Antique Clock Repair in Worcester

A mechanical clock deserves a proper diagnosis, not a hopeful squirt of oil. We inspect the movement, explain what it needs and agree the cost before any repair or restoration begins.

Restored antique clock, Vintage Clocks Stonehouse

Since 2003

Working with mechanical clocks

BHI Qualified

Clock servicing & restoration

Collection Available

Ask about collection from Worcester

Outstanding Red Chinoiserie English Verge Twin Fusee Bracket Clock, Ca 1760

Finding the fault before fixing it

The symptom is only the starting point. A clock that keeps stopping might be out of beat, but worn bearings, old oil or damage elsewhere in the train can produce the same result. The movement has to be examined before the right course of action is clear.

A full service involves dismantling the mechanism rather than cleaning around it. The parts are cleaned and checked individually, necessary repairs are made, then the movement is rebuilt, lubricated correctly and regulated. It stays under observation before it is returned.

Smaller clocks can be delivered to the Stonehouse workshop. For longcase clocks and pieces that are unsafe to transport in a car, collection from Worcester can be discussed when you enquire.

Reasons to have the clock checked

  • The pendulum will not keep swinging
  • Timekeeping has become erratic
  • The hands and strike disagree
  • The chime has stopped or sounds laboured
  • A spring has broken or the clock will not wind
  • The case, finish or dial has suffered damage

Before trying it yourself: WD-40 and general-purpose oils do not belong in a clock movement. They spread into places where oil is not wanted and hold abrasive dirt. Stop winding the clock if something feels wrong and ask for advice.

Clock repairer at the workbench in the Vintage Clocks workshop, Stonehouse

Antique and quality mechanical clocks

Age alone does not tell us what a clock needs. Send photographs of the front, back and movement if accessible, along with a brief description of the fault, and we can advise on the next step.

Longcase & Grandfather Clocks

Fault finding, overhaul and regulation, followed by correct set-up when a collected clock is returned.

Mantel & Bracket Clocks

Repairs to time-only, striking and chiming movements, from familiar family clocks to finer antique examples.

Carriage Clocks

Careful servicing of compact movements where small components and previous repair work require close inspection.

Wall Clocks & Regulators

Work on dial clocks, Vienna regulators and traditional weight- or spring-driven wall clocks.

Cuckoo Clocks

Mechanical repairs and servicing where the clock’s construction, condition and availability of parts allow.

Atmos Clocks

Assessment and specialist servicing for Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clocks.

Please note that quartz, electric and flip-card clocks are outside the workshop’s normal scope.

Initial Enquiry

Describe the clock and fault, ideally with photographs. We will advise whether to bring it in or discuss collection.

Inspection

The movement and overall condition are examined so the recommendation is based on the clock itself.

Agreed Repair

Once you approve the quotation, the work is completed and the clock is run and regulated in the workshop.

Return & Set-up

Collect the finished clock or arrange its return. Large clocks can be set up and checked in position.

Antique clock restoration work at Vintage Clocks, Stonehouse

Preserving age, not polishing it away

Wear and patina often belong to a clock’s history. The aim is not to make every surface look newly manufactured, but to repair what has failed and recover a finish that remains believable for the piece.

Movement, case and dial work can be considered together. Depending on the clock, this may involve cabinet repairs, dial silvering, gilding or hand engraving. The proposed finish is discussed before cosmetic work starts.

James has repaired and restored clocks professionally since 2003 and holds a British Horological Institute diploma in clock servicing and restoration.

Read about case and dial restoration

Est. 2003

BHI Qualified

Silvering & Gilding

What our customers say

James serviced and cleaned our French 8 day mantel clock, which hadn’t worked for many years. It’s been in our family for over 100 years, and he did an excellent job. It’s now back in its rightful place on the mantle. Stunning!

Erica Read
Google review

Super experience. I got a clock service and a pocket watch repair, both reasonably priced, and got some great advice at the same time. Highly recommend if you have any antique clocks or watches that need attention.

Katie Southgate
Google review

Repairs for clocks from Worcester and beyond

Enquiries are welcome from Worcester city centre, St John’s, Barbourne, Claines, Warndon, Kempsey, Powick and Fernhill Heath, as well as nearby parts of Worcestershire. The workshop is at Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, with collection available by arrangement.

Not sure what kind of clock it is? That is no obstacle. Send clear pictures of the dial, case and movement if it can be seen safely. Do not remove the mechanism simply to take a photograph.

Collection and drop-off: we can collect your clock from your home and drop it back once the work is finished. Collections and drop-offs run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 4pm, for a small fee.

We also repair clocks for customers in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud. See our full range of clock repair and restoration services.

Frequently asked questions

Collection can be arranged, particularly for longcase clocks or valuable pieces that should not be moved casually. The charge depends on the journey and what is involved, so please ask when you first get in touch.

Yes. Mantel, carriage and other portable clocks may be brought to 4 Bath Road, Stonehouse during the stated shop hours. Contact us before a special journey so we know what you are bringing and can confirm someone will be available.

Not always. A longcase clock can stop because it is no longer level or in beat after a move. Avoid forcing the hands or mechanism. We can advise whether an on-site adjustment is likely or whether the movement needs workshop attention.

Often, yes. Dial and case restoration are assessed separately from the mechanical repair. Treatments may include silvering, gilding, engraving and cabinet work, with the extent of restoration chosen to suit the clock rather than erase all evidence of age.

That depends on the movement, its condition and any earlier repairs. A clock that merely needs setting up is a different job from a worn movement requiring an overhaul. The cost and expected timescale are confirmed after inspection and before authorised work begins.

Yes. Workshop repairs come with a 12-month guarantee. The terms are explained when the job is booked in or quoted, so they are clear before the work proceeds.

Tell us what has happened

Describe the clock, the fault and your Worcester postcode. We will let you know whether photographs, a workshop visit or collection is the best way to begin.

4 Bath Road, Stonehouse, GL10 2JA

01452 345334