THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC

Swift resolution and collegial attitude, with a "home visit" to fix my clock. I have used The Old Clockworks for years, and have been totally satisfied with every clock they have worked on. I trust them implicitly and their knowledge and skill are so impressive. We are lucky to have such expertise in our geographic area. Totally recommend. Judith C.

The two clockmakers finished the job in 20 min., reversed pendulum shaft, retrieved out or reach cords through top of case and restored them to proper pulleys, explained how the original job came to be bungled, swapped out an ill-fitting key for correct key, explained all minor adjustments owner can make in internal works to ensure accurate running and identified correct names for all important clock parts. Examined a second antique clock (non-functioning, mid-1800s), volunteered to repair, suggested a nearby wood worker for repairs of case.

They arrived at Mom's house exactly when they said they would. They were very "Professional" and "Courteous ". They explain in detail what was wrong with her clock and what needed to be done. My Mom was sooo happy ? that its working again! Wow ? what an awesome experience! That was a "Drop The Mic ? episode "! Thank you guys!

Extremely well, considering the complexity of the clock. After calling for an appointment, on 03/26/16, we took an antique Seth Thomas Regulator clock to Old Clockworks for repair of a broken pendulum rod, and for routine cleaning and servicing. The business is run by a couple (Lynn and Lee Flemister) out of their house, and they have many years' experience with clocks of all kinds. They immediately recognized the type of clock we had, and began taking it apart by removing the face, while we waited so they could give us an estimate on fixing it. They found one like it in their catalog and told us it was a "World" clock with count wheel strike. The estimate was $500-600. They suggested we also have it refinished, which we decided to do. They sent it to an associate who refinished it for and additional $350. Part of the Flemisters' restoration included replacing the face, which was not original and had the second hand removed in a prior repair before the clock came into our family. They replaced the face with a replica of the original on which they had made a hole for a replacement second hand and had drawn a dial for the second hand. We picked up the clock on 05/01/16. They gave us quite a bit of information on the clock, and how to transport it and take care of it. After we got home, hung it and set it, we were struggling to keep it running, because the way a clock like this is hung on the wall is very position-sensitive. These clocks also need to acclimate to their surroundings in order to keep good time. We had done some adjustment to the hands to get them set, and to wind the clock. Lynn tried to help me trouble-shoot over the phone, but we finally decided to take it back in for readjustment. For no additional charge, they restored it back to working order, and explained to us again about what we should adjust and how to do it, and what not to do. We were able to hang the clock correctly, and we wind it about twice a week. It keeps near-perfect time, and has a pleasing gong. I'm giving their price a high rating because we could tell from the way they handled the clock, and explained everything to us, that we were paying for expertise that we needed to repair and maintain the clock. We live in Vienna, VA, and their business is in Rockville, MD, but we would go back to them with this clock or any other one needing delicate service. I'm giving them a good rating for "Punctuality" even though it took a while to get the clock back. That's because we weren't in a rush, and they seem to have a large workload. They make house calls for clocks that are too big to bring in. I also stated that the work was done in Reston, even though it was done in Rockville, because I didn't want to give out the Flemisters' home address. They will provide it to anyone making an appointment with them.

unknown

Excellent all-around. These two really know antique clocks. They had an excitement and passion for working on my two clocks that was endearing and reassuring. Since these clocks had been in my family more than 100 years, I was not going to entrust them to someone that just does this as a living. I needed to make sure they could be trusted with these heirlooms. 

They did the work faster than promised, for the price promised and to high quality. But more than that, they took a great deal of time explaining in some detail how to transport, maintain and install my wall clock so that no harm would come to it. 

They put the case repair out to a neighbor who did an excellent and careful job. He had to rebuild the latch on the face door and carefully clean and shine up the finish. 

unknown

The service was outstanding. Lee showed up as scheduled calling ahead to make sure the arrival was coordinated. Upon arrival, he very professionally serviced the clock. He fixed the movement chain that was caught in the gears. He cleaned and oiled all parts. Once complete, he reassembled the movement into the case and ensured the clock ran well. Finally, he spent time explaining key points in clock care and made sure we understood what was needed to maintain the clock for years to come. Extremely professional and outstanding service! I highly recommend the Old Clockworks.

We had an old mantel Seth Thomas clock that had not worked since the 1940's, had been exposed to dust in a grist mill, smoke and dirt. The mechanisms were all locked up and no one in our family had ever heard it chime. They restored this clock completely. The oak case was restored by their colleague, as well. The case looks brand new! The clock now works perfectly and it is just wonderful to hear it's chimes for the very first time in our lifetime. Thank you for making a family heirloom come alive again!

unknown

I was very satisfied with the results. They were very professional in explaining exactly what the problem was with the highest of intentions. The sincerest of efforts in trying to make the repair on site. Intelligent direction in improvising to make the new part lineup with the old part of my clock and skillfully executing making it work with precision. It was truly a thing of beauty to watch... The clock is a 80's vintage keepsake for me personally and I would've paid whatever they ask but the cost was $395. I truly thank Angie's list for this referral and if this is indicative of the type of talent you have at your disposal I will definitely look to you as my one-stop source for this type of service in the future.

Lee and Lynn were incredible. The first two clocks mentioned above had problems with the hands getting tangled up and were easily fixed by them, though I wouldn't dare try it myself. The third clock, had a slip of the movement so that only the time function was working properly. Lee took off the dial, immediately realized the problem and then fixed it with a little bit of glue to keep the gear in place. He also reset the clock so that all of its complicated functions were in synch. The Gale astroregulator is a complicated time piece and the fact that Lee could repair it on the spot was very impressive to me. I thought for sure that he would have to take it back to their shop for service.
I think this is my 4th experience with the Flemister team. They have been totally and completely satisfactory in every single way. Lee is the quiet and serious one. Lynn is a little more conversant. Yet, the two of them are totally business minded. They get right down to it when they arrive. I think it is kind of amusing that they always wear the same clothes when they make house calls. Dressed entirely in black. It's kind of like a clock SWAT team. :)  I suspect that the longer you get to know them, and that is inevitable if you have antique clocks, the more they will open up to you personally. Each time I have had them come to my house, they have been a little more loose with the social thing, especially Lynn. But, when you get down to what is most important, it is not the social connection but the expertise of their clock repair business. I will speak to that now. I inherited a number of antique clocks from my father when he passed away in 1997. Like all antique time pieces, they require periodic service. I have encountered a whole lot of self-proclaimed "experts" at antique clock repair, all of whom were members of NAWCC and had other credentials. However, all of those people did a crappy job of tending to my clocks. In fact, I have reason to believe that some of them may have worsened the problems with my clocks because they didn't know what they were doing, but wanted to return a working clock to me, even if it required doing an end-around repair that actually harmed the movement.
I have total faith in Lee and Lynn. They are the best clock repair experts I have ever encountered. And that includes all of the so-called experts that repaired my father's clocks before he died, whom I knew well and watched even when I was a child.
In short, the Old Clockworks team is the absolute best I have ever seen in my 55 years, and I would and will hire them again. They have my highest and unconditional recommendation. They are simply the best!

When I called them, they made a timely appointement.  They showed up on time and made the repairs and got the grandfather clock running good as new.  The grandfather clock had been through several moves and gotten out of alignment as well as needed cleaning.  They explained what they had done and explained to me how to keep it running well and how to adjust the timing.  I am extremely pleased with their work-very professional and friendly.

unknown

They are fabulous!

I couldn't be more pleased with the results. My house is, once again, filled with the beautiful chimes of my clock. And, talk about attention to details, the team ensured my awareness of how to care for my clock going forward. How to adjust the timing (Lower is Slower!) ... and I'll never forget those instructions. I was also educated on how to set the moon phase which I'd never attempted to do as it seemed so complex ... but it's not now that I have knowledge. The team also took care when handling all my clock's parts. I couldn't be happier with the results. The Old Clockworks, as of this very moment, is the best Angieslist experience I've had to date. I highly recommend them should you have clock issues that span the level of your knowledge. If you use them, you'll be glad you did.
Thanks, Old Clockworks! While I hope I don't need your service in the future ... trust me ... if I do, I'll only call you.

unknown

Lynn & Lee were both extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I dropped the clock off and they walked me through what they thought needed to be done. They also looked up the type of clock it was and gave me information on it that I did not have. 
Once complete, they called me and I came in to pick it up. They again walked me through what they had done and how to operate and care for the clock once it was home. 
True professionals who can be trusted with your clock.

It went AWESOME, 2 great people, explained everything they were doing, showed us where the issues were, discussed why this happened. Reviewed the overall mechanism and health of the clock. They could not have been nicer, they were very professional and got everything back to full working order. We highly recommend these folks, they love what they do and take great pride in their work.

unknown

Lee and Lynn showed up early as expected. (If they say they will be there between 8 and 9, you should be prepared to see them at 8!). They got right down to business. It was not entirely clear why the hour hand on my tall case musical clock had become stuck, but they made it right somehow. It is running perfectly now. This is a movement that was probably manufactured in the mid 1700s, according to Lee.
Then they embarrassed me by pointing out that I had put the minute hand upside down on my rare striking banjo clock that has been attributed to Willard. Quick fix!
They have taken my malfunctioning Gale Astroregulator back to their lair for an assessment.
I couldn't be more satisfied with the service I have received from The Old Clockworks. This is not my first time with them, and it certainly won't be my last.  It is very hard to find really good people who can fix antique clocks these days and know what they are doing. I have certainly had my share of "certified" clock repair experts who proved to be anything but experts. Not so, with Lee and Lynn. My only complaint about them is that they have so much business that they can't always get to my antique clock problems as quickly as I would like them to. But the wait is definitely worth it!
One cool thing is that the duo always shows up in black attire, like a clock SWAT team, and they have an interesting way of working together, seamlessly, expertly. The best!

unknown

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Work done beautifully.
A real pleasure to deal with.
Highly skilled professionals!!!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I own a wall clock I had inherited from my folks.  I was in the Army and the clock moved around the world with us.  I always carefully packed it.  When unpacking from our final military move to the DC area, we found the clock wouldn't work correctly.
I took it two different places to be repaired.  The first place was required by the Army claims office.  The clock was actually worse after they "fixed it." 
I took it someplace else and was told "someone messed up the bushings, and you cannot buy replacement bushings for this clock anymore, so it is broken and no one will be able to fix it."
The clock hung forlornly on the wall for about five years.  My wife suggested I try "The Old Clockworks."   So, I scheduled a drop-off appointment and took the clock to Old Clockworks. 
I told them about the bushings.  "Yes, that's true.  You cannot buy replacement bushings.  Of course, you haven't been able to buy clock bushing for a clock like this for over 30years. You have to make new bushings to replace the old ones with, and anyone who really knows how to fix a clock can do this.  That's why I have ..."
I then got a full tour of their equipment for making extremely small machine parts. 
They had a lot of work in the queue in front of my clock--I don't think I have ever seen so many repaired clocks being tested--and I was told it would be about six months before I got the clock back.  They thought the clock would take a little over a week to fix once they got to it, but then they wanted to test it for at least a month to make sure it was working right. 
The clock had been hanging on the wall--broken--for years, so what if it took six months to repair? 
About five months and two weeks later, I got a call to come pick up the clock.  It is back on the wall. However, it now works, keeps time, and the chimes are as beautiful as ever. 

unknown