How We Repair Antique Clocks
How We Repair Antique Clocks
Repairing an antique clock is not a quick fix—it’s a careful journey that revives a piece of living history. When a timepiece comes into our workshop, the first step is a moment of pause. We look—not just at the dusty case or silent hands—but beyond, sensing the quiet life that still pulses within. Every repair starts with respect.
The process begins with gentle disassembly. Each component is removed with caution: gears, wheels, levers, pivots—all of it separated and laid out as a promise of reawakening. The old lubricant and years of dust are coaxed away with ultrasonic baths and gentle solvents, revealing the wheels and pinions beneath with crystal clarity.
Once everything is clean, we examine each piece under magnification. Pivot holes are assessed and, where wear is evident, restored or adapted with delicate handwork. If a part has faded or worn beyond repair, it’s remade—crafted by hand to the correct period standard, rather than replaced with something modern and mismatched.
Reassembly is done with exacting care. The cleaned and restored components are lubricated with fine oils and greases—minimal and precise, so the mechanism moves freely without clogging or drag. We time the movement before re-casing, adjusting the escapement so the clock ticks evenly. After the movement is settled into its case, the testing continues. We let the clock run, listening to its heartbeat, making subtle tweaks until it holds time gracefully and consistently.
Repair isn’t limited to mechanics. Cases receive cleaning, polishing, or even veneer work or French polish, all applied by hand to preserve original charm. Dials are finished with traditional processes—re-silvering, repainting, or touch-up—to bring back the face of the clock without overwriting its history. Our restorations honor the character and journey that each clock carries.
We believe that our role isn’t just to fix clocks—it’s to restore confidence in time itself. Each restored clock becomes a living reminder that craftsmanship still matters, that something built generations ago can still speak to us now. When a clock that has grown silent finds its voice again, the result is more than mechanical—it’s sentimental, soulful, and deeply rewarding.