F.A.Q’s... Frequently Asked Questions

Questions to ask yourself:

• Has your clock been cleaned, oiled, and adjusted in the last 2 to 5 years?
• Does it stop running after winding it?
• Does it strike properly?
• Is your clock losing or gaining time?
• If you received it as a family heirloom, purchased it from an estate sale or auction, or as a gift, does it have all of its critical parts present and in working order?

Is my clock worth fixing?

If the clock has sentimental value, has been in your family for generations, or holds special memories, then absolutely your clock is worth it

Do you charge for estimates?

Yes. Unlike other industries that require only cursory visual inspection, a clock must be taken completely apart and properly inspected. This takes at least an hour of painstakingly detailed work. We might also need to perform additional research, billed hourly. Our mantra is Conservation — Restoration — Repair: we don't take shortcuts or rush restoration work. Your personalized, detailed estimate will present all of your options — no matter where you decide to have the work done. We strive to help you make smart decisions with all the facts

How long will it take to fix my clock?

Once your clock arrives, it's carefully inspected and an estimate is given. Once you approve the work, most repairs are completed within 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, the clock is always allowed to run for a week, to ensure proper working order. In some cases, the repair process can be delayed if new parts are needed.

When a clock is requested to be fully restored, the case is stripped and refinished, all brass works are cleaned and coated, and any necessary glass or dial work is done. At your request, the clock can be beautified while retaining the original finish. Finally, rebuilding the movement and components brings us to about 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the work.

Can I pick up my clock early if I change my mind about getting it repaired?

When you agreed to have your timepiece restored or repaired, you entered into a contract for services. We don't do this because we're cruel people — we make a huge time investment in your clock and oftentimes must fabricate new parts, repair old parts, and back-order rare parts. We recognize that the scarcity of parts and other occurrences can cause unexpected delay. However, we refuse to cut corners when it comes to your treasure. Our primary goal is the timely restoration and repair of your timepiece.

How is my clock restored?

When a timepiece needs to be restored, the movement is taken apart and cleaned, examined for wear & damage, and then tested for correct operation. In most cases, pinions are repaired, pivots are polished, worn pivot holes are bushed, mainspring ratchets are checked & repaired, depthing between wheels is examined, and the mainsprings themselves are serviced. Mainsprings which are too strong are replaced with thinner ones to give your clock a longer life. Following this, the parts are cleaned again, the pivot holes are polished with pegwood, the pivots also receive a final cleaning, and the movement is assembled, lubricated, adjusted, & tested under minimum power.

Once the movement is operating, it is reinstalled, the clock is put in beat and any other necessary adjustments are made. Finally, the whole clock is tested for at least seven days while being observed for accuracy. When the process is complete, you are notified by letter, phone or E-mail that your treasure is ready to come home.

Your clock is restored to your specifications. With the technology available today, even an original dial that's badly stained, discolored, or torn can be restored!

Why is it important to have my clock serviced regularly?

Your clock is a mechanical device, and as such, requires regular maintenance. If you do not regularly perform "preventative maintenance" then you run the risk of huge repair costs and the need for a "major overhaul" at some near point in the future of your valuable timepiece.

If you have invested a sizable sum of money collecting clocks, this "regular maintenance" helps maintain the value of your collection. If your clock is a family heirloom, this maintenance will enhance its sentimental value and provide for many years of faithful and reliable operation.

What types of clocks do you repair?

We repair and service most modern clocks from the leading manufacturers, but our area of expertise is in antique timepieces. Our scope of repair includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• Cuckoo clocks from Triberg, Hoenes, Schmeckenbecker, Schneider, Koma Herr, and others.
• Ship's Bell Clocks such as Chelsea, Seth Thomas, Schatz Royal Mariner, and others.
• Antique clocks from Ansonia, E.N. Welch, Gilbert, Ingraham, New Haven, Seth Thomas, Waterbury, Plymouth, Waltham, Sessions, and many others.
• Modern clocks from leading manufacturers such as Howard Miller, Wuersch, Ridgeway, The New England Clock Company, Seth Thomas, Sligh, Hamilton, Elgin, Baldwin, Ethan Allen, and others.

We also service battery powered clocks, Quartz clocks, 400 day clocks, and many other clocks not mentioned here.

Do you repair clocks through the mail?

Yes. We will happily repair your clock through the mail. Please contact us for additional details on shipping for repairs.

How does payment work?

Most jobs will require a deposit of 50%, with the remaining 50% due when the job is ready to be shipped. Some jobs do require 100% advance payment, however. We currently accept all major credit cards, cash, checks, money orders, and bank checks/cashier's checks. *There is a $35.00 NSF, non-sufficient funds, fee for all checks that are returned to us from the bank.

Do you give refunds?

We do not give refunds for services performed. But we will do everything we can to insure your satisfaction. We realize that a happy customer is a repeat customer.Please read the warranty and terms section and feel free to ask any questions. We will be most happy to answer any questions you might have.