Service and Repair

Your mechanical clock does need periodic maintenance. Many clocks will run without proper maintenance. However, it is a mechanical device and will wear out prematurely if not properly serviced.  Clocks should be oiled and serviced every 5 years. Movements need to be overhauled after about 20- 25 years. This includes disassembly, as well as polishing and cleaning the parts.

 

All clocks should be maintained properly on a regular basis to reduce wear and tear. Quality workmanship takes top priority and in order to fully guarantee my work, a thorough cleaning and complete overhaul is done on all clocks.

A complete cleaning

The clock movement is removed from the case and dismantled.  To properly clean a clock movement, it must be completely disassembled. 

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This picture shows a movement ready to go to the ultrasonic cleaning machine.It is cleaned to remove dirt and old oil build up.From the cleaning solution it is rinsed in a special type of rinsing solution, that removes the cleaning solution and prevents metal parts from rusting.After the rinsing solution step it is blown dry with an air compressor to remove as much solution as possible.  It is then placed into a drier box & dried for between 15-20 minutes. 2

From here it is taken back to the workshop for a complete inspection.WP777

I check every gear, all teeth, pinions and arbors to make sure nothing is damaged, loose or bent.  All levers are checked for damage or anything that might prevent proper operation.  The main plates are inspected to make sure that they are not bent, that all pillars & posts are tight and all pivot holes are checked for wear & marked for new bushings if needed.

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I then polish all bad pivots using a Watchmakers or Jewellers Lathe.  Worn pivot holes are refurbished and broken or worn parts are repaired. In an effort to preserve original clock parts, replacements are made only as a last resort.
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Once all of the pivots have been polished, it is time to do any bushing work. This is done using the Bergeon bushing machine. 8
I then replace any mainsprings that are set (which means that they do not open up or unwind as much as they should).  The new or old springs are properly lubricated and then wound back onto their arbor or rewound back into their mainspring barrel.  This is done using the Webster mainspring winder, specifically designed for this purpose.The clock is then re-assembled, adjusted and regulated and placed on a stand for 7 to 14 days for timing and testing before returning to the owner with my full One Year Warranty. 9
The clock is then placed into its case and set in beat.  With Grandfather clocks, this is done at the customer’s house after the movement has been reinstalled into the case. 10

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SERVICE A CLOCK?

I only schedule the work that I can reasonably expect to complete in a timely manner. Most general repair work is started within one week of receiving a clock. Additional time may be required if parts need to be specially ordered or hand-made for your clock. When the repair has been completed, the clock will be test run for approximately 2 weeks before being returned to the customer. Mail-in customers should allow extra time for properly packing the clock for the return trip. All Cuckoo Clocks require additional time as they have delicate movements that require small adjustments and long periods of observation. Patience is appreciated.

Complete restorations, including case refinishing and art work restoration, will of course, take much longer to complete, especially if the services of outside professionals are required. All work is done in the order received. I will give your clock the attention it deserves in a timely manner.

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