Service fees

Overhaul Single- and two-train (time and strike) clocks and two weight cuckoos. These clocks have one or two winding holes. $395. Add $32.50 for alarm mechanisms.

Overhaul French clocks. French clocks are typically made to more precise tolerances and have finer components that require greater care in handling the than American made clocks of the same vintage. $600.

Overhaul Three-train wall and mantle clocks that play Westminster chimes on the quarter hours and three weight cuckoos. These clocks will have three winding holes or three weights. $495.

Overhaul Seth Thomas three-train mantel clocks. Model numbers 120 and 124 and New Haven Chiming clocks. These movements were first produced in 1921 and continued into the depression. They are among the most complicated clocks of their day. $995.

Overhaul Single-chime grandfather clocks. These clocks usually have three weights that hang on chains and play westminster chime on the quarter hours. $495

Overhaul Triple-chime grandfather  and mantel clocks. These clocks have three weights or three winding holes and allow for a selection of three different melodies to play on the quarter hours.  $595 (auto-night shut-off add $100)
 
Overhaul Five-tube floor clocks. Tube clocks have two- or three weights and play westminster chime on the quarter hours on tubular bells instead of solid rods. $1495

Overhaul Eight- or nine-tube floor clocks. Triple-chime, three-weight tubular bell clocks. $1995

Grandfather clock in home routine maintenance service.  Inspect and troubleshoot a grandfather clock in the home.  This includes periodic maintenance for grandfather clocks in working condition.  $200
NO WARRANTY.

Regular maintenance- wall or mantle clock in the shop. Mechanical clocks need to be lubricated every two years. This may be done in the home, depending on the type of clock. $200  NO WARRANTY.

Airguide and ship's bell clocks. Typically time and strike clocks. Some with the unique ship's bell striking sequence. Includes disassembly and cleaning of platform escapement. Parts and shipping extra. $995  

Platform Escapement Service. Complete disassembly and cleaning platform escapement. Parts extra. $400                                    

Casework, or fabrication of parts.$100/hr

Appraisals.$200/clock.

Cleaning solution disposal charge. Clocks that have been saturated with oil, sprayed with WD-40, sprayed with silicone, or exposed to smoke foul the cleaning solution and require disposal of the solution. $50.00

Rust removal. Badly rusted parts that need to have the oxidation removed in order for the part to function correctly will incur an additional fee for rust removal and waste disposal.

Rebuild cuckoo music movement.  Many of these old cuckoo musical movements get little or no attention until they quit functioning altogether- even when the main movement is serviced. We completely disassemble the music movement and treat it as another clockworks movement. Which, in fact, it really is. $200
*note: parts, shipping and tax (if applicable) not included in above pricing. The prices above are for most clocks of the types listed. Some clocks that require more than average work including extra cleaning because of spray lubricants will cost more to repair. Clocks that have had poor repair work in the past, and must have previous repair work corrected, will be charged my hourly rate for the remedial work, plus the normal price. All prices are subject to change without notification.
*A word about lubrication.

Proper lubricaton ensures that a mechanical clock will continue to perform well. There is no such thing as a universal lubricant. In fact, there is a whole field of scientific study called tribology which is dedicated to the study of friction and lubrication.  
Professional  scientists have developed lubricants specifically for use in clock mechanisms. Household lubricants such as 3-in-1 oil and WD40 are the bane of clockmakers, as they are difficult to remove and cause damage to delicate clock parts and finishes. In addition, too much or too little of even the right kind of lubrication can cause problems for your clock. 
At the Cottage Clock Shop, I make sure your clock receives the proper amount and kind of lubrication exactly where needed.

Is your clock like one of these?

The slideshow above represents some of the many types of clocks I repair.

What's included in clock service

Some clock repairers try to do the minimum possible when servicing a clock. I take a different approach.

I treat every clock that comes into my shop with the utmost care. Each clock that I overhaul receives a complete service, sometimes referred to as a rebuild. The list below details what is included in a complete service.
  • Evaluation and testing of all parts, including mainsprings
  • Complete disassembly of the mechanism, and both ultrasonic and/or meticulous hand-cleaning where appropriate
  • Polishing and/or cleaning the pivots, and bushing pivot holes where needed
  • Replacing or fabricating worn-out or broken parts
  • Proper lubrication*
  • Electronic testing
  • Two year warranty on labor

Replacing modern clock movements

In some cases it's simply better to replace a clock movement that has little useful life left or has accumulated much wear or damage. Having seen and repaired thousands of clock movements I can quickly diagnose the problem areas that make replacement a better option than repair where appropriate. 


I accept the following forms of payment:

credit cards
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Major Credit/Debit Cards
I reserve the right to make photos of clocks in my shop for my own use. From time to time, I use these photos for illustration  in a power point presentation or a web post. Of course, I never reveal the location of the clock or the name of the owner. If you would like to have credit for your clock, just let me know. 
Steve
Payment is expected upon completion of work.  A deposit may be required before ordering some parts. Parts ordered for specific clocks cannot be returned.