Antique Clock Restorer in Gloucester
Clockwise is a small, specialist antique clock restoration workshop based in Gloucester. With years of hands-on experience and a careful, traditional approach, we focus on restoring mechanical clocks to full working order while preserving their character and historical value. Whether it’s a longcase clock that’s been in your family for generations or a delicate French carriage clock in need of attention, we treat every timepiece with the patience and respect it deserves.
Our workshop is fully equipped to handle a wide range of restoration tasks, from minor adjustments to full movement rebuilds. We work primarily with antique mechanical clocks, offering both repair and conservation work. We understand that for many of our clients, these clocks are more than just timekeepers – they are cherished family heirlooms, items of beauty, and links to personal or local history. Every job begins with a quiet assessment, where we take the time to understand not just what’s wrong with the clock, but also what it means to its owner.
We work on English, French, and German clock movements from the 18th to early 20th centuries, including bracket clocks, carriage clocks, mantle clocks, Vienna regulators, longcases, fusee wall clocks, and many more. In each case, our aim is to restore the mechanism sympathetically, using period-appropriate techniques and materials wherever possible. We avoid shortcuts or modern replacements unless they are absolutely necessary, and any new parts we fabricate are made by hand to closely match the original design and functionality.
Often, clocks arrive with wear in the pivots or bushes, broken mainsprings, or issues with striking or chiming. Other times, the movement may have been previously overhauled using poor methods, or it may have suffered from long periods of neglect. Our restoration process typically involves full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, careful inspection of each component, and the repair or replacement of worn or damaged parts. We then reassemble the clock, regulate it, and test it over several days to ensure reliable performance. The goal is not just to get the clock running, but to restore its mechanical rhythm and integrity for the next generation.
In addition to movement repairs, we also carry out careful cosmetic work where appropriate, such as dial cleaning, case polishing, and minor cabinet repairs. However, we are always guided by a conservation mindset. We never aim to make an antique look “brand new”—only to stabilise and preserve it so that it remains both functional and historically authentic. Where a clock bears the marks of its age, we see those as part of its story, not defects to be erased.
Located in Gloucester, our services are available to private collectors, clock owners, and antique dealers across Gloucestershire and surrounding counties. While most of our clients come to us by word of mouth, we are always open to new enquiries and are happy to discuss any project, large or small. For clocks too large or fragile to move, such as longcases, we can arrange a house visit for assessment and collection. We are also happy to advise on ongoing care, storage, and setup, especially for clocks returning from long-term disuse or inheritance.
If you’re considering restoring a clock that’s been silent for years, or you’ve recently inherited one and aren’t sure of its condition, you’re welcome to get in touch. We take pride in honest, thoughtful assessments. In some cases, only a minor service is needed. In others, a more involved restoration may be required—but we will always explain the work clearly, give fair and realistic timeframes, and advise whether restoration is viable and worthwhile. Some clocks hold more sentimental than financial value, and we never lose sight of that in our approach.
For those interested in the finer details, we are happy to discuss the historical context or movement type of a particular piece. Many clocks are unsigned or bear only partial information, and part of our work often involves gentle detective work—matching features to known makers or periods and piecing together a clearer picture of its origin. That’s part of what makes this work so rewarding: each clock has a past, and restoring it is about more than just engineering—it’s about reconnecting with time itself.
If you have an antique mechanical clock in need of attention, feel free to contact Clockwise for an informal conversation. There is no pressure, no obligation, and we’re always happy to take a look. Our workshop is based in Gloucester, and visits are by appointment only. With the right care, these clocks can tick once more—not just as objects, but as living fragments of history.
Click here to make an enquiry or phone us using the number listed on our contact page.
Thank you for visiting Clockwise – antique clock restorer in Gloucester.