antique clocks, clock restoration, clock repair | The ClockWorks Unlimited | Los Angeles, Ca Clock Restoration Services"

Rare clocks made by the great masters should be left untouched to maintain their value. There are differing schools of thought, however, regarding the restoration of mass-produced clocks. There are high-end, unusual mass-produced clocks and there are the common clocks that have survived in great numbers; all are now very old. One school feels every clock should remain untouched no matter what it looks like; the aged patina gives character to the piece; just keep it running. Another school feels the clock may be restored only if the materials and techniques used are the same as used originally. This restoration is usually expensive because it is very labor intensive. Another school feels the clock should be as "clean as a whistle" and look like it did when new, if it can, and should not cost too much in the process. Each school strongly believes value is enhanced per se. We respect each school of thought and offer our restoration services to each. Please tell us to which school you adhere and we will work with you to satisfy your needs.

The cost for a mechanical overhaul is $125 for a time only movement and $500 for a complicated vienna regulator mechanism. Most mechanisms will fall in between this range and the estimate will be given to you before work is begun.

Case restoration is $45-$65. We do not strip finishes, but use non-invasive methods.

Dial resilvering is $100 for a 5", engine-turned center, etched numerals that is corroded with rust. Larger dials, handpainted numbers and more contaminated dials will be higher.

A handpainted dial is $100 for a 6", roman numerals, chipped and flaked, with contaminants. Larger dials, arabic numbers and more contaminated are higher.

Paper dials are $45, no matter the size.

Polishing and lacquering brass is $25-$50. Regilding (gold leaf) ornamentation - $45-$95. Reverse paintings - $135.

These are samples; each clock will be inspected thoroughly upon receipt and a detailed estimate given.

The ability to now buy through the internet warrants an understanding by the Buyer of what is involved in the unique purchase of an antique clock. You can buy an antique clock today, even though you have never stepped inside an antique store or know exactly what an antique clock is, and have it arrive within a few days. We, as the Seller, need for you to be an informed Buyer.

Our clocks are described thoroughly as to condition, circa, maker and details. Each clock is inspected, researched and restored, if necessary, before offered on our website. The price reflects the most recent value based on condition. Photos are time-consuming to take and we are not able to offer photos of every inch of the clock, but we are very happy to answer any questions regarding any part of the clock you are concerned about.

Unfortunately, in the past we had a customer claim "shipping damage" when actually the clock fell off the wall because he used inadequate hardware. A customer claimed "not as described" when actually the clock was deliberately altered because it did not fit in with the new decor. We had a customer claim "arrived not working" when actually the clock was abusively handled when removing the packing and roughly handled when attaching the pendulum. For these reasons, our antique clocks are not sold on an approval basis.

We have bought and sold hundreds of clocks, repaired and shipped thousands. We are experts at what we do and we need your trust. When you purchase an antique clock, you are about to embark on a wonderful adventure in learning about the incredible ingenuity of a mechanism encased in a beautiful design many years old. It is an adventure like none other!

We are happy to answer any and all of your questions regarding any purchase or restoration at any time.

Footnote: Buyer beware, we have discovered our photos and descriptions have been stolen in cyberspace by others selling similar clocks. Be sure you are satisfied you know whom you are dealing with before any purchase.

Kind regards,
Gary Benoit
Joan DeWolf
The ClockWorks Unltd