Repair · Restoration · Conservation
Investigation
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Every clock and watch is carefully photographed as soon as it comes in.
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Every part of the timepiece is examined under magnification
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All wear, faults and damage is noted.
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At this point a plan is made for the servicing of the item and an estimate for the work is calculated.
Repair RESTORATIOn
CONSERVATION
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Each timepiece is given a gentle initial clean to remove any risk of further damage.
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All the faults noted are repaired.
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Clicks and springs are checked for safety action.
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Holes are bushed.
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Pivots are burnished.
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The escapement is aligned and polished.
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Each train of wheels is now assembled and tested.
Cleaning
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Each clock or watch is now disassembled and given an appropriate clean and polish.
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The case is waxed
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If requested the dial and hands are cleaned, silvered or blued.
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The item is now reassembled and lubricated with the appropriate oils
Testing & rEGULATing
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Clock movements are now tested without case and dial for at least a week. This allows any problems to be more easily diagnosed.
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The clock is then re-tested and rated with its dial and case, for a minimum of three weeks.
Modern and Antique Watches
Modern Wrist Watches
From battery and strap changes to a full service of the movement we can assess your watch and provide an estimate for the work needed.
Because we are not accredited to any specific brands we have the ability to offer repairs that other workshops cannot. Just send a photo and a little info about your watch and we can let you know if we can help.
Pocket Watches
Our pocket watch specialist has built a reputation as one of the finest craftspeople in the country.
Working closely with the team in Witney she rescues many unique watches from the 17th 18th and 19th Century.
Antique Wrist Watches
Antique watches are little pieces of history, often passed down from generation to generation. Here at Clock Workshop we understand the sentimental value that these items carry and whether something is worth £20 or £20,000 we will do our upmost to keep them ticking for years, and generations, to come.
Please contact our team to discuss your watch repair.
Modern and Mass Produced Clocks
Timepiece
If your clock has a single winding hole it probably just tells the time and has no gong or bell to sound the hours.
With only a single train of wheels, this is the simplest clock to get serviced and restored.
If your clock is running fast or slow go to our page...
Adjusting the Rate of your Clock
Striking Clock
If your clock has two winding holes it probably tells the time and strikes the hours on a gong or bell.
With two trains of wheels, this clock will need to have the striking timed and 'set up' to operate correctly.
If your clock strikes a different hour to the time on the dial go to our page...
Synchronising your Striking Clock
Chiming Clock
With three winding holes this clock will tell the time, strike the hours and chime the quarters.
Many 20th Century chiming clocks have a clever mechanism that automatically adjusts the chime to re-synchronise the quarters after setting the clock. After setting the time this mechanism can take several hours to reset the chime.
Longcase or Grandfather Clocks
30 Hour Longcase Clock
If your clock has a single weight hanging from a chain, and is wound by pulling the chain you have a 30 hour longcase clock.
Most 30 hour longcase clocks use a countwheel striking system. This system is not synchronised to the hour hand and so does need occasional adjustment
Synchronizing your countwheel striking clock.
8 Day Longcase Clock
If your clock has two winding holes on the dial it probably runs for 8 days, tells the time and strikes the hours on a gong or bell.
8 day longcases often have calendar work and/or automata that can be the source of friction in the movement and need regular servicing.
Adjusting the rate of pendulum clocks
Modern Longcase or Grandmother Clock
With three winding holes this clock will tell the time, strike the hours and chime the quarters.
Many 20th Century chiming clocks have a clever mechanism that automatically adjusts the chime to re-synchronise the quarters after setting the clock. This mechanism can take several hours to reset the chime.
French Clocks
Carriage Clocks
A carriage clock is a small, spring-driven clock, designed for travelling. Developed in the early 19th century in France, where they were also known as "Officers' Clocks".
The first carriage clock was invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet for the Emperor Napoleon in 1812.
Mantle Clocks
In the beginning of the 19th Century, copying the work of Pierre Le Roy, several French clockmakers joined forces to produce the brilliant Pendule de Paris. Many slate and decorative clocks were exported with these excellent movements and are well worth restoring.
Other French Clocks
In the 18th and 19th Century French clockmakers excelled at producing a range of superb timepieces, French clocks are known for their beauty, their craftsmanship, and their accuracy. They are a popular collectible, and they can add a touch of elegance to any room.
British Antique Clocks
The Dial and Drop Dial Clock
Developed throughout the 18th century, by the 19th Century the English dial and drop dial clock had become ubiquitous in offices, schools and train stations.
These clocks usually contain a heavy duty brass fusee movement with recoil escapement and are accurate to a few minutes every week.
Always worth restoring the English dial clock lends a classic look to any house.
The Mantle & Bracket Clock
Antique bracket, mantel and table clocks proliferated between the 17th an 19th centuries.
Becoming more ornate and complex as they developed these clocks range from simple fusee timepieces to strikers, chimers and repeaters.
The Lantern Clock
A forerunner of the grandfather clock, the lantern clock is a type of weight-driven wall clock, shaped like a lantern. They were the first type of clock widely used in private homes.
Lantern clocks were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were a status symbol for wealthy households, and they were often given as gifts.
Obsolete by the 19th Century they are now very popular with collectors and good examples can be very valuable.