David Bond Clock Repairs
In most cases, a service (effectively an overhaul) will get your clock running again. 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): £195
Two train clock (hourly and possibly half-hourly striking): £255
Three train clock (hourly striking and quarter chiming): £340
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. With the exception of mainspring replacement, if a part has to be made or 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.
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.
Please use the calculator below to find a price estimate for the service.
Please note: I am fully booked up with work for at least the next 10 - 12 months. If you don't mind waiting, I would be happy to make a note of your details so that I can give you an accurate estimate as to when I could accept your clock. Many thanks, David
Mainspring replacement
The mainspring is where the energy required to run the clock is stored when you wind it. Mainsprings are usually housed in a barrel which is usually combined with the Great Wheel and is the first gear in the train of gears.
Mainsprings in clocks made before the 1970s were usually made from carbon steel, and after several decades of use tended to become permanently deformed - known as being "set". A set mainspring will still largely provide its designed torque when fully wound, but that torque will rapidly decrease as the spring unwinds. This is a problem because, in a typical mantel clock, timekeeping accuracy depends on an even mainspring torque throughout the week. In a clock with a set mainspring, the clock will gain during the first half of the week but will lose substantially during the second half - sometimes by several minutes per day. Additionally, in striking and chiming clocks, the rate of chiming and striking will rapidly slow as the week progresses.
If, on dismantling the clock, it is seen that the mainsprings are substantially set, they will be replaced as a matter of routine. The cost of a mainspring is usually in the range £10 to £20. From experience, it is false economy to retain a severely set mainspring.
The traditional argument against the replacement of mainsprings is that the clock will be overpowered and wear rapidly as a result. This is true if the replacement mainspring is of the same thickness and height as the original - modern mainsprings tend to be stronger than older equivalents. When a mainspring is replaced, it will be with a reduced strength version. The question might then be: Will the clock run with a weaker mainspring? Yes, provided care is taken when levelling the clock. When the clock was manufactured, priority was given to ensuring that it will run even when out of level. Consequently, the clock would be very overpowered if on a level surface. Long-term wear was less of a consideration. They were more utilitarian objects back then but now priorities have changed.
Modern mainsprings now offer a much more uniform torque through the winding cycle thanks to the much greater control of the alloys used.
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. I will then reply with an estimate of cost and timescale for acceptance. For larger clocks such as longcase or wall mounted clocks it will mostly be necessary for me to to visit and extract the movement from its case - in those cases please include your location in the email. Others, such as mantel or carriage clocks, you are welcome to drop off to me in Burley in Wharfedale. 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 all work is 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, and if the movement needs to be re-fitted to the case, I will then arrange to deliver and set it up. Otherwise it will be available for collection.
Realistically, how long will it take?
The nature of the business means that I am usually fully booked up for a few 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.
How far away can I be?
For clocks where it is necessary for me to install or set up in situ, about an hour's drive is the realistic maximum. These would be clocks such as longcase and wall mounted clocks. There may be a travelling charge depending on the circumstances. Others, such as mantel or carriage clocks, where you can transport it to me, there would be no limit.
Comparison of a set mainspring (top) with a new mainspring.
Graphs of timekeeping of a mantel clock with a set mainspring (top) and a new but weaker mainspring. The maximum error over the week was reduced from about 430 seconds (over 7 minutes) to about 72 seconds.