Expert: Martin Meyer - 4/7/2008

Question
This clock was just given to me. Previous owner says the chains were pulled too high and the mechanism locked up. Hasn't worked for several years. Local repair man says he can clean and lube to start for $269.00; of course extra if he finds something else. Does this sound reasonable?

Answer
Hi Brian,
    Let me start out by saying that repair prices vary widely by region, and I can't know if any specific price is reasonable or not in your area. Additionally, the quality of work is a very big consideration in clock repair, and the cheapest price is often not the best price.
    "Cleaning" is a very confusing term in clock repair. First, you need to find out exactly what work will be done. When I do a service call, I call it "oil and adjust" because there is no "cleaning" involved.
    What some clock repairers call "cleaning" is what I call "cleaning and overhaul" for clarity. This means that I completely disassemble the movement, removing all the gears and small parts, then clean all the parts in a cleaning machine, followed by replacing all worn bearings with bushings and performing other miscellaneous repairs. This is an expensive repair because of the labor involved in disassembly, reassembly, rebushing and polishing all gear shaft pivots (the tips of the gear shafts that enter the bearing holes).
    In between these two repairs is something that some clock repairers call "cleaning". This procedure consists of immersing the complete, assembled movement in a cleaning machine, then drying it and lubricating it. In my personal opinion, and that of many if not most professional clock repairers, this procedure is not an acceptable or workmanlike repair. First, it is a fairly expensive job with few real benefits. Even ultrasonic cleaning will not remove the varnish-like hardened oil that coats the pivots and inside surfaces of the bearing holes. Second, when a clock is dirty enough to need cleaning, it almost always also has worn bearings and scored pivots. These can only be repaired by completely disassembling the movement.
    To evaluate a clock repair estimate, you should find out exactly what work will be done, and what guarantee you will receive, then weigh that against the cost.
    You can also web search for Internet clock repair sites, and see what they charge and exactly what work is included. My site is among these, www.clockmasteronline.com , and you can browse my illustrated section on cleaning and overhauls for more information about the process.