Latest advice on repair or replacement of clock rewinding mechanism

[H. Keith Henry]

After reading several forum messages related to repair of clocks, I sent mine to Jeffrey Read in Houston. He returned it, saying that the rewinding mechanism is broken and that he does not have a new or used mechanism to repair it. Then I emailed the Mercedes Classic Center which directed me to Palo Alto Speedometer. Palo Alto will not repair it as new, but will install a digital works and they are prepared to replace the bezel and lens if necessary/wanted. Before I go digital, is this considered a good solution? If not, who would I call next? I read at least one post in favor of digital. Other posts suggest that maintaining originality is better.

[Bonnyboy]

Good questions but I think it comes down to you.  Will a clock that keeps time, but isn't original bother you?

I sent mine away to get fixed -  it came back "fixed" and it still loses time.   I went an got a quartz clock that looks similar and I found out I'm ok with a clock that loses time.   

If mine was broken to the point of not working at all I have a quartz ready to go in with no hesitation. 

Its just a clock and not a period engine block.  If you are worried about originality - keep the non working clock in a box in your bookshelf to pass on to the new currator of your car.

[H. Keith Henry]

You did not like the look of the quartz clock, is that why you reverted to the slow, original clock? For what it's worth, Palo Alto says my clock will look the same from the outside.

[johnk]

Mine is quartz but there is no lighted dial. No spot in the back to plug the bulb in.

[H. Keith Henry]

Thanks all. I sent my clock to Palo Alto Speedometer today to replace its non-working rewinding mechanism for quartz workings.