Horology – David's Blog

October 2026 | Clock Restorations

There is something particularly satisfying about bringing an old mechanical clock back to life. These remarkable machines were built to last generations, yet even the finest movements eventually require repair. My latest project, working alongside Ken Reindel, involves restoring a Gustav Becker clock movement.

Gustav Becker established his clockmaking business in Freiburg, Silesia, in 1847. His company became known for producing quality mechanical clocks, including regulators, wall clocks, mantel clocks, and grandfather clocks. More than a century later, many of these movements remain in service, a testament to their original craftsmanship.

The Challenge: Replacing a Ratchet Wheel

The movement we are repairing has three winding mechanisms, each equipped with a ratchet wheel. These wheels work with spring-loaded pawls to allow the clock to be wound while preventing the stored energy from being released backward.

One of the three ratchet wheels needed replacement. Rather than search for an original part that might not fit, Ken decided to manufacture a new one.

The original wheel provided our specifications: diameter, thickness, center opening, mounting holes, and tooth configuration. Using brass stock, we prepared a circular blank for machining.

Precision Milling

The accompanying photographs illustrate the process of producing the replacement wheel.

A brass blank in a precision milling setup equipped with a dividing head, allowing the workpiece to be rotated in carefully controlled increments. Each tooth had to be cut at the proper spacing and angle to engage the pawl correctly.

This is where traditional clock repair and modern machining come together. Cutting a ratchet wheel involves more than simply producing evenly spaced teeth. Their shape and orientation must permit winding in one direction while securely preventing reverse movement.

Careful measurement, setup, and machining are essential. A small error repeated around the circumference can compromise the entire wheel.

The photographs show the progression from the original worn component to the newly machined brass replacement. Side by side, the two wheels tell an interesting story: one bears the marks of many years of service, while the other reflects the precision of contemporary machining applied to a century-old mechanical design.

The Restoration Continues

The new ratchet wheel has been machined but has not yet been installed. Additional repairs and adjustments remain before the movement can be reassembled and tested.

Once fitted, we will check the engagement of the ratchet and pawl, the operation of the winding mechanism, and ultimately the performance of the clock itself.

Working with Ken on these projects is an enjoyable exchange of ideas, techniques, and practical experience. Each movement presents its own challenges, and finding the right solution is part of what makes clock repair so rewarding.

For me, the satisfaction lies not simply in replacing a worn component, but in preserving the ingenuity and craftsmanship of earlier generations. A small brass wheel may seem insignificant, yet its proper operation is essential to keeping this historic clock running.

Another step toward bringing a Gustav Becker clock back to life.

To be continued as the restoration progresses.

There is something deeply satisfying about bringing an old clock back to life—especially one that has quietly marked the passing of time for over two centuries. This tall case clock, dating from approximately 1760 to 1810, came to my workshop in Conifer with both character and challenges.

A Clock with History

Clocks of this era were often the centerpiece of a home. Built by skilled craftsmen, each movement was made by hand, intended not only to keep time but to endure. This particular piece carried the marks of age—evidence of long service, and perhaps years of sitting still.

Condition on Arrival

When first examined, the movement showed signs of wear typical for its age:

Dried and hardened lubricants
Wear in the pivot holes
Accumulated dust and debris
Inconsistent timekeeping
Disassembled in the bottom of shipping box

Despite this, the clock remained complete—a wonderful starting point for restoration.

The Restoration Process

The work began with a full disassembly of the movement. Each component was carefully cleaned to remove decades of old oil and residue.

Worn pivot holes were evaluated and corrected where necessary to restore proper alignment. The pivots themselves were polished, and the gear train inspected to ensure smooth operation.

Attention was given to maintaining the integrity of the original craftsmanship. The goal was not to make the clock “new,” but to allow it to function as it was originally intended.

Bringing It Back to Life

Once reassembled and properly lubricated, the movement was tested and adjusted. Gradually, the steady rhythm of the escapement returned—a quiet but unmistakable sign that the clock was once again keeping time.

Reflections

Working on a clock like this is a reminder that timekeeping is both mechanical and deeply human. These pieces connect us to earlier generations who depended on them in daily life.

It is a privilege in retirement to care for these clocks, preserving not just their function, but their stories. Restoration would not have been complete or possible without the mentoring from Ken’s Clock Clinic. Thank you Ken!