Choosing a Qualified Clockmaker
Clock repair is an unregulated trade in the UK, so a customer does not have to use a formally qualified repairer. Recognised training and professional qualifications can, however, provide useful evidence of a clockmaker’s education and practical skills.
What Should You Look For?
Mechanical clocks can be valuable financially, historically or simply because of their importance to a family. Poor repairs can cause damage that is considerably more difficult to correct later.
When choosing a repairer, it is sensible to consider their horological training, practical experience and professional qualifications, as well as their approach to the conservation of original components.
The information below relates primarily to clock repair and restoration. Modern watch servicing is a related but distinct part of the horological industry.
British Horological Institute
The British Horological Institute provides a structured route of horological education and examination, with qualifications covering servicing, repair, restoration and conservation.
Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing
The first of the BHI diploma qualifications, covering the fundamental knowledge and practical skills involved in servicing clocks and watches.
Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks/Watches
A more advanced qualification covering servicing and repair. The BHI states that its Level 4 diploma meets the qualification criteria for professional membership at Member level, denoted by MBHI.
Diploma in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks/Watches
The BHI’s Level 5 diploma extends into repair, restoration and conservation. The BHI states that this qualification meets the criteria for professional membership at Fellow level, denoted by FBHI.
Other Horological Training
West Dean College
West Dean College offers specialist education in clocks and related objects, with substantial practical workshop training. Current routes include its Foundation Degree in Clocks, further craft study and specialist conservation programmes.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery offers a BA (Hons) in Horology. The degree combines horological theory with practical skills including servicing, manufacturing and precision workshop techniques.
Qualifications Are Only Part of the Picture
A qualification is useful evidence of training, but letters after someone’s name should not be the only consideration. Experience, the standard of their work and the way they approach repairs all matter.
A good clockmaker should be willing to explain what is wrong, what work they propose to carry out and why. For an antique clock in particular, they should understand the importance of retaining original material wherever reasonably possible.
Scott Jeffery FBHI
Scott is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute, a BHI tutor and examiner, with an engineering background and more than fifteen years’ experience in the clock trade.
View Scott’s Qualifications →