Available Services

1. Antique and Modern Clock Repair and Restoration
2. Repair available on most clock types including grandfather clocks,
grandmother clocks, cuckoo clocks, striking wall or mantel clocks and anniversary clocks.
3. House calls for grandfather clocks or other large clocks
4. Herschede Tubular Bell Floor Clock Restoration is our specialty
5. Packing, moving and set up of floor clocks
6. Repair available on most clock types and all manufacturers
7. Free estimates on most clocks
8. Clock case cleaning and refinishing
9. "Clock in Fire" restoration service
10. Paper dial replacement
11. Painted or silvered dials restored (third party service)
12. Painted and stenciled clock glasses replaced or restored
13. Battery and quartz movement replacement
14. Electric clocks converted to battery
Below find expanded information about the above-mentioned service types.

Antique and Modern Clock Repair and Restoration

Worn, dirty movements can be given new life. We offer a professional and complete overhaul of your clock movement. For an in depth look at what is involved go to our “Clock Movement Restoration” page.

Repair Available on Most Clock Types

Although it is easier to list what we do not repair we don’t want to begin with a negative.

What We Do Repair:

It would be impossible to list every clock brand we repair but here goes...

Floor clocks of all sizes and brands, new or old; Howard Miller, Sligh, Ridgeway, Colonial, Gazo, Emperor, Pearl, Ethan Allen, Baldwin, Bulova, Piper, King Arthur, Viking, Dold, Hermle, Kieninger, Comitti of London, English and American Bell Strikers

AND

tubular bell grandfather clocks from Herschede, Colonial, Winterhalder, Elliot, Elite, Bawo and dotter, and Jacques,

We repair Antique French Carriage Clocks, key wound Anniversary clocks, weight driven Cuckoo Clocks of all types, Jewelers Regulators, Railroad Regulators, Vienna Regulators, Crystal Regulators, Morbiers, Flat Tops or Black Mantels, Schoolhouse, Tambours, Kitchen, Ogee, Half Column, Full Column, Double Deckers, Triple Deckers, Steeple, Beehive, Acorn, Figural, Ship’s Bell clocks by Chelsea, Boston and Seth Thomas as well as clocks with wooden movements.

Early American manufacturers include but are not limited to; Ansonia, New Haven, Welch, Waterbury, Seth Thomas, Sessions, Ingraham, Gilbert, Ithaca, Southern, Howard, Kroeber, Russell and Jones and Terry to name but a few.

As far as electric clocks go, we repair most Revere, General Electric, Herschede and Seth Thomas chime and strike clocks. Most time only electric wall clocks are repairable or can be converted. visit our “Electric Clock Repair” page for more information.

What We Do Not Repair:

Generally speaking, we do not repair time pieces that can be held in the palm of your hand like watches and travel clocks or other bed-side alarm clocks, including digital clocks or clock radios. We also limit ourselves to only a few types of electric chiming or striking clocks. Many electric clock motors are no longer available although some of them can be rebuilt (see above). Most battery-operated Anniversary clocks are not reasonably repairable. In some cases, when the pendulum doesn’t rotate, but the clock works fine, we are able to repair the pendulum. We also do not repair the complex, animated battery driven chiming clocks by Rhythm Clock Company and Seiko. When possible, it is best to return them to the manufacturer for movement replacement.

House Calls for Grandfather Clocks or other Large Clocks

Michael considers house calls one of his specialties. He estimates that he has made over 22,500 in home service visits since 1978. He teaches several classes on House Calls for both the Ohio and National clock trade organizations, WAO and AWCI. Almost 95% of the time we are able to complete an in-home repair in one trip. Our house call rate is one of the lowest, in Central-Ohio.

Michael will usually confirm a two-hour time frame as to when he will arrive at your home keeping you from waiting all day wondering when the service man will show up. He is on time and on schedule almost 100% of the time.

To learn more about this service visit our “House Calls” page

To inquire about our rates, and/or schedule a house call please give us a call at (614) 833-0378.

Herschede Tubular Bell Floor Clock Restoration is Our Specialty

Herschede Tubular Bell floor clocks are sought after by serious collectors and by those who desire a clock of unusually high quality. Although not necessarily rare, these clocks are seldom seen due to their size and cost. For the average repairman, it can be difficult to gain skill and experience on these fine mechanisms since there are few who own them. However, because of his reputation, Michael has had the privilege to set up, repair or restore many more Herschede Tubular Bell clocks than the average shop. Herschede tubular bell clock movements, along with other brands, are larger and more complicated than the average clock. Michael even teaches classes on the restoration of these clocks for AWCI and WAO. See “Herschede Restoration” for more information.

Packing, Moving and Set Up of Floor Clocks

Moving and need some help with that large clock? We can pack your clock for a long distance move or even move it for you. We can also perform a set-up of your floor clock if you have recently moved it.

Free Estimates

In most cases estimates are free. If you bring your clock to our “main location” we will almost always be able to give you an estimate while you wait. A thorough explanation of the clock’s needs, an explanation of the work required, any repair options available and the cost to repair it will be given.

Clock Case Cleaning

After the dial and any ornaments are removed the clock case is thoroughly cleaned, and then a coat of lemon oil beeswax is applied when appropriate. Other case types can be rubbed out, polished and then waxed. Solid brass ornaments or bezels can be polished. Other ornaments such as feet and handles which are frequently made of cheap powdered metal and have lost their original finish can have a new finish applied if desired. See our “Before and After Cases” page showing many examples of this work.

Clock Case Repair and Refinishing

Master Clock Repair is also able to handle most case refinishing projects. Many of our customers in need of extensive restoration, like being able to get all of their clock needs accomplished in one place when possible. If your refinishing job is too difficult for us, we will let you know. However, we have obtained wonderful results for many of our customers who are thrilled when they see the completed clock. See our “Before and After Cases” page showing many examples of this work.

"Clock in Fire" Restoration Service

Here at Master Clock Repair, we perform many jobs for national and local fire service companies. These jobs can range from light cleaning and movement service to complete case and movement restoration including pick-up and delivery.

Paper Dial Replacement

Many antique American clocks had paper dials glued onto metal dial pans. This was far cheaper than those that were painted on. The downside was that over time the paper dial would not only get very dirty but could also wear due to handling. Reproductions of these original dials are available and can be used to restore the original look of the clock for a fairly reasonable price. See the “Before and After Dials” page for some examples of this type of work.

Painted or Silvered Dials Restored

We often see painted and silvered dials come through our shop that have been badly damaged due to misguided attempts at cleaning or repainting. Although we do not do this work ourselves, we know who does, and who does it right. Within every aspect of clock restoration there is someone who performs that task as a specialty. See examples on our “Before and After Dials” page.

Painted and Stenciled Clock Glasses Replaced or Restored

Frequently the original reverse painted or stenciled glass is missing, broken or some of the picture has been inadvertently removed due to improper cleaning. Many reproduction stenciled glasses common on antique American kitchen clocks are available and some reverse painted glasses are available as well. It is also possible to have a custom reverse painted glass done for you. Although we do not do this work ourselves, we know who does, and does it right. Within every aspect of clock restoration is someone who performs that task as a specialty.

Battery and Quartz Movement Replacement

For the most part, battery operated movements are non-repairable. However, in most cases, a new unit can be installed in place of the old one. Whether it is a time only unit, one that swings a pendulum or even one that chimes, replacement units are available for many different applications. Visit our “Battery Clock Repair” page for more information.

Electric Clocks Converted to Battery

When an older electric clock ceases to function, more often than not the problem is that the motor or rotor that drives the mechanism has failed. Unfortunately, with the modern battery-operated quartz clock units now available, the corded electric clock has fallen out of favor with new product manufacturers. Consequently, almost all of the motors or rotors for these older clocks are no longer available. Although there are a few that are commonly rebuilt, it can be expensive, and for some of our customers, they prefer the less expensive option of converting their electric clock by installing a battery-operated movement of similar function. More often than not, this conversion can be done in a way that requires little or no visible change in the appearance of the front of the clock. Michael and Christian have converted hundreds and hundreds of these clocks and can do it for you as well. Bring it in and let us show you what we can do.

See our “electric Clock Repair” page for more information.