Antique Clock Restorer in Gloucester
Antique clocks are more than just timekeeping devices. They are intricate works of mechanical art, each with its own history, character, and sentimental value. Whether it’s a grandfather clock passed down through generations, a delicate French carriage clock, or a vintage mantle clock with ornate detailing, these pieces deserve specialist care. In Gloucester, one name stands out when it comes to professional antique clock restoration — Clockwise.
Based in the heart of Gloucestershire, Clockwise offers a unique and highly skilled service for those who want to preserve and restore the beauty and function of their treasured timepieces. From full mechanical overhauls to delicate case restoration and dial refinishing, each project is treated with precision, patience, and respect for the heritage of the clock.
The Art of Traditional Clock Restoration
Unlike modern electronics, antique clocks are powered by finely balanced mechanisms that rely on centuries-old craftsmanship. Their gears, escapements, pendulums and springs form a delicate system that must be understood before it can be repaired. At Clockwise, restoring an antique clock isn’t just about getting it to tick again. It’s about restoring the clock in a way that stays true to its period, materials, and method of manufacture.
Every clock that comes into the workshop is carefully assessed. Some require a thorough clean and service, while others need complete disassembly, part repair or replication, and sympathetic casework restoration. The goal is always to retain as much of the original as possible while ensuring the clock can run reliably and accurately for years to come.
This level of service requires not only technical ability, but also historical knowledge and a genuine respect for horology. The team at Clockwise brings decades of combined experience to the table, working with clocks from all eras and styles — English longcase clocks, German bracket clocks, Viennese regulators, and even rare collector’s items that require custom parts made by hand.
Gloucester’s Trusted Name in Antique Clock Repairs
Gloucester is home to a range of historic buildings and families with strong ties to traditional craftsmanship. The demand for professional clock restoration is steady and specialised. Not every repair shop is equipped to deal with antique mechanical clocks, and even fewer can restore them with the level of care and skill that Clockwise provides.
Serving not just Gloucester but clients from Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, and across the South West, Clockwise has built a reputation for honesty, skill and personal service. Whether you have a chiming wall clock from the Victorian era or a fragile lantern clock with early English movement, every job is handled with a commitment to preserving the clock’s heritage.
Clients often bring in clocks that haven’t worked in decades, or were damaged in transit, or simply require attention after years of sitting idle. Some restorations are straightforward — a clean, an oil, a minor bushing repair. Others involve making new wheels, correcting years of wear, or completely rebalancing a pendulum mechanism. Whatever the job, it begins with a thorough inspection and a conversation about what the client wants — full restoration, mechanical repair only, or cosmetic refinishing included.
Why Choose an Antique Clock Specialist?
Modern clock repairers may be good at fixing quartz movements or replacing batteries, but antique clock restoration is a different discipline entirely. These clocks weren’t made to be replaced or thrown away. They were designed to be serviced, maintained and passed down through generations. To work on them requires not only a steady hand, but also access to traditional tools and an understanding of how the materials behave with age.
Clockwise prides itself on using traditional repair methods wherever possible. When parts must be replaced, they are often handmade in the workshop to match the original. Where polishing or cleaning is needed, it’s done with respect to the patina and period of the piece. Dials can be restored by hand. Wooden cases can be treated to remove marks, restore colour, and match the clock’s original finish — whether it’s mahogany, oak, walnut or veneer.
In many cases, clients want their clock restored not just for aesthetic reasons, but because it holds strong emotional or family value. It may have belonged to a parent, grandparent or someone important in their life. For these clients, a working clock is a way to stay connected to their past. Clockwise understands this deeply and approaches each job with sensitivity.
Collectors, Enthusiasts and Historic Projects
As well as private clients, Clockwise works with collectors, interior designers, and even museums or restoration projects. The workshop is equipped to handle complex and historically significant clocks, including those requiring documentation or work to heritage standards.
From Georgian bracket clocks to Edwardian timepieces, the range of clocks that pass through the bench is impressive. Some projects involve months of careful work and collaboration with other experts — especially when dealing with clocks that are part of a larger restoration of a listed property or building.
Clockwise is also happy to advise on the purchase and care of antique clocks. For collectors new to horology, they can provide insight into how to maintain a clock’s value while ensuring it stays in good working order. For those looking to buy or sell, the team can offer fair assessments and guidance on restoration potential.
Visit the Workshop or Arrange a Collection
Clients are welcome to visit the Clockwise workshop by appointment. For those unable to travel, collection and delivery services can be arranged throughout Gloucester and beyond. Each clock is carefully handled and transported to ensure its safety, and insurance options are available for valuable or rare items.
Quotes are transparent and fair. Every job begins with an assessment, followed by a written estimate and a discussion about the scope of work. There are no rushed repairs or shortcuts. Only thoughtful, professional craftsmanship.
Contact Gloucester’s Leading Antique Clock Restorer
If you have a vintage or antique clock in need of attention, Clockwise is here to help. Whether the clock has stopped ticking or just needs gentle servicing, every piece is treated with care and pride. From full restorations to regular maintenance, Gloucester’s antique clock owners can rely on expert service rooted in tradition and quality.
Get in touch today to discuss your clock, ask questions, or arrange a viewing. The passage of time is inevitable — but with the right care, your clock can last for generations to come.