A clock is one of the most intricate pieces of machinery ever produced by man. It is more complicated than your car engine and is usually ignored by the owner because it is so dependable. Clocks can run for years with no problems. One day you look at your clock and it has stopped. A typical conversation with someone calling our store for grandfather clock repair would go like this: "My clock has run for over 20 years and now it has just stopped"
 

(Question) Have you ever had the clock serviced?

(Answer) No.
 

Unlike a car, clocks will stop if anything is wrong. The slightest drag or wear will make it stop. Even your car gets to rest when you turn it off. A clock is running 24/7. Every minute of every hour of every day, even while you sleep, the gears in your clock are turning. This creates friction, wear and drag. Eventually the clock creates so much drag it stops. The damage is done.

The problem has to do with the fact that most clock owners are unaware that clocks need maintenance. Here is the clock maintenance that they require:

1. A clock should be oiled every 2-3 years and cleaned & oiled every 5-7 years.
2. When cleaning a clock it must be taken apart. Pivots need to be cleaned and all drag removed from the clock.
3. It should then be oiled and regulated.

That’s it!

A Grandfather Clock is a big investment, and Grandfather clock repair can be just as substantial an investment if the owner is not aware of standard clock maintenance procedures. Clock repairing is, after all, much more expensive than investing in regular clock maintenance every couple of years. But here again, most clock owners are unaware of the maintenance, albeit very low maintenance, that is required. Why is this? Because when they purchased the clock (whether it was a Grandfather, Wall or Mantel clock) they probably purchased it from someone other than a qualified clock dealer (or example, a furniture store is not a qualified clock dealer). The sales person likely was not trained to know how to advise the clock purchaser about basic clock care. This is unfortunate, because most people buy fine clocks precisely because it is an heirloom that grows in value for generations to come. Ensuring that it is kept in perfect repair for being part of the family legacy is an easy effort. All you must do is take care of your clock maintenance by a clock repair specialist, and only every couple of years.