Turret Clock Services

We're passionate about Turret Clocks​

We advise, conserve, and restore clocks to the highest standards following the Church building council code of practice and good conservation practices to preserve Turret Clocks for the long term. Symon has helped shape the code of practice for future Turret Clock work, this has now become part of the Church Buildings Council Code of Practice. Symon also advises Bristol DAC (Diocese Advisory Committee) on proposed Turret Clock work. 

The beginning of the process is for Symon to come and look at the clock and give advice on the current condition, the work required and any other potential problems. He will then prepare a condition report and a detailed quote of the work required, free of charge. Symon is always available to offer advice for your restoration projects and he is happy to explain in detail the work needed to restore any clock to its former glory.

Recent Turret Restorations

St Mary’s Church, Bath

A large quarter chiming Thwaites and Reed Clock. This clock has been converted to electrical drive and was situated behind the dial on top of the bell frame. The only access to the front of the clock was over the top of the bell frame. To access the rear of the clock you had to climb over the top of the mechanics and a 20ft drop to the bottom of the bell chamber.

The clock had not run in ten years so the decision was made to move it one floor up and re-site it on the original stand with restored legs and a substantial oak frame. The movement was completely stripped and all the grease carefully removed, initially with rags and then washed with detergent, this preserved the original paint. We then waxed all the parts of the clock with microcrystalline wax to protect the surfaces.

Smiths of Derby, flatbed  Clock 

This clock is fitted into a stable block with two dials it was in poor condition the clock had been heavily oiled in the past with wd 40 this had gone very sticky this holds the dirt onto the bearing surfaces and causes friction and wear, the pallets were loose and the strike barrel had a tooth missing it had a full overhaul.

AJW-turret
ttaching-dulverton-dial

Dulverton Clock Dial

The dial and the stone surround were in very poor condition. A Stonemason was commissioned to reinstate the surround and I was asked to restore the dial. Once the dial was removed I could see the bottom of the iron support frame had corroded completely away. 

A new stainless steel frame was made, the dial was stripped back to the bare metal, then riveted to the frame with Copper rivets, during this process I could see the two previous dial painting and that the original background colour was black. The church decided to revert to the original colour. I drew out the numerals to the original pattern and gilded them with 24ct gold leaf.

About

Symon Boyd 42 years experience in restoration and conservation of antique clocks, turret clocks, barometers, automata, musical boxs, long case and exterior clocks.

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