This is the top level of service, and would best be characterized by the word “restoration”, as opposed to “repair”.  This service is reserved for clocks that have excessive wear and tear, and/or a large number of repair issues and/or unstable conditions resulting from prior attempts at shortcut repairs. Costs can range from $1,000 to $4,500, depending on the overall complexity of the clock, how many wheel trains it has, and the total number of individual operations that need to be performed. A detailed Intake Evaluation Form is completed as part of a thorough inspection, which identifies each fault and serves as the task list for the job.

For example, Time Only clocks usually come in at the lower end of the price range, although Precision Regulators may cost more to restore. Time & Strike, and Time, Strike and musical Chime clocks fall into the lower-to-middle part of the range. Early clocks from the late 1600s to the early 1800s that have excessive wear and large numbers of failing or poorly executed prior repairs, as well as complex clocks such as Triple Fusees and Tubular Bell models come in at the high end of the range. In general, the more complex a clock is, the more a 4th level service will cost. As with all service levels, cosmetic and structural repairs to the cabinet are separately priced.

A 4th Level Service augments the 26-step protocol for the AWCI GMS (“General Movement Service”), as prescribed by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, with 14 additional stages of work. It includes all items listed in the 3rd Level Service, in addition to the total disassembly of the movement to more fully access and recondition damaged or worn parts.

No work is performed without authorization from the clock owner, beyond the intake evaluation. We freely share all findings, often with the aid of close-up photos of problem areas, and encourage any questions the owner may have prior to or during the restoration. The Intake Evaluation Form, and all documentation of the work is available upon request, for the owner’s records, insurance purposes, and added investment records.

This service level comes with our full 1-year warranty on parts and labor, excluding mainsprings. Barring accidental damage in the owner’s care, we expect the 4th level restoration to provide reliable service well beyond the warranty.

An added benefit of all levels of service beyond first level, is that once the owner has made an investment in the described work, subsequent maintenance and upkeep should cost substantially less. The recommended service interval for ongoing cleaning, oiling and adjustment is once every three years. Maintenance training is available for owners who would like to conduct their own ongoing care in the future.