An heirloom clock is a family treasure and a fine mechanical timepiece
Having a treasured timepiece in your home can recall cherished family traditions surrounding its history or placement over the years
Wyndwood Tyme provides meticulous cleaning, repair and restoration services for a wide range of timepieces including:
Tall case clocks
Grandfather and
Grandmother clocks
Wall and regulator clocks
Mantle clocks
Platform balance clocks (including ship’s bell, carriage and others)
In general, clocks either undergo a complete overhaul service (which means cleaning, oiling and regulating); or a repair, with the focus on a specific issue. Not all timepieces require a complete overhaul service: it varies by timepiece. Some clocks may only require a minor repair, while others may require a new clock movement. Idle clocks or clocks that have been running continuously for many years, without servicing, are more likely to require the complete service.
What specifically is involved in the complete overhaul service for clocks?
- Removal of the clock movement from its case
- Careful inspection of the movement for wear
- Documentation of the condition of the clock
- Complete disassembly of the movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing in specialized clock-cleaning aqueous and non-aqueous solutions
- Heated drying process to remove residual moisture
- Bushings, as needed (to repair worn bearing points)
- Polishing of pivots and pallets, as needed
- Inspection of all other parts (cams; lifting levers; pinions; mainsprings; clicks and click springs; pulleys; cables; suspension springs)
- Repairs or replacement of parts as needed (at additional cost) for example: mainsprings, verges, cables, weights, platform balance components or the manufacturing of parts
- Testing of individual trains (time, strike and chime, as applicable)
- Reassembly and oiling of movement with the best grade horological oils
- Fine-tuning and minor adjustments to ensure proper operation
- Testing and adjusting of the movement by monitoring with an electronic timing device
- Returning the movement to its case and testing the clock for proper operation
What specifically is involved in the complete overhaul service for clocks?
- Removal of the clock movement from its case
- Careful inspection of the movement for wear
- Documentation of the condition of the clock
- Complete disassembly of the movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing in specialized clock-cleaning aqueous and non-aqueous solutions
- Heated drying process to remove residual moisture
- Bushings, as needed (to repair worn bearing points)
- Polishing of pivots and pallets, as needed
- Inspection of all other parts (cams; lifting levers; pinions; mainsprings; clicks and click springs; pulleys; cables; suspension springs)
- Repairs or replacement of parts as needed (at additional cost) for example: mainsprings, verges, cables, weights, platform balance components or the manufacturing of parts
- Testing of individual trains (time, strike and chime, as applicable)
- Reassembly and oiling of movement with the best grade horological oils
- Fine-tuning and minor adjustments to ensure proper operation
- Testing and adjusting of the movement by monitoring with an electronic timing device
- Returning the movement to its case and testing the clock for proper operation
Case, glass and dial repairs are also available
Minimum charge
To determine what needs to be done to repair a clock requires the removal of the movement. There is a minimum charge of $85 to cover the time spent to remove and inspect the movement. This is not an additional charge if the customer proceeds with the complete overhaul service.
Estimates are available in advance
Additional repairs may be required after close inspection and based on evaluation by the horologist. Customers will be advised of the findings.
Repairs are guaranteed based on the timepiece and extent of repairs
Normally, 2 years for clocks.
The history of the timepiece is provided when available
Care & Adjustment instructions are provided to help keep clocks in good running order for many years.
Caring for your clock:
- Wind your clock completely and set up a routine time/day to wind the clock (maintain a schedule).
- A clean clock can be lubricated every two to three years. There is little value to lubricating a dirty clock. Mechanical parts tend to wear and the filings, dirt/dust that have accumulated in the oil can act as an abrasive and further damage your clock. Have a certified horologist evaluate your clock to ensure it is oiled in the necessary areas and with the correct amount of oil. Using non-clock oil can cause damage, unnecessary wear or clock stoppage.
- Clean your clock every five to seven years. Longer time spans will cause excessive wear and more expensive repairs to your clock.
- Your clock is running constantly. Just as you would not ignore the careful maintenance of your car with routine inspections, oil changes and other services, your clock deserves the same careful treatment.
- Clean and treat your wood case with a quality wood conditioner and polish to maintain the finish.
- Carefully dust and clean metal case components. Avoid touching with you bare hands. The oils/acids on your skin will tend to tarnish the metals. Do not polish the lacquered metal case components. Doing so will remove the lacquer and cause further tarnishing.
Clocks are normally serviced — fully disassembled, cleaned and lubricated — every 5 to 7 years for best operation. Please contact Wyndwood Tyme for your next service.
TESTIMONIALS
Serving southern Chester County, PA, and nearby areas of Delaware and Maryland
Phone: 610.274.2014 | Email: john@wyndwoodtyme.com