There is a huge variety of Mantle Clocks; many have hourly strikes, and chiming clocks are common too. The most frequently encountered chiming clocks are 'Westminster Chimes'. Until recently most households would have possessed at least one mantle clock.
Mantle clocks also include Carriage Clocks. As the name suggests, these clocks were designed to be transported if required: a pendulum would not be able to provide the uniform oscillation so these clocks have a spring balance oscillating at a uniform frequency which provides the accurate timekeeping.
In this, the movement remains whole. Where possible, the old dirt and grease is removed. The movement and springs are oiled and greased as necessary. Strike or chimes are adjusted. The rate is set using electronic assessment. The clock is tested for 8 days in the workshop before return.
This is the usual service: 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.
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.
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.
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