Marcus Tempus Clock Workshop
Antique Clock Restoration & Repair in London
Specialist restoration of fine antique and precision clocks, from fusee bracket and dial clocks to lantern clocks, carriage clocks, repeaters, regulators and marine chronometers. Work is assessed individually and carried out with respect for the original mechanism, finish and history of the clock.
Fine Antique Horology
For clocks worth restoring properly.
Antique clocks can contain sophisticated mechanisms, hand-finished components and historic details that deserve more than a routine repair. Our workshop focuses on quality mechanical clocks where traditional horological restoration, careful diagnosis and sympathetic conservation matter.
We work with collectors, dealers and private owners, considering originality, previous repairs and the intended use of the clock before recommending work.
Specialist Clock Types
Complex antique clocks require specialist knowledge.
The workshop undertakes restoration of suitable antique and precision clocks with mechanisms ranging from traditional fusee trains to repeating, striking and high-grade timekeeping systems.
Fusee Bracket Clocks
English and other fine bracket clocks with fusee-driven movements, including striking and more complex examples.
Fusee Dial Clocks
Traditional fusee dial and wall clocks, including movement servicing, wear correction and regulation.
Lantern Clocks
Early-style lantern clocks and suitable period mechanisms assessed with particular attention to originality and previous alteration.
Carriage Clocks
Fine carriage clocks including striking, alarm and repeating examples, with platform and escapement work assessed individually.
Repeater Clocks
Assessment and restoration of suitable repeating mechanisms where correct sequence, strike work and mechanical condition are critical.
Marine Chronometers
Specialist assessment of precision marine chronometers and their high-grade mechanical movements.
Precision Regulators
Restoration and regulation of suitable precision regulator clocks where stable timekeeping and mechanical condition are central.
French & European Clocks
Quality French and European mantel, table and architectural clocks with mechanically significant movements.
Selected Workshop Specialisms
Examples of the clocks we restore.
We focus on mechanically significant antique clocks and use imagery selectively so the page remains about craftsmanship, not a catalogue of every shape of clock.
Bracket & Fusee Clocks
Traditional restoration for mechanically interesting bracket, table and fusee clocks.
Carriage & Repeating Clocks
Careful work on quality carriage clocks, including suitable striking and repeating mechanisms.
Fine French Clocks
Restoration of suitable French clocks with an emphasis on mechanical quality and preservation.
Mechanical Restoration
Repairing wear rather than simply making a clock run.
A proper restoration begins with the condition of the movement. Wear, previous repairs and incorrect adjustment can affect reliability, striking, power transmission and timekeeping.
The work required varies considerably from clock to clock, so recommendations are made only after inspection.
Antique Clock Dial Restoration
The dial deserves the same care as the movement.
An antique clock dial is often one of the most historically important and visually distinctive parts of the clock. Restoration should be sympathetic to its age, materials, signatures and surviving original decoration.
Dial work is considered individually, particularly where earlier restoration, losses, cracking, fading or surface damage are present.
Painted Dial Restoration
Conservation-led work on suitable painted clock dials, taking surviving decoration, numerals and signatures into account.
Enamel Dial Restoration
Assessment of chipped, cracked or damaged enamel dials and appropriate restoration options for the individual piece.
Signed & Historic Dials
Particular care around makers' signatures, retailers' marks, chapter details and historically significant surfaces.
Hands & Chapter Work
Associated hands, chapters and dial furniture considered as part of the overall restoration where appropriate.
Historic Makers
Fine clocks by recognised makers.
Our workshop encounters antique clocks by many English, French and European makers. Examples may include clocks associated with names such as Dent, Frodsham, Vulliamy, Elliott, Japy Frères, Samuel Marti, Vincenti, Drocourt, Henri Jacot and L'Epée. Every clock is accepted according to its individual mechanism, condition and the work required.
Maker names are shown as examples of historic clocks that may be encountered and do not imply manufacturer authorisation or affiliation.
Longcase & Grandfather Clocks
Longcase clocks have their own restoration page.
Because longcase and grandfather clocks have their own practical and mechanical considerations, we cover them separately rather than trying to make this general antique clock page do two jobs.
Our Restoration Approach
Preserve the clock, not just its ability to tick.
We do not believe an antique clock should automatically be made to look new. Original finishes, patina, maker's marks, dials, hands and signs of age can form an important part of its character and value.
Mechanical reliability matters, but so does knowing what should be repaired, what should be conserved and what is best left untouched. Significant cosmetic work is discussed before proceeding.
Our Process
From assessment to careful testing.
The movement, dial, case and relevant complications are inspected.
We explain the work considered appropriate before restoration begins.
Approved mechanical, dial and conservation work is carried out.
Running, striking, repeating, regulation and relevant functions are checked.
The completed clock is prepared for collection or an agreed return arrangement.
Specialist Services
Explore Our Clock Workshop
Discover our dedicated workshop pages for specialist clock and mechanical restoration services.
Workshop Hub
Clock Workshop
Explore our specialist workshop for antique and mechanical clock servicing, repair and restoration.
Explore Workshop →Specialist Restoration
Atmos Clock Restoration
Dedicated restoration and servicing for Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clocks and their unusual atmospheric movements.
Explore Atmos Restoration →Traditional Horology
Longcase Clock Restoration
Traditional restoration for longcase and grandfather clocks, from movement servicing to sympathetic conservation.
Explore Longcase Restoration →Mechanical Music
Musical Box Restoration
Cylinder, Polyphon and other antique mechanical music restoration through our specialist workshop.
Explore Musical Box Restoration →Frequently Asked Questions
Antique clock restoration questions.
Do you repair fusee clocks?
Yes. Suitable fusee bracket clocks, fusee dial clocks and other fusee-driven antique clocks can be assessed for servicing and restoration.
Do you restore antique carriage clocks?
Yes. We assess quality carriage clocks, including suitable striking, alarm and repeating examples, according to their mechanism and condition.
Do you restore painted clock dials?
Suitable painted dials can be assessed for sympathetic restoration, with care taken around original decoration, numerals, signatures and surviving historic surfaces.
Can you restore damaged enamel clock dials?
We can assess chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged enamel dials and advise what restoration is appropriate for the individual dial.
Do you work on marine chronometers and regulators?
Suitable marine chronometers and precision regulators can be considered for specialist assessment and restoration, subject to their condition and the work required.
Can I send photographs before bringing my clock in?
Yes. Clear photographs of the complete clock, dial, maker's name and movement where safely accessible are useful for an initial enquiry.
Request an Assessment
Have a fine antique clock to restore?
Send photographs of the complete clock, dial, maker's name and movement where safely accessible, together with a brief description of the fault or restoration required.