correct outlet and snap it in.
How many people would buy a correct wall receiver for a Nelson clock? I made one already, just like original. It wasn't bad installing, as I wire houses with ease.
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