Third Coast Clock Service, Brien K Dews - CC21

06/28/2024

A sampling of the wide variety of time pieces I've seen over the last several weeks.
Is your clock to big to bring to me? I make housecalls for sick grandfathers! I've been to:
Grand Rapids, Escanaba, Muskegon, Brimley, Harbor Springs, Lansing, Big Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Niles and Kalamazoo recently and will likely be near you soon!

04/15/2024

We're hiring!
Seeking a part time customer service person for a small, but very busy, clock repair shop in Rockford MI.
Casual work environment to work Wed/Thurs 9a-6p. Opportunity for additional hours possible. Competitive pay.

Successful candidate will be responsible for:
Greeting customers
Handle all questions and needs for customers
Scheduling work / projects
Maintaining and updating social media accounts
Light bookkeeping
Phone support – answering customer calls, returning calls and contacting customers
Assist the shop owner with providing estimates
Collecting customer information and updating the customer database

This could be the ideal job for you, if you enjoy helping others, have a positive outlook, are detail oriented, can work independently and have your own reliable transportation. While not required, having customer service experience and proficiency with computers is desired (Quickbooks, Google Drive, use of database). Capable of learning to uncase clock movements and cleaning cases and glass. Possibly learning case repair and touch up.
Training is provided.

To apply for this position please apply in person at
Third Coast Clock Service, Brien K Dews - CC21
925 Northland Dr NE Rockford MI 49341
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-6pm

03/08/2024

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2am. Don't forget to move your clocks forward an hour!

Here's an article on where things stand on possible future changes to the D.S.T. practice.

At least 29 states have considered legislation related to daylight saving time, including making it permanent year-round. But those laws won't take effect until Congress makes it legal.

02/05/2024

Daylight Saving Time 2024 will start in March, meaning clocks will "spring forward" by an hour.

01/23/2024

11/02/2023

Daylight Saving Time officially ends this Sunday

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving (not 'savings') Time will conclude across the United States and Canada, except for the states of Arizona and Hawaii, as well as the Province of Saskatchewan. Although legislation, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, has been proposed in both the US House and Senate to establish Daylight Saving Time as a permanent practice, there has been no progress in this regard. Consequently, it's time for the transition back to standard time, where we're prepared to "fall back," meaning it's time to set your clocks back by one hour.

Here's everything you need to know about when Daylight Saving Time ends in 2023.

05/13/2023

Technically, I don't repair watches but....
Some of the things we see get awfully close. This little time piece had some escapement issues that are very specific to watch repair and required a dive into this 1949 repair book from a watch repair legend.

04/16/2023

A little photo montage of a badly worn bearing rebuild

03/10/2023

It's here, Daylight Saving Time!! Don't forget to Spring your clocks ahead Saturday night! Remember to always use the minute hand, not the hour hand, when setting the time on your clock. If it's battery operated, use the dial on the back where the battery is located as this will prolong the life of the movement.

Stay tuned for some exciting news in the coming weeks! Brien has something in the works that we hope to share soon!

12/22/2022

Happy Holidays!! Our shop will be closed December 23 - January 3, 2023. Normal hours will resume on January 4, 2023 (W/Th. 10-6).

11/02/2022

The end of Daylight Saving (not savings) Time for 2022 is here already! Remember to set your clocks back one hour on November 5th (officially the 6th @ 2:00 a.m.).

This flyer was found inside of a clock Brien serviced recently which was a reminder to his customers for the end of DST on Nov. 4, 2012! You never know what you forgot you stored inside of your clock!

We're happy to help walk you through setting your clock back if you need it! Hours are Wednesday/Thursday 10a-6p.

10/20/2022

"Clock of the week" is awarded to this mint-condition, rhodium-plated Atmos clock! Atmos clocks contain a bellows which is filled with Ethyl Chloride. The EC expands and contracts with the changes in temperature, therefore winding the clock.

Each one can be dated by the serial numbers consecutively assigned as they are manufactured. This particular clock "8056" dates back to 1928-1932 (4,000-10,000)! Notice how the blued (heat-treated) screws make for a perfect accent!

Also shown is one of Brien's 15 Atmos clocks "9146" which is very similar, but in the more common gold-platted finish.

10/06/2022

Its not very often we have Heritage Heirloom clocks in the shop, let alone 2 at the same time! These clocks are absolutely gorgeous! Manufactured in Holland, MI, Heritage Heirloom Ltd (later became American Heritage) started by former employees of Colonial Manufacturing of Zeeland, MI. Sadly, all of those companies are a thing of the past now. What a treat it must be to own such well-crafted beauties!

08/25/2022

Last Friday, we were honored to service the 100 year old E. Howard Clock Co. tower clock in the Antrim County Court House in Bellaire, MI. The building was built in 1904, but funds were short to purchase a clock for the tower at that time. The clock was purchased/installed in December 1922.

The clock is housed in small room within the tower which is covered with hundreds of signatures from visitors! The oldest we could find was Sept. 6, 1917!

Pictures contain the clock movement, 500 lb. bell, the original bill of sale for $1350, a list of "subscribers" and the amounts they donated, the flag ceremony in 1917, and detailed instructions from E. Howard on how to operate and maintain the clock (which even Brien has never seen!).

Here is a link for more information.

https://www.antrimcounty.org/community/our_history/1905_antrim_county_courthouse.php

08/18/2022

Clocks aren't the only historic thing Brien sees while fixing "sick grandfathers"! Over the years, he has had the pleasure of servicing clocks that live inside President Gerald R. Ford's boyhood home, recently a grandfather clock!

Here is a link with more information about the home and others that President Ford lived in. https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/avproj/hseries/homes.asp

07/28/2022

Did you know your mechanical clock needs routine maintenance? Brien recommends servicing mechanical clocks of any size, not just grandfathers, every 3 years. Call 616-863-8463 for grandfather clock service, or come see us at 925 Northland Dr in Rockford, MI any Wednesday/Thursday 10a-6p!

07/14/2022

Check out this Gilbert Porcelain Mantel Clock with an open escapement! As most of you know, Brien does not buy or sell clocks. That being said, this clock is from his personal collection and is for sale. Asking $400, buyer to pay for shipping costs if not local. Please call the shop with serious offers only. 616-863-8463

07/06/2022

It's so much fun learning about the history behind some of the clocks we see. This old electric tambour clock came to us recently for repair. Parts are not available to repair electric clocks so our customer chose a new chiming battery movement to give it new life. The customer brought along this picture of her dapper Grandfather from the late 1940's (roughly). The same clock is sitting in on the mantel! We are honored to work on family heirlooms that bring our customer so much joy!