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Frequently Asked Questions Below is a comprehensive list of common questions. If your question is not listed, please contact us
How long will it take to repair my clock? What types of clocks are you able to repair? What sort of warranty do we get when we have our clock serviced? What is the best way to have my Grandfather Clock serviced? Are you able to make house calls? How often should my clock movement be cleaned and oiled? My clock will no longer chime or strike My clock does not strike the correct number of times at the hour. My clock will not keep proper time - it is either too fast or too slow. My mechanical clock has worked fine for years, but now it is slow and keeps stopping. Do you provide clock valuations? I have inherited a pocket watch. How much would it cost to have it serviced? My old wrist watch has a broken glass (not plastic). Are you able to replace the glass? Are you able to provide round glasses for mantle clocks? My clock needs some oil. What oil should I use? Do you replace watch batteries? Can I post a clock to you for repairs? How much water does it take to ruin a watch mechanism? Should I take my watch off before showering? What shape of watch offers the best water proof protection?
How long will it take to repair my clock? Depending on the current work schedule, most items are usually repaired within four to five weeks. Sometimes special timepieces may take a little longer but we will keep you informed. The last week of your repair involves testing and regulating your clock to ensure it is working properly. Cuckoo clocks are our 'speciality.' For cuckoo clocks built after the 1970's it is usually less expensive to replace the complete movement rather than repair them. Older cuckoo clocks retain their value if their original movement is overhauled. We really need to see your clock before we can quote on the repair. What types of clocks are you able to repair? We can repair almost any clock or watch as listed on our home page. Our Repairs Page also lists many of the common manufacturers over previous years. Perhaps you have been told that your clock is unrepairable, why not bring it along for Peter to see. What sort of warranty do we get when we have our clock serviced? When your timepiece is fully and properly overhauled you will have two years warranty on the clock movement. We are generally unable to provide warranty on the case or glass. All new movements fitted by us will also have two years warranty. What is the best way to have my Grandfather Clock serviced? Are you able to make house calls? If you live close to Toowoomba we can usually make a house call to collect and return your clock movement after repairs. We have special stands to test your movement. For those living some distance from Toowoomba we can still make house calls, but we may have to charge a travelling fee. Please contact us for more information. How often should my clock movement be cleaned and oiled? Generally in Australia your clock movement, if being used, should be checked at least every 10 to 12 years. This will prevent any abnormal or premature wear. After dismantling and cleaning, the clock can be safely re-oiled with special clock oil and its ready to run for another 10 to 12 years. If you live in a dusty or coastal climate we recommend having your clock serviced more regularly. My clock will no longer chime or strike If your clock has been working properly up until recently, we recommend you have your clock looked at by a reputable clockmaker. It may firstly be advisable to check that someone has not changed the settings and actually turned the chimes and striking off. If the chime and strike mechanisms are properly wound, the problem is most likely caused by dry oil, especially if the sounds have been a little slower over the past few weeks or months. My clock does not strike the correct number of times at the hour. The easiest way to rectify this is to wind the large hand forward until the clock strikes. When the clock strikes, count the number of strikes and then move the small hand to the position that coincides with the number of strikes. For example, if the clock strikes five times, then move the small hand so that it points to the number five. When the small hand is in the correct position, using your thumbnails behind the large hand, push the small hand back on the shaft towards the clock face. This will lock it into position. My clock will not keep proper time - it is either too fast or too slow. If you are unable to satisfactorily adjust the pendulum to regulate the time, your clock may be ready for some repairs. After years of continual use the oil becomes dry and the bearings and pivots begin the wear. This is normal. Bring your clock along to us and we will explain why it is not working correctly. My mechanical clock has worked fine for years, but now it is slow and keeps stopping. It sounds like your clock is in need of a good service. After years of continual use the oil becomes dry and the bearings and pivots begin the wear. The bearings cannot turn freely any more and begin to bind. This is normal. However, by keeping your clock maintained you help reduce wear on many other components. Some people like to tell us how their clock ran for 35 years before it gave them any problems. The bad news was that when it finally came for a service, many of the parts were worn and sometimes they cannot be replaced or remanufactured. Do you provide clock valuations? Yes we do provide written valuations, but we really need to sight the clock. We may from time to time purchase old clocks. It is a difficult call. Most people only want to sell clocks that are not working. This means we would be required to overhaul them before we could resell them. There isn't a great market for many second hand clocks, but if you think we may be interested please don't hesitate to ask. Antique dealers often sell them at significant prices, but only with a very limited warranty. I have inherited a pocket watch. How much would it cost to have it serviced? We would really need to see your watch to provide a quote. Often old watches have corrosion, or may be missing pieces. My old wrist watch has a broken glass (not plastic). Are you able to replace the glass? Peter has a range of watch glasses which he brought with him from Germany. He can usually find a replacement. Are you able to provide round glasses for mantle clocks? We are still able to get various size glasses for clocks. We require accurate measurements so it is best if you bring your clock in to us. My clock needs some oil. What oil should I use? Clock movements should be properly cleaned before adding more oil. There are specific clock oils. They are designed to stay around the bearings and not to flow all over the movement. They are easily contaminated by adding clean oil or incorrect oils. If a clock is serviced correctly, it should not require oil again until its next service in approximately 10 -12 years. You should never use motor oil, sewing machine oil or spray movements with CRC or WD40. Do you replace watch batteries? Watch batteries can usually be replaced while you wait. We hold many of the most common watch batteries in stock. Can I post a clock to you for repairs? Clocks and watches may be sent for repairs. Please make sure you send them by Registered Post. Peters Clock and Watch Corner cannot accept responsibility for any damage during transit. How much water does it take to ruin a watch mechanism? Less than a drop! That is why, it is best to remove your watch when working or playing in the vicinity of water. Chores such as washing up or washing the car, for instance. Should I take off my watch before showering? Yes, most definately. Whilst showering the water temperature changes between hot and cold and this causes the glass to expand and contract which affects the sealing surface. The addition of steam, soaps and detergent will cause corrosion. What shape of watch offers the best water proof protection? A round shaped watch glass has the best and most superior sealing surface. There are no sharp corners to seal.If specifically shopping for a waterproof watch, a round face should be your first choice.
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