How much does clock repair cost?

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Price guide

$30 - $2,500

low

$30

median

$350

high

$2,500

Different clocks and their repair costs
Specific clock services and their costs
What factors affect clock repair prices?
Additional factors affecting clock repair prices
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Last Updated on 29 February 2024

Have your clocks stopped working and need a repair job? 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 $35 to $2,500. Most clock specialists provide warranties that can last up to three years, and these already cover part replacements and labor fees. Here are price estimates for clock repair and restoration:

Different clocks and their repair costs

Type	Price
Time-only clock	$180 to $300
Clock with an hour strike	$320 to $400
Clock with an hour strike and tune	$380 to $500
Anniversary clock	$145 to $200
Cuckoo clock	$150 to $400
Wooden work clock	$300 to $400
Fusee clock	$250 to $450
Ship's bell clock	$200 to $350
Carriage clock	$250 to $400

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

Specific clock services and their costs

Service	Price
Cuckoo clock overhaul	$150 to $400, depending on the number of weights
Bushing replacement	$10 to $30 per bushing
Pivot replacement	$65 to $110 per pivot
Excess oil removal	$30 to $50
Grandfather clock cleaning, calibration, and reassembly	$150 to $850
Grandfather clock setup	$60 to $150
Grandfather clock overhaul	$550 to $2,500, depending on the number of trains
Spring replacement	$10 to $30 per spring
Damaged tooth repair	$10 to $30 per tooth
Gear manufacturing	$50 to $250 per gear
Mechanical movement setup	$150 to $350, + the cost of a brand-new movement
Home-call or at-home clock repair	$55 to $100 for the first 25 miles $1 to $2 per extra mile

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 traveling. They often have gilded, rectangular cases with carrying handles reminiscent of old-fashioned lamps. Carriage clock repair costs $250 to $475+. This includes polishing or lacquering.
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 $550 to $2,500.
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. Cuckoo clock repair costs $200 to $400, depending on the number of weights.

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 $100, 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. Afterward, they'll disassemble the movement or caliber 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 clock 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 prioritize it can increase the overall clock repair cost.

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.

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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.

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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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