Essential Guides for Precision Clock Repair: Reliable Sources for Authentic Parts and Tools - Revisited
Your Original Helper: Lock Repairer's Go-To Suppliers for Quality Parts
Ever wondered where lock repairers get their quality parts from? It's all about those reliable suppliers! Here's a lowdown on my personal favorites (I haven't taken a dime from them, don't worry), along with some other famous ones known for their extensive offerings, expert advice, and exceptional service. These suppliers offer a variety of compatible components, ensuring a satisfactory repair job every time.
Let's delve into the world of top-notch suppliers:
Timesavers: Based out of the States since 1975, TimeSavers is a well-known clock parts supplier in North America, boasting an enormous inventory containing thousands of parts. They've earned their spot as the best-known clock parts supplier in the region.
Greenvill Crafts (UK exclusive): A small business nestled in North Yorkshire, Greenvill Crafts offers an assortment of clock inserts, hands, and parts, including those for skeleton clocks and woodturning projects. Hobbyists and professionals can find what they need here, and shipping costs tend to be relatively low.
British Horological Institute (BHI): The BHI isn't a direct supplier but an educational and professional body that acts as an authority figure in the UK horological industry. While they don't sell parts, their resources and network can guide you to knowledgeable suppliers and provide repair advice.
Relocating to Canada? Look no further than Perrin, our leading supplier of clock parts. Unfortunately, they're due to shutter their doors in May 2024.
Overseas, Butterworth deserves a shout-out as they're known for their unique Butterworth bearing. Although they don't have a dedicated website, you can reach them through Facebook.
Merritts offers a diverse range of antique clocks available for online purchase at reasonable prices, while Meadows and Passmore provides a unique selection of clock parts with some purchasing restrictions.
Mile-high Clock Parts is the repairer's one-stop-shop for Keystone tools, staking sets, spring winders, bushing machines, and more.
Clockworks offers a variety of new Hermle movements, making them a reliable option for clock repair needs. Black Forest Imports is another reputable supplier that deals in clock movements, supplying various case parts, tools, repair supplies, and more.
Somal Watch Supply in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a source for Watch Movements, Watch Tools, Batteries, Mineral Glasses, Crowns, Spring Bars, and more.
Lastly, Ronell is a global provider of clock repair parts and supplies, while ACDP (a company in the Netherlands called ADCP) offers professional clock parts and repair services, selling interesting and hard-to-find clock parts.
A reader recently recommended Griffens Clocks, located in Portland, Oregon. This company acquired R&M Imports in 2019 and the assets of the Herschede Clock Company.
Finding a Bargain:If you're starting out in the field of horology, there are bargains to be had in the used market. However,Newcomers need to be careful to avoid unscrupulous sellers and consider factors like taxes, shipping costs, document processing fees, and potential import duties. Sometimes, the initial prices of used parts may seem attractive, but beware those hidden costs!
Word of Caution:Since the global pandemic, essential items such as bushings, files, specialized tools like bushing machines and spring winders have seen a staggering increase in prices, with some surging by 50% to 75%. To ensure you're making the best investment, study up on the new market, or consult experienced clock repairers to avoid overpaying for parts.
- Antique clocks enthusiasts might appreciate Merritts, an online marketplace offering a variety of antique clocks at reasonable prices.
- For professionals and hobbyists in theUK, Greenvill Crafts is a small business that stocks clock inserts, hands, and parts for various clock designs and projects.
- In the North American region, TimeSavers, established since 1975, is a well-known supplier of clock parts with an extensive inventory catering to lock repairers needs.
- Smart-home-device users might be interested in Clockworks, which offers a variety of new Hermle movements, presenting an option for integrating vintage clock movements into modern gadgets and technology.
