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Thread: Vintage clock repair online service?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
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    In the foothills of the NM Sandia Mountains
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    Vintage clock repair online service?

    I have a 74 year old Enfield mantel clock that needs some attention. It probably needs nothing more than a good cleaning, oiling, and adjusting. The clock itself is nothing too special but it was given to my grandfather on his retirement in 1949. The shop I used to use is no longer in business and there’s not much left in town except for a few pawn shops.

    Anyway, has anyone used an online repair service? Opinions?
    Please help support the Creek.


    "The older I get, the better I used to be."
    Lee Trevino


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Eastern Iowa
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    752
    Butterworth Clocks, Inc

    Very well regarded, but I am unsure of his online repair status as I live in his town of business.
    Comments made here are my own and, according to my children, do not reflect the opinions of any other person... anywhere, anytime.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Southwest US
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    1,140
    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce Page View Post
    I have a 74 year old Enfield mantel clock that needs some attention. It probably needs nothing more than a good cleaning, oiling, and adjusting. The clock itself is nothing too special but it was given to my grandfather on his retirement in 1949. The shop I used to use is no longer in business and there’s not much left in town except for a few pawn shops.

    Anyway, has anyone used an online repair service? Opinions?
    I use a local repairman... but he told me most of his business is "Sent in".
    I have taken my clock to him about every 5-7 years for routine servicing.
    In fact, I ordered my clock from him "online" not knowing he was a local guy... and nice person that he is he gave me the online discount anyway, plus I saved on shipping because he is about 15 miles from me.
    I bought a Chelsea "Ship strike" clock (having been in the Navy I like the "bells" way of timekeeping.)
    This is my clock ....Chelsea Ship Strike 6"

    The only difference is the price (I bought mine around the year 2000 and paid about $1100)
    Also mine has a screw on bezel rather than hinged bezel (which is the what a true ships clock had to keep out the salty air)

    The man's house is full of [mostly] mechanical clocks. He's got one clock in the entry hall that is made entirely from wood except for the mainspring.
    He says he has a weekly ritual wherein he goes around on one specific day and winds all his clocks.
    I asked him about his shop....does it have "positive" air pressure like a clean room (Boeing had clean rooms)... his shop is like a clean room.
    He explained how only a few speck of dirt can throw off a balance wheel.

    His name is John Crabtree http://www.jlcrabtree.com/
    He's been repairing clocks and watches for at least 30 years, maybe longer.... and has always lived in metro Phoenix
    I have lady's gold filled pocket watch that dates to 1910... I've takes that to him for service also.
    Last edited by Patty Hann; 09-27-2023 at 8:25 AM.
    "What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing.
    It also depends on what sort of person you are.”

  4. #4
    Clean it with denatured alcohol. Oil with real clock oil ,available on line. The SLOW- FAST ‘transmission’ is easy to use.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lewiston, Idaho
    Posts
    28,584
    Send a PM to Creeker Bernie Weishapl. He has a clock repair shop. He can give you good advice, I am sure!
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    In the foothills of the NM Sandia Mountains
    Posts
    16,670
    I found a local "in home" repair service by a guy that worked at my repair shop that closed. Fingers crossed!
    Thanks for the replies.
    Patty, that ship's clock is way cool!
    Please help support the Creek.


    "The older I get, the better I used to be."
    Lee Trevino


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