trossachsclockrepair.com – Mechanical clock repair

Trossachs Clock Repair

Trossachs Clock Repair repairs old mechanical clocks. It’s a one-man organisation, and I’m passionate about keeping this part of our built heritage working. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a grandfather, grandmother, wall or mantel clock. Equally, the movement can be American, French, German, Swiss, English, Scottish, Japanese or Korean.

Trossachs Clock Repair is a hobby not a business organisation. I don’t charge for what I do, but ask you to consider making a donation to a good cause. If there are any expensive parts such as glass or springs, you will be asked to pay for these at cost. I love to hear how you came by your clock and will try to find out what I can about its maker and former repairers to share with you.

Any type of mechanical clock – sorry no watches or battery or electric clocks!

The Clock Repair Process

Before bringing in your clock

Please get in contact first. There’s not a lot of spare space in the workshop, so it’s best to schedule a slot in the diary. Over the phone, you can be guided as to how to prepare your clock. The Pendulum should always be removed before transportation. Although your key will probably not be needed as there’s a master key in the workshop, it is a good idea to bring it together with any other parts such as weights.

Initial Assessment

What’s appears to the problem? What’s the history of the clock? Is there anything obvious that’s wrong? Are you happy to pay for replacement parts?

Hopefully, your clock is in a better condition that this long case clock mechanism built in London around 1718 and found in a shed in Callander.

Cleaning & Preparation

Most clocks will need to be completely stripped and cleaned. Dependant upon the age of the clock, this will either be in an acetone solution to remove the inevitable build up of oil and dirt or immersed in an ultrasonic tank with a detergent solution. All parts must be dried and any remaining dirt removed. Pivots holes are pegged out as greasy deposits can clog the tiny openings in the plates. Pinions and pivots are polished.

Problem Solving

With cleaned parts, it is now easier to look for problems. Often clocks run for years without maintenance and the result can be challenging to repair. Worn pivots may need to be filed flat and burnished in a lathe. Loose pivot holes in the plates may need new bushings. A spring driven clock could require replacement springs or a weight driven clock new lines. Worn escapement pallets need to be carefully filed and burnished. This process may take several days.

Getting it back together

It’s a puzzle as to how this process was done in the days before a digital camera was available to take multiple pictures BEFORE disassembly! These pictures assist in the process of getting everything back together. Specialist clock oils will be used to ensure that the clock should run smoothly and minimise wear. The clock will need to be balanced.

Does it work now?

By now, the clock should be going well and all that is now required is to regulate to make sure it is running reasonably accurately. Few mechanical clocks can match a modern quartz mechanism but what is lost in accuracy is more than made up for by style and history. However, at this stage the clock will often need to go back to the Problem Solving stage if it is not working as it should.

The Case and the Dial

Unfortunately, major clock case repair is not one of my skills, but all cases are polished using case restoring polish, external brass work and glass is cleaned and polished. Dials can also be restored by a very talented friend and neighbour.

This picture shows the dial before restoration. This clock had been given to the owner’s parents as a wedding present in 1939. The owner’s father had been a farmer and had a callus on the finger he used to adjust the hands resulting in damage to the dial. This was carefully restored keeping the original art deco lettering.

Clock Report

A clock report is produced showing key aspects of the repair usually with pictures. Research is also carried out to try to establish the approximate age of the clock via makers’ marks. Sometimes, previous repairers have left their marks by scratching their initials and a date. This all forms part of the fascination of a traditional clock.

Some examples of clocks that have been repaired

Some of the Good Causes our clock owners have supported

How much to give? Ultimately it is up to you but think how much your last car service cost. Stripping and repairing an old mechanical clock is a much more time-consuming activity. Please be generous!