antique clock repair recommendations

[ifotismeni]

hello DSLJ!

I've come into possession of an antique clock (not uber-ancient, 1881-1885). The clock worked beautifully until a few years ago when I believe it started to get overwound by the previous owner. Does anyone have recommendations for a place that does antique clock repair? Not looking for face restoration, I just want the clock to work and chime again. If it helps, the clock was made by E. Ingraham -- hoping since this was a Connecticut clockmaker that someone local might still specialize in repairing them.

Added bonus if you can be a reference, show me pictures of work done, etc :) This clock isn't worth a lot of money but is a family heirloom, so I really want to make sure it'll be treated right.

Comments

[ron_newman]

Watch Shop at Porter Square repairs clocks too.

[ifotismeni]

hmm, ok. i'll keep that one in mind.

[ron_newman]

Also Swiss Watchmaker in Harvard Square. But I have no personal experience to offer.

[ifotismeni]

they don't do clocks, only watches.

really looking for someone who specializes in antiques :) i'm not going to trust this clock with a watch guy...

[ron_newman]

OK -- but their website says they do clocks ...

[ifotismeni]

antique clocks tend to be a category of their own, since they require a lot of rehabbing. the clock i have is in serious need of repair, i really need someone who specializes in old clocks by this maker to take a look at it... i don't want someone replacing the old parts etc.

[rivenwanderer.livejournal.com]

It might be worth asking around at the Charles River Museum of Industry (crmi.org)--they seem like they'd know who in the area does mechanical restorations.

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

When I worked for SPNEA, Povall Clock (http://www.povallclock.com/html/clock_repairs.html) did at least some of the repairs on their antique clocks.

You're not going to find anyone who specializes in Ingraham clocks, because it wasn't that mainstream a brand as far as I know.

[ifotismeni]

thanks for the rec and good information! i won't get my hopes up then :) TBH it's totally possible that some of the parts of this clock got replaced at some point (would make me really sad if so, but i won't discount the possibility).

[ifotismeni]

ooh, a great idea, thanks!

[ron_newman]

Where are they located? Their website says 'Smaller clocks can be dropped off at our shop' but gives no address.

[david-grana.livejournal.com]

Westboro Shopping Center. Their full contact information can be found by following the link to their full clock repair website (http://clock-repair.net)

[no1onthecorner.livejournal.com]

I believe he's located farther outside of Boston, but the historic clocks where I work are serviced by Richard Ketchen, 978-459-1456.

[frotz.livejournal.com]

Chelsea Clock (www.chelseaclock.com) does restoration work on the clocks of other companies as well as their own. I don't have any pictures, but their web site has plenty, and they're more than happy to just do the mechanicals, the face, or whatever you like.

[frotz.livejournal.com]

I should add that "E. Ingraham Company" is actually on their "Brands we Service" page, so they've at least heard of them. (I'd be surprised if they hadn't, though; they've been around approximately forever, and while they happy to be just down the street, they're one of the biggest and best in the business. I've seen some of their chronometer restorations and they do really nice work, though not cheaply!)

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, Chelsea Clock is great also.

clock repair recommendations

[horology247.livejournal.com]

Hi there, just a small point for your consideration, you mention the clock being over wound, 'over winding' a clock or watch for that matter is an old wives tale, there is no such thing, clocks are designed to be wound up, if the clock is not working properly it certainly won't be because it has been wound up - the problem will lie elsewhere in the mechanism.
http://www.oxfordhorology.com/blogs/news