How much does clock repair cost?

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Price guide

$56 - $1,200

low

$56

median

$300

high

$1,200

Last Updated on 12 December 2023

Have your clocks stopped working? It would be a waste to store or put them away. Grandfather clocks and similar timepieces can be valuable antiques, so perhaps it's best to repair them instead!

Clock repair costs range from $56 to $1,200. Most clock specialists provide warranties that can last up to three years, and these already cover part replacements and labour fees. Here are price estimates for clock repair and restoration:

Clock repair and restoration costs

No. of keyholes*	Price
1	$300+
2	$600+
3	$900+

*Note: A keyhole refers to the clock’s driving force, including its springs (which use keys) or weights (which use either keys or chains).

Remember these tips when finding a handyman so you can work with the right expert for your clock repair.

Clock service maintenance plans

Service	Price
Movement check	Starts at $135, depending on the clock type and age
The lubrication of accessible areas without disassembly
Timing check

What factors affect clock repair prices?

If you want to know how much it costs to repair grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks, and other timepieces, read on.

Clock type

You can find many kinds of clocks today because they're timeless pieces. Some clocks are even family heirlooms, objects treasured across generations. What type of clock do you have? Here are some examples to guide you:

Type	Description
Mantel/shelf clocks	They complement any fireplace. They're petite, but they have ornate brass or wood designs to catch people's attention. Most mantel clocks have swinging pendulums and come in French, German, art deco, and modern styles. Chiming mantel clocks play special tunes, such as Westminster Quarters, to mark each quarter-hour.
Wall clocks	They're prevalent in homes and corporate spaces. They offer simple functionality, enabling you to quickly check the time regardless of your location in the room.
Carriage clocks	They're small, spring-driven devices suitable for travelling. They often have gilded, rectangular cases with carrying handles reminiscent of old-fashioned lamps.
Grandfather/floor clocks	They first became popular in the 17th century. They have hefty pendulums and can be six to eight feet tall, making them excellent statement pieces. Although grandfather clocks typically have Roman numeral displays, some feature Arabic numerals. Grandfather clock repair costs start at $1,200.
Cuckoo clocks	They're iconic because they emulate a cuckoo bird’s call. A mechanical, toy-like bird pops out every hour and moves with each cuckoo.

Lubrication

Most clocks stop working due to old lubricating oil in their pivot holes. It might have turned into jelly or thickened due to dust. Unlubricated pivot holes malfunction and prevent smooth wheel rotation. Thus, some clocks require meticulous maintenance, while others need an overhaul every seven to 10 years.

Overhauling

Simple oiling and adjusting start at $135, but most clock repair work requires an overhaul unless the expert deems it a simple task. Cleaning alone won't address the effects of wear and tear. An old, dusty clock might require an overhaul to function well.

Specialists will examine your clock to identify issues with its bushings. Afterwards, they'll disassemble the movement or calibre and remove the clock barrel's springs when needed.

Spare parts

The cost of spare parts for clock repair depends on their availability. Rare parts for older units cost more. Consequently, clock spring repair costs might be higher than minute hand repair prices.

Cleaning

Since clock mechanisms are intricate, specialists use ultrasonic cleaners. They might clean your clock's pivot holes, removing old grease from the mainsprings. Then, they'll install brand-new bushings, correct worn-out pivot holes, and polish all pallets and plates.

Quality assurance

The repair process also includes tightening hooks and click rivets, correcting gear alignment, reassembling the clock, and finally, re-testing the product. It usually takes one week to ensure the best results.

Additional factors affecting clock repair prices

a handyman repairing a clock face

Other things might increase repair costs, especially if your clock is vintage or worn out. Besides polishing or lacquering your clock's bezels, pendulums, and weights, you might need the following services:

Dial resilvering

Engraved dials tend to lose their silver finish. In this case, you can restore them using traditional methods. The same goes for numerals that have lost their black shellac wax. Costs differ for engraved and printed dials.

Priority repair

If you need to repair your clock for a special occasion or holiday, asking the professional to prioritise it can increase the overall cost.

House calls

Clock shops also offer home services depending on the distance they need to travel. In Brisbane, house calls for clock repair cost around $120.

Shipping

Specialists also offer to pack the clock carefully and send it to you if you need to relocate. Shipping or insurance coverage applies.

Get more tips on fixing your clocks! Read our guide to adjusting a clock pendulum for your next clock repair project.

Clock repair quotes from Taskers

Check out the table below to compare clock repair prices in different areas of Australia:

Area	Price
Melbourne	$56 to $100
Parramatta	$50 to $90
Sydney Eastern Suburbs	$41 to $50

Overall, save time and ensure that your well-loved vintage clock is in good hands. Taskers can also help you with various projects, including repairing tools around the house. Post a task, connect with a nearby Tasker, and get an accurate quote shortly.

Clock repair and restoration costs
Clock service maintenance plans
What factors affect clock repair prices?
Additional factors affecting clock repair prices
Clock repair quotes from Taskers

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FAQs

Some clock issues are straightforward, so you can find and follow instructions online. However, if the clock is a vintage piece with sentimental value, it's wiser to seek professional help and avoid further complications.

Most clock specialists will have an initial idea of your clock's issues as long as you try to describe them in detail. Some offer an initial quotation via call as well.

A well-performing clock repair shop typically has a long queue. Don't be surprised if it takes as long as three months.

It usually depends on why you want to restore your clock. Old clocks often have sentimental value. If yours was a prized possession of your great grandmother, maybe the clock’s ticking or chiming is worth hearing again.

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