Grandfather clocks may be either 30 hour (single weight) or 8 day (dual weight) and will have a pendulum which is over a yard long to provide the slow oscillation, and exactly one tick or tock per second.
The Grandmother clock will usually be smaller in stature and driven by one or more springs. It will not be unusual for a Grandmother clock to have chimes as well as the hourly strike.
Storage and set-up: If you are moving house we can collect, dismantle, store and return your complete longcase clock at a time when it is convenient to you. On return we will set up your clock and ensure it is running correctly in the new location.
Moebius oils and grease are used in all our work. Manufactured and tested in Switzerland, Moebius lubricants are considered by many to be the finest in the horological industry.
If work is undertaken on these large clocks, typically the movement is removed from the case and taken to the workshop for appropriate attention. Following the work, the clock is then re-installed and tested in-situ.
The movement is completely stripped to its component parts. All parts are cleaned in an ultrasonic tank using a special cleaning fluid or using isopropyl alcohol. Any wear in the pivots is removed by abrasion or burnishing. Any wear in the pivot holes in the brass plates is resolved by the insertion of brass bushes. These are reamed and burnished to give the correct amount of clearance to the arbour pivots. New parts can be made or supplied from specialist suppliers and manufacturers. Strike and/or chimes are adjusted as necessary and the rate is set electronically. The clock is tested in the workshop for 8 days before returning.
Of course, if work is required on the wooden case then that will need to be taken to the workshop too. While the clock is fully dismantled we would normally treat all internal surfaces for woodworm as a precaution.
Each timepiece will be unique and any restoration work is undertaken following full consultation with the client. Often there will be work required on the case in addition to the movement. The scope of work and cost will be agreed before commencement of the work. Whether it is replacing damaged wood or the design and manufacture of missing brass or steel components, we have the facilities to handle most work.
If the demands of the restoration are beyond our capacity we would rather be honest and decline the commission than run the risk of causing damage to a valuable timepiece.
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