Brien K Dews-Certified Clockmaker
~If my hours don't fit your schedule I'd be happy to make an appoi Trust your time to my craftsmanship!
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With over 40 years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers Brien offers unparalleled service on a wide range of timepieces, mechanical and battery operated, from minor adjustments to complete mechanical overhauls and even complete new movements. If you have been told your timepiece is un-repairable, let us prove the others wrong. There is no greater joy than returning a clock to you in p
roper working order. From your small mantel clocks to the great big grandfather's clocks Brien has the experience necessary to return your timepiece to the best condition possible. Brien is the only AWCI certified clockmaker in the state of Michigan and he makes house calls for sick grandfathers!
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!
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
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.
Daylight Saving Time 2024 will start in March, meaning clocks will "spring forward" by an hour.
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.
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.
A little photo montage of a badly worn bearing rebuild
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!
Happy Holidays!! Our shop will be closed December 23 - January 3, 2023. Normal hours will resume on January 4, 2023 (W/Th. 10-6).
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.
"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.
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!
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
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
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!
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
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!
Brien never knows what he will encounter during sick grandfather visits. It's not everyday you see peacocks on a porch!
Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks ahead 1 hour this Sunday morning at 2:00am! Daylight Saving (not savings) Time is back for 2022! Thanks to Benjamin Franklin, we get to enjoy the summer sun a bit longer each day!
For those that wish DST would come to an end, here’s an article explaining why you really want permanent DST 😉!
When do we change clocks in 2022? It will be time to spring ahead on Sunday with the start of daylight saving time 2022.
Who knew time could be so fascinating?! Check out these mind-blowing tid-bits!
"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so."
Happy Holidays!!! Just a friendly reminder the shop will be closed December 29 & 30. Normal hours will resume January 5, 2022!! Best wishes and safe travels!!
Don't forget to turn your clocks back at 2am Sunday morning! Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end once again. To save the sanity of every clockmaker - English teacher - and any grammar corrector out there, please do not and an 's' to Saving!!! Happy Fall Ya'll!!
Do you know your clock types? I never knew clocks had names for their style and shape until I started working here. It's fascinating to see how the same type can be so different! Here are a few of some of the most common types we see in the shop.
One of the most common reasons clocks are brought into the shop is because they are bound up by dust and grime and just need a good cleaning, oiling, and adjusting. Since you don't always get to see the work Brien does on the inside we like to send them home looking as good as possible on the outside too! Sometimes we find little surprises inside, not just dust. (see photos 😉)
Photos: Seth Thomas Tambour clock showing the location of the goods inside and a 30-hour Cuckoo clock before and after clean.
Ever wonder what it’s like at 12:00 in a clock shop?
This weeks featured clock is the unparalleled ATMOS Clock - The clock that lives on air! Atmos clocks run by a mixture of gas (ethyl chloride) & liquid inside an airtight capsule. The mixture expands as temperatures rise, and contracts as temps fall causing the capsule to move like an accordion (think of a lung breathing). This motion winds up the mainspring which then slowly turns a balance wheel suspended by a very delicate "Elinvar wire" (nickel-iron-chromium alloy; nearly temperature resistant). The balance oscillates at a steady 2 beats per minute (60 million Atmos clocks consume less energy than one 15-watt light bulb!). They require an extremely solid and level surface free of vibration in order to remain operational.
All of this said, Atmos clocks are very delicate and sensitive which makes repairing them a bit of a challenge at times. Brien has special training and along with many specialized tools (see photo) that are unusual and innovative. We have also have accumulated many parts for the Atmos clock. Designed to virtually run forever, Atmos clocks only need servicing about every 25 years compared to mechanical clocks which is every 3 years. There are a handful of Atmos clocks in the shop today, waiting for their turn to once again harmonize with the rhythm of the Earth.
These clocks were often given as service awards to employees of GM and Brunswick in the 50’s & 60’s
"Nu Elck Syn Sin (To Each His Own)!!" Shout out to all of our Dutch followers! This clock is called a Zaandaam/Zaanse or "Rich Man's Clock". They originate from the Netherlands (Zaandaam region - windmill country) from around the mid-17th Century. The style shown here is a more "modern" reproduction of the original style - all styles of Zaandaam clocks are no longer made.
Notice the top of the clock has a statue of Atlas (carrier of the universe), 3 smaller metal ornamental figures which represent Faith/Love/Hope, a horseman pendulum is enclosed within the backboard, 4 cherubs adorn the corners of chapter ring, and 2 uniquely pear-shaped weights. There are many variations of these clocks as well as the ornamental figurines.
There are 3 of these unique clocks in our shop awaiting a good cleaning, oil, and adjustments.
Check out this awesome wood-geared clock by American clockmaker Riley Whiting from the early 1800's! I'm fascinated by the handwritten service dates on the door and back of the face panel!! A count wheel (shown in photo) striking system strikes each hour on a cast iron bell while 2 cast iron weights hang from heavy cord on either side drop slowly over a 30-hour period at which point the clock is re-wound with a crank. Riley Whiting made clocks in Wi******er and Winstead, CT until his death in 1835 where the business was run by his son and Widow, then sold to William J. Gilbert in 1841.
Does everyone feel as awkward as I do when it comes to self-intros? Ok, good 😫 My name is Amy Noorman and I am Brien's new "Counter Queen" 😁 aka Office Assistant. I am very humbled to be given the chance to learn from Brien and help keep him organized in order for him to focus more time on your beloved clocks. Thank you for your patience as I learn this unique job!! I look forward to meeting you all soon!
925 Northland Drive NE
Rockford, MI
49341
| Wednesday | 10am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 6pm |
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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!
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
Ever wonder what it’s like at 12:00 in a clock shop? #clockmaker #awcicertified #housecallsforsickgrandfathers
Magical Enchanted Vacations with Kym
Rockford
