Kier Hardy - Antique clock repair, restoration & sales

Repair & Overhaul...

I provide a repair and overhaul service for all types of antique clock and timepiece, ranging from longcase to mantel, and including electric synchronous movements. Free initial estimates are provided, although some problems (i.e damage to gears or barrels) may not be apparent until the movement is stripped down. No work is carried out without consultation.

Repeating carriage clock movement
A repeating carriage clock is seen dismantled. Each part has been ultrasonically cleaned, and then inspected for wear or damage.

All movements are inspected before being dismantled, then the parts are cleaned and checked. The cleaning process is one of the most important aspects of an overhaul, as old lubricants, dust and worn particles can be harmful, and cause further problems. After a few years, the old lubrication can solidify and become ineffective, so regular servicing of a movement is advisable for maintaining the value and longevity of a clock.

Single train timepiece movement
A single train mantel timepiece movement. All mainsprings are removed and checked for integrity, before being greased and fitted into the spring barrels.

Any re-bushing and other remedial work is carried out at this stage. In the event that replacement parts are required, these are made in-house using the correct grade materials, or acquired in keeping with original patterns. Particular attention is paid to the assembly of movements, making sure that all aspects of the individual trains are synchronised and that they work correctly with each other.

Triple train - fusee & weight driven movement
A triple train movement from an English wall clock, chiming the quarters on eight bells, and striking the hours on a coiled gong.

This triple train movement is unusual, because the chime and strike trains are fusee driven with a chain, whilst the going train is weight driven. There are many adjustments to make to this type of movement, such as spring pre-tensioning, strike and chime synchronisation, rack adjustments, and regulating the timekeeping.

Broken cage pinion
This enlarged image shows a damaged lantern pinion from an American wall clock. New hardened steel pins were made and fitted before re-assembly of the movement.

Worn and damaged parts are replaced during overhaul of the clock movement, and this can include pinions and gears.

30 hour longcase strike pin wheel
An example of worn pins on a 30 hour longcase movement, and showing the pins replaced.

clock repair workshop
A view of the longcase and wall clocks on test.

If you have any enquiries or would like further information on antique clocks, please telephone 01432 271261, or email via the link on the menu. Visitors are welcome to the clock workshop in Hereford by appointment.