Cleaning / Overhaul of Movements

To the horologist, this really is the heart of the repair/restoration. A simple cleaning and re-oiling is sometimes sufficient, particularly for more modern clock movements. However, at times a complete overhaul is required. In the following example, an ‘American’ clock movement has been taken apart and cleaned thoroughly in a sonicator. The plates have been re-bushed and broken pivots replaced. All pivots were polished, and main springs replaced before reassembly and re-oiling.

Restoring Dials (face)

In lots of cases, as in the example below, all that is required is a very careful cleaning with a special solution, and retouching of the faded Indian ink where needed. Where there is very little left on the dial to recover, an exact copy can be made and applied to the plate. A new dial can be purchased or the dial can be repainted and re-inked.

Restoration of Clock Cases

There are many different types of clock cases. In the following example, a Black Slate clock is sanded back to remove stains, then recoloured, gilded and waxed.

Wooden cases often require replacement finials and pediments as well as French polishing and waxing.

All clocks present their own challenges, from a grand old Longcase (Grandfather) clock, to an Art Deco Shelf clock. A little attention will certainly save your family heirloom or prized collectors piece for decades to come.