So, you know about clocks!

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Since I've been pretending to be a horologist, I seem to have found out that I have lots of friends with a clock that needs repairing. I have managed to field most of them but today a friend has asked me to repair a mantle clock that has been left to her by her mother which 'Doesn't work anymore' I have told her that I don't have the skill to repair it and she asked me to suggest someone.

I'm asking for suggestions how to find a reputable clock repairer. Preferably in the north of the uk. My 'professional' opinion is that it needs a proper clean.

 

 

Thanks, David

Edited By David Noble on 22/06/2021 16:38:14

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

It can get tiresome, 'can you just' means that whoever has no idea of the amount of work involved, but will be mortally offended if you turn them down

This might be worth a punt BHI

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

Duncan is spot on. BMI have a list of accredited repairers.

They also have excellent open days and can provide training.

Brian

Edited By Brian H on 22/06/2021 17:43:50

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

You could try Bernard Whitworth near Newark.
Afraid I can’t find his contact details, my google-fu seems weak today.

Dave

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Thank you, I've sent BHI a message. Hope to hear back soon.

David

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

You can also start here **LINK**

http://www.antique-horology.org

Click the dot in the restorers column  next to Great Britain.

Niko.

Edited By speelwerk on 22/06/2021 21:30:56

[vic neweyParticipant @vicnewey60017]

I used to enjoy fixing clocks, I was working in a womans house decades ago and there was a grandfather clock in the hall, an 18/19th century type with painted dial

It wasn't working so I asked the lady about it. oh she said, my Daughters ex husband bought it for her and it used to work at one time.

I offered to take a look and she readily agreed, I opened the case and discovered there were hardly any parts of the mechanism there, just the bare bones so impossible to have worked, she assured me it did work so unless her ex had sneaked in and removed the cogs it was a bit of a mystery

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

You have to have a policy really and be consistant. Mine is that as a general principle I do not repair clocks which is what people are told when they ask. That said I  may offer to oil the clock and set it in beat, which normally 'fixes' the clock unless something has actually broken. I don't do anything more complex unless it's a very interesting clock which excludes anything mass produced and with the exception of people I have a particular affection for.

My reason (excuse if you like) is it eats up your time especially if you get known for it. You should also be aware that like new hatched ducks, once you have worked on a clock it will adopt you as mother and follow you around for the rest of your life.

Others may love doing jobs for other people and see it as their main activity workshop wise which is great. I don't and my fear is that I would be unable to do the things I really wanted to do. It still makes me feel mean at times though.

regards Martin

Edited By Martin Kyte on 23/06/2021 09:20:02

Edited By Martin Kyte on 23/06/2021 09:20:59

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

From personal experience I can recommend the Clock Workshop in Witney (Oxon) it was first recommended to me by a friend.

May be a bit far south for you though?

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Thank you all for the suggestions, lots of information there. Thanks also for the advice

David

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