David Bond Clock Repairs
In most cases, all that is needed to get your clock running again is a service (effectively an overhaul). I would therefore recommend a service when I receive your clock, and very probably that will be all that is needed.
I specialise in 19th and 20th century clocks. Older clocks tend to require different skills and techniques more suited to those practiced in restoration work.
What is the cost of a service?
This depends on the number of trains the clock has and it's age. Firstly there is the basic price for the service, then a small factor is applied according to the age of the clock.
Why does the price depend on the number of trains and age?
Each time a clock has an additional function such as striking or chiming, there is essentially another "machine" to enable that function - each with its own train of gears and power supply. These additional trains require similar corrections for wear, etc as for the main time-keeping train. There is also synchronisation of the additional function and additional testing required.
Regarding age, the older the clock, the more unique it is. Older clocks tended to be hand finished by individual and isolated makers, consequently, those iterative, try and see techniques have to be employed for repair which are much more time consuming. Another consideration is that the clock would have been through the hands of multiple repairers through its life and, from experience, previous repairs often have to be "corrected" before effective rectification can take place. Modern, factory produced clocks, say from the 1940s tend to be much more straightforward to repair.
Basic price:
Single train clock (time only): £150
Two train clock (hourly and possibly half-hourly striking): £220
Three train clock (hourly striking and quarter chiming): £290
Service and repair
Example of a single train clock - only one winding square.
Example of a two train clock - two winding squares.
Example of a three train clock - three winding squares.
What is a service?
Initial inspection and noting of faults;
Complete dis-assembly; Initial clean;
Correction of minor wear and faults;
Ultrasonic cleaning;
Assembly of each gear pair and train (with associated components) separately to test correct operation;
Final full assembly;
Lubrication with high quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oils and greases;
Testing and bringing to time for at least two weeks, but usually around double that.
A PDF document is produced which contains a photographic record and description of the work carried out. You will also get a record of the timekeeping.
What is classed as minor wear or minor faults?
Wear or faults resulting from normal use, for example:
Pivot re-finishing – removal of grooving and wear on the bearing surface to restore the low friction surface;
Replacement of the pivot bearing surface in the clock plate – known as re-bushing – to restore the low friction bearing surface and to restore the correct spacing of the wheels/pinions – known as “depthing”;
Re-making of a mainspring hooking if there if evidence of stress fracture;
Replacement of damaged or broken pendulum suspension;
Pallet refacing - correcting wear in the in the active surfaces of the escapement;
Correcting faults in the striking or chiming operation;
What if more than a service is needed?
This will be the repair of damage caused by breakage or extreme wear or if a part has to be made. Also, if a non-stock replacement part has to be purchased. I will always contact you before proceeding. I will give a written quotation for the work so that you can be sure of the exact cost.
How do I proceed and what happens?
Call or preferably email me with the details of what you would like done or a description of the problem (e.g. “...it keeps stopping...”). It is always good if you can provide photographs of your clock. You are welcome to drop the clock off to me in Burley in Wharfedale but I am equally happy to collect it. Once safely in the workshop I will proceed with the service and if any extra work becomes apparent I will then contact you with a quote for the extra work and for you to decide if you’d like to proceed. Once completed, I will let you know and give an estimate of how long the clock needs to be tested before return (this is usually a few weeks). When testing is complete I will then arrange to deliver it and make sure it is set up and running in situ. Of course, if you would like to collect your clock and are happy to set it up, you are welcome to do that.
I am more than happy to collect and deliver within a 15 mile radius of Burley in Whafedale, but for greater distances, there may be a small extra charge.
Realistically, how long will it take?
The nature of the business means that I am usually fully booked up for about three months. If you do decide to go ahead, I will make a note in my diary to arrange acceptance and will contact you to make arrangements. I will usually be able to start work on your clock within a month of receiving it. It is best to assume that the clock will be away for at least a month after work starts but, on average, it will be around two months.
What if I am not sure if my clock is single train, two train or three train?
An easy way to tell is to count the number of winding squares. E.g. two winding squares = two train.