Timepiece Repairs

Having been in the industry for over 35 years, Peter has the expertise and knowledge to restore many types of clock movements, especially antiques. Many people worry about having their timepiece safely repaired. Let Peter take the hassle out of having your clocks and watches revamped and put back into working order. He has successfully worked on many items from something the size of a ladies wristwatch, right up to and including bell tower clocks.

If your mechanical timepiece has stopped working correctly, in most instances it is usually well overdue for a complete overhaul. During his time in Australia, Peter has come to the conclusion that on average, mechanical movements need to be cleaned and re-oiled (overhauled) every ten to twelve years. At this point in time the oil becomes dirty and dry. In the cooler months the oil acts like glue and will stop the clock. Clocks operating after this period may be prone to excessive or premature wear, so its best to have a clockmaker look at it as soon as possible. If you live in a dusty, humid or seaside location, it is strongly recommended that you have your clock checked perhaps every five to six years.

Overhauling each clock movement follows a certain process. The whole sequence is quite time consuming. During the initial visual inspection, the clockmaker checks for worn components and signs of dirty oil. He also notes the age of the movement and if it has been previously worked on.

Cleaning has different meanings to different people. As a customer, you must understand exactly what cleaning a clock movement involves. No clock or watch movement can be properly cleaned and lubricated unless it has been completely disassembled. In rare instances, lubrication may be accomplished on a relatively new movement without first dismantling it for cleaning. Adding fresh oil directly to a movement without properly cleaning it, will flush dust and other abrasive materials into the bearings.

A modern German Cable Grandfather Clock Movement completely disassembled and ready for an ultrasonic clean

After a complete dismantling the parts are cleaned in a special ultrasonic bath. The parts are then dried and closely inspected. The clockmaker now looks for many different problems. Most are not visible to the naked eye and need be magnified several times for a much clearer examination. Many common problems are shown in the photographs below.

By completely dismantling each movement the clockmaker is able to determine and repair all the faults. It would be absolutely pointless not to properly repair every part before reassembling a movement. For this reason, Peter the clockmaker will never dismantle a movement just to repair one single item, when it is obvious there would be many other worn parts.

Some people may try to save money and 'skimp' on repair costs, but Peter prefers to save his integrity! To properly repair a clock takes time and to ensure each customer is happy, Peter will offer a full two year warranty on all major repairs.

Some clocks like Cuckoo Clocks, are still able to be fitted with brand new German made movements. In these instances, it is less expensive to replace, rather than repair your old movement. New movements are also provided with a full two year warranty.

Before reassembly worn parts are all replaced or repaired. To offer a two year warranty, Peter ensures all the separate parts are in working order. Some samples of his craftsmanship are shown below. Peter assures his customers that although he provides a two year warranty, your clock should not give you any problems at least for the next ten years, depending on the environment the clock is kept in.

Trying to ultrasonically clean a fully assembled movement is a complete waste of time. Even after fully lubricating it, there is little chance that the movement will work. Worn bearings and pivots tend to bind and the clock keeps stopping within a very short time. If a clock requires repairing, the only way to repair it, is by doing it properly.

After reassembly Peter will functionally test all his repairs for the next seven to ten days. During the testing period, each clock is also regulated. This ensures that all clocks are working correctly before returning them to the customer.

An overhaul often includes the clock case. We need to see your clock to determine the costs for repairing the case. Below are some photographs of metal cased Ansonia clock.

Some of the more common problems Peter finds with clock movements... besides the normal wear and tear

Incorrect sized springs fitted to mechanisms

Many clocks that have supposedly been repaired, work only for a short time and arrive fitted with new bearings but without the pivots being polished  (thats fine if you are happy to pay other repairers every one or two years)

Solder has been used instead of replacing worn bearings

Bearings have been pin punched to make the clock run a little longer

Heavier weights have been used to keep the movement working - with disasterious effects, causing more serious wear

Beautifully highly polished and shiny backing plate - with new bearings but dirty pivots

Lots of clocks have been sprayed with lubricant or the incorrect oil - a definate no no with clocks!

Are you getting what you paid for....???

Peter offers a full two year warranty on all major repairs and recommends your clock be checked again in approximately ten years time. Feel confident when leaving your special timepiece for Peter to repair.

Listed below are just some of the many brands of clocks and watches Peter has repaired during his career.

There are many, many more other brands of antique clocks and watches that have been manufactured over the years.