Welcome!
ABOUT TIME
THE CLOCK SERVICE, REPAIRS AND RESTORATION SPECIALISTS
'Beautiful objects, ideas, even beautiful people all share the power to lift the spirits and
motivate creativity while at the same time soothing the soul.'
- Thomas Kinkade
The antique world is enjoying a particularly high level of growth today and is set to boom in the next few years, therefore valuable antiques, in particular collectible clocks, require sympathetic and expert attention if they are to retain or increase their value and be an heirloom or worthy centerpiece of any collection.
The question of conservation or restoration is sensitive subject. Antiques are not only a good investments but also fundamentally part of our heritage. Therefore great care should be taken during the repair process not to compromise the integrity of these prized items.
At About Time Clocks we pride ourselves in providing to our clients the convenience of a one stop destination for all their clock service, repairs and restoration needs.
Clock service, repairs & restoration
Clocks need cleaning and servicing every 5 to 8 years. This will ensure that they don't wear out and that they keep good time.
If a clock is to run, it will need regular maintenance in the form of winding, setting, regulation, cleaning and lubrication. Even the best maintained clocks wear out as they run; and careless winding or setting can damage mainsprings, hands, dials and other components. This means that some parts will inevitably degrade to the point where they no longer function.
This is how we repair an antique clock
After examination we prepare or confirm an estimate of the cost. In our workshop your antique clock will be given a very careful examination to note worn and broken parts for repair. The movement would be totally dismantled and the parts further examined for wear. All components would be cleaned and any rust or corrosion removed, all worn bearings will be re-bushed and the wheel pivots polished to a good bearing surface. Pallets will be re-faced and escapement adjusted. After repair all parts will be polished, springs checked and replaced if necessary, the movement re-assembled, the striking work set up, all moving parts would be lubricated with correct oils or greases, the dial and hands re-fitted. Your antique clock will be set up and tested for at least two weeks before being set up in your case and further tested.
We repair all Longcase clocks, Bracket clocks, Musical clocks, French mantle clocks, cartel clocks, spring clocks, Vienna wall clocks, Black forest clocks, Skeleton clocks, English dial clocks, Fusee clocks & Long case Regulator clocks.
Please note that we don't service wrist watches but we'll be happy to refer you to the right people!
Clock services
Clock repairs
Clock restoration
At your service
About Time Clocks is a clock service, repairs and restoration workshop run by Adriaan.
The business is based in Paarl in the beautiful Cape Winelands.
Adriaan van der Walt
Horologist
Adriaan comes from a fine arts and art curator background.
The past few years he has worked in the antiques industry specializing in collectible clocks. In the process he became fascinated with the mechanics of clocks and went on to do full course under the watchful eye of a master horologist & member of the British Horological Institute, Chris Snyman.
Adriaan has since opened up his own workshop and is based in Paarl in the
Cape Winelands.
Apart from the mechanical aspects, Adriaan is also skilled in clock case
and face restoration.