Antique Clock Restoration Specialists

Antique clocks are more than just mechanisms that mark the passing of time — they are historical artefacts, family heirlooms, and timeless pieces of craftsmanship. At Clockwise Antique Clocks, we are true antique clock restoration specialists, offering a dedicated and personal approach to breathing life back into treasured timepieces from centuries past.

Based in Gloucestershire, we serve clients across the UK who value traditional techniques, historical authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you’re restoring a 200-year-old longcase clock or a delicate Edwardian mantel clock, we treat every piece with the care and respect it deserves.

Why Choose a Specialist for Antique Clock Restoration?

Antique clocks require a different kind of expertise compared to modern timepieces. They are constructed with old-world materials, traditional craftsmanship, and bespoke mechanical movements that demand hands-on knowledge and specialist skills. Mass-market repairers often lack the understanding — and patience — to restore antique clocks sympathetically.

At Clockwise, you’ll work with a seasoned horologist who personally inspects, restores, and tests every clock that comes into the workshop. No outsourcing. No rushing. Just skilled, focused restoration with your clock’s integrity as the priority.

We offer full-service antique clock restoration covering:

• Clock face restoration

• Longcase (grandfather) clock restoration

• Mechanical movement overhauls

• Clock body and casework repairs

• Cleaning, oiling, and servicing

• Pendulum and weight system correction

• Re-silvering, dial retouching, and paint conservation

Clock Face Restoration – Preserving the Clock’s Character

The dial or face is often the first part of an antique clock to show its age. Fading numerals, tarnished silvering, or flaking paint can hide the beauty of your clock and compromise its value. Our clock face restoration process is designed to retain originality while improving clarity and appearance.

We carefully stabilise fragile paint, re-silver worn brass dials, and touch in missing details where appropriate. Every face is restored using gentle, non-destructive methods — we never strip or modernise what should be preserved.

If your clock has a unique or rare dial, we’ll take extra care to conserve it as close to the original condition as possible.

Longcase Clock Restoration – Restoring Tall Timepieces to Glory

Longcase clocks — also known as grandfather clocks — are perhaps the most iconic antique timepieces. Often passed down through generations, these majestic clocks deserve sensitive and expert restoration to return them to full working order.

At Clockwise, we offer complete longcase clock restoration, including:

• Overhauling the movement and escapement

• Restoring or replicating missing finials, hoods, or fretwork

• Correcting pendulum and weight imbalances

• Refinishing or repairing veneered and inlaid cases

• Re-polishing without removing historical patina

We’re proud to restore longcase clocks from across the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods, always aiming to retain as much originality as possible while ensuring reliable timekeeping.

Restoring Antique Clock Mechanisms – The Heart of the Clock

The mechanical movement is the beating heart of every clock. Over time, wear, dried oils, or damaged gearwork can cause clocks to run erratically or stop altogether.

Our antique clock mechanism restoration service involves:

• Complete disassembly and cleaning

• Polishing pivots and checking for wear

• Replacing worn bushes or bearings

• Correcting damaged escapements

• Rebalancing the striking and chiming functions

We use traditional horological techniques, avoiding modern shortcuts or irreversible modifications. Each clock is tested thoroughly to ensure smooth, accurate, and long-lasting operation.

Clock Case and Body Restoration – Beauty and Structure Reborn

An antique clock’s case is often an artwork in its own right — whether it’s an ornately carved oak longcase or a sleek Edwardian mahogany mantle clock. Unfortunately, years of neglect, sunlight, or DIY damage can leave the wood dull, cracked, or compromised.

We offer sympathetic clock case restoration, including:

• Repairing cracked veneers and structural joints

• Restoring inlays, fretwork, or decorative carving

• Rehydrating and re-waxing dry wood surfaces

• French polishing or wax-finishing using traditional methods

Our aim is never to make an old clock look “brand new” — we want it to look beautifully aged and well cared for, with the grace and presence that only time can give.

Nationwide Service & Collection Options

We work with clients all across the UK — from passionate collectors and antique dealers to families looking to preserve a treasured heirloom. While our workshop is based in Gloucestershire, we offer nationwide collection and return by insured courier, or in some cases, personal collection within reasonable distances.

If you’re unsure whether your clock is worth restoring, we’re happy to assess photographs and offer a free initial opinion. In many cases, even clocks that appear beyond repair can be carefully brought back to life.

Trusted, Traditional, and Time-Tested

At Clockwise Antique Clocks, restoring antique timepieces isn’t just a job — it’s a vocation. Every clock has its own story, and we feel it’s our responsibility to preserve that story for future generations.

Clients return to us not just for the quality of our restorations, but for our honest advice, transparent pricing, and personal service. No sales pitches, no inflated claims — just solid, traditional craftsmanship.

Get in Touch with a Clock Restoration Specialist

If your antique clock has stopped ticking — or simply needs some care after decades of faithful service — we’re here to help.