Restoring clocks
The case, the clock face, the glass, a wheel………
In the old days, a number of different craftsmen would work on a clock. Just think about it:  a cabinet maker for the case, a painter for the decoration, a glassblower, brass founder, smith, engraver, enameller, and a gilder as well as the clockmaker. All these aspects are relevant during a restoration plan. Fortunately we have gathered together a fine team of restorers and are easily able to take care of the complete restoration process. In discussions with the owner we put together a plan for dealing with the entire clock.

The Movement:
The movement of a clock will be completely dismantled. Wear must be remedied. The pivots on each arbor which turns in a pivot hole have to be refurbished and burnished. A worn pivot hole may then be provided with a bush which ensures that the play of the pivot is minimised. The consequence is that by positioning the bearing bush correctly the wheels and pinions mesh accurately again. A good finish to the bush and it’s almost invisible. Any remaining wear and irregularities in the clock mechanism will be refurbished and/or repaired.

EeA second not unimportant part of our work is the correction of ‘repairs’ to clock mechanisms which have been carried out by those who preceded us historically. We frequently meet with temporary solutions and sometimes with surprising discoveries like an alarm which has disappeared or an altered striking mechanism.
 

As soon as the movement has been dealt with, all its parts are checked, cleaned, assembled and set. Then the control period begins and the clock is regulated so that it keeps good time again.

For the whole of the time that the clock is being worked on we record all the details. All pieces are photographed and the data related to the clock mechanism noted in a record sheet. We have a library and a database with documentation and technical information on clock mechanisms. This shows its value if we come across a similar mechanism with one or more parts missing. We can then frequently profit from the existing documentation.

When the clock is ready:
We much prefer to come to install and set the clock up at your house after restoration. Then we can be certain that all aspects have been handled and set up well.
We give a three-year guarantee on all the work we carry out.

Specialism

We are able to restore almost all antique clocks. There are only a few that can’t be dealt with. In this connection Joost gets really excited by especially early clocks and complex commissions.

Restoring these early objects often brings with it the need for us to concern ourselves with rediscovering old techniques. However normal it may have been earlier for someone to stand all day in front of a forge or to sit engraving or whatever, it’s not like that anymore. We try to maintain and improve on a lot of the techniques regardless of how often we’ve employed them, so that we can keep on solving as many problems as possible. This is a fine thing, and always leaves us feeling great.

Vision

It’s extremely important that all authentic components of the clock are used as much as possible. It’s a lot better to replace part of a wheel than to make a whole new one. Our overriding concern is to give a clock back the appearance as well as the functions it had when it was originally handed over by the clockmaker to his customer.

Maintenance & Service

It is important that all clock mechanisms are treated every four or five years in the right places with fresh oil or grease. In this way the pivot holes can’t run dry, thus sparing unnecessary wear. Even if the clock is still running such a minor interim service is always advisable.

The costs for this are relatively low and your clock will certainly run longer before its next major service becomes necessary. In many cases we can do this in situ and we can then solve directly any small problems that may arise.   Ring us for more information or to make an appointment.