About the Clock Doc

Some 60 years ago, as a 11 year old, I repeatedly dismantled and assembled an old Zobo pocket watch. This was the the beginning of many years of keen interest in Horology and antique clock repairs. This resulted in me becoming a professional watchmaker who had his workbench in a barbershop window. Nowadays during my retirement I concentrate in the restoration of clock movements and the refurbishment of clock cases. In order to master the craft and horology theory, I built 15 wooden gear clocks – i.e all the working parts and gears are made out wood.

My workbench regularly sees movements from grandfather, wall- and mantel and carriage clocks. For the cuckoo and 400 day movements I carry a full range of spares. I’ve seen them all and worked on them all. My workshop is at home which cut the overhead costs.

Standard procedure is to firstly assess the reason the movement doesn’t perform well anymore. The movement is then dismantled for cleaning which includes 4 washes. Each part it inspected and the pivots polished. Worn pivot holes are re-bushed. After assembly and lubrication it has to prove proper function on a test bed. The beat and time is then set electronically.
During the past 4 years I had the privilege of refurbishing 5 grandfather clocks older than 280 years!

With few experienced ‘old timers’ left, I receive clocks from all over SA. Each customer is briefed in detail how to pack their timepiece and the courier I use is affordable. Each completed job is accompanied with a written report which describes the history of the manufacturer as well as the work done by me. In many cases the owners don’t have the owners instructions anymore. I therefore endeavor to ensure that the timepiece enjoys the best handling by its owners.

If delivery is problematic, I write a detailed instruction as how to install and set up the timepiece. I use the same tools and lathes which have been used 150 years ago.

Have a look at my previous work here on the gallery.