Restoration and repair of antique and fine mechanical (wind up or weight driven) clocks. Service of grandfather, wall and mantle clocks. Pick up and delivery available. House calls on grandfather clocks and large clocks or large collections. Appraisals of clocks or collections. Sales of antique clocks.
THE OLD CLOCKWORKS WORKS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Business highlights
39 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
CLOCK REPAIR, CLOCK DIAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION, APPRAISALS ON CLOCKS. GRANDFATHER CLOCKS IN HOME MAINTENANCE.
Services we don't offer
Watch repair, music box repair, metronome repair, battery clocks
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.
Description of Work: Get grandfather clock working
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Cei R.
03/2018
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Needed partially bungled restoration of 150-year-old OC clock to be repaired
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$95
Michael B.
07/2017
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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!
Description of Work: My Mothers Grandfather Clock have not worked for a year. I shopped around for an in home clock repair service that will come to Washington, DC. I found The Old ClockWorks and they do work the Washington, DC area.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$225
MARILYN M.
07/2016
5.0
clock repair, antiques
 + 0 more
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.
Description of Work: Antique clock repair and service. Clock refinishing.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,030
James B.
05/2016
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: I inherited two antique clocks, neither of which were working. One required an overhaul and a repair of case damage. The other just required lubrication.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500
Charles W.
04/2016
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Lee serviced our 23 year old grandfather clock that had not been in use for over 10 years.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$225
Gisela B.
03/2016
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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!
Description of Work: Completely restored a Seth Thomas mantle clock that had been in the family since the late 1800's and had not worked for many decades.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,300
David W.
11/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$395
David W.
10/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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!
Description of Work: The provider repaired 3 antique clocks in about 45 minutes. This included a grandfather's clock manufactured in approximately 1750, a banjo clock with a rare striking movement probably manufactured by Simon Willard around 1820 and set in a custom made case manufactured by Walter Durfee in about 1916, and a Gale astroregulator clock with hands indicating time, date, day, month, and phase of the moon.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$195
Mark J.
09/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Cleaned and repaired grandfather clock.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
Michael B.
05/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: During a recent move ... and then multiple moves around my new house ... something happened and the weight cords on my grandfather clock became tangled or jumped their individual grooves. The Old Clockworks team came in, diagnosed the problem quickly and also quickly and professionally repaired my clock.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$270
Chris G.
04/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Repaired an old mantel clock that had not run for a number of years.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$450
Kenneth K.
03/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: They cleaned and repaired our grandfather clock
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
David W.
02/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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!
Description of Work: Serviced Musical Grandfather clock where the hour hand had stopped moving. Also serviced Willard banjo clock.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
RICHARD R.
02/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
. Work done beautifully. A real pleasure to deal with. Highly skilled professionals!!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Description of Work: Repaired two antique clocks .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$800
Susan G.
01/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Complete rebuild on a wall clock I had inherited. They did a wonderful job!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
Fred W.
01/2015
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
Old Clockworks arrived on time and worked on my clock. There work area very neat. When done , they left my area as they found it. I will be using them in the future.
Description of Work: Service my Grandfather clock, make adjustment on sound and time
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Marjorie C.
09/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
For an antique grandmother clock, they come to the house and I usually have a couple of small clocks waiting for them. They do routine maintenance on all of my old clocks, and have done repairs on a few that have not run in years and are now happily ticking. For small clocks, I usually got to their location.
Description of Work: Lee & Lynn have serviced several of my very old clocks for a number of years, including rebuilding a gear on a 300 year old grandmother clock still in basically original condition.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Kathleen S.
08/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
Lee and Lynn provided us with a Saturday appointment as requested, showed up on time and performed the work with professionalism and a true passion for their craft. My grandmothers clock is very special to me and had not been working for about 10 years. They were able to educate me and my husband on how the clock works, how to wind it and what to do when and if it was running either slow or fast. Also, when I called approximately 2 months later with a question they were willing and able to provide advice over the phone which I have now implemented and the clock is running correctly again. Together they make a great team and I have no doubt they could face any challenging clock situations.
Description of Work: Provided in home consultation and assessment of grandfather clock. Cleaned interior mechanism of clock, educated us on operation of clock, care of clock and re-leveled clock when work was complete.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Ava C.
03/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
They replaced a part and did it all in our home. They seem well versed in dealing with antiques and special cases of clocks. It took them a little over an hour. They are a husband and wife teem and were very professional and pleasant, no unnessary chatiness. They did their work on our dining room table, brought all the items they needed and left us to carry on with our chores.
Description of Work: They cleaned a grandfather clock with an unusual German movement and tubular chimes.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Margaret G.
03/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
Lee and Lynn are two amazing professionals. They are very knowledgeable about all mechanical clocks and are patient in explaining the workings of them. My clock had not worked right from for the last year since taking it in for cleaning to the company I had used for thirty years. The timing of the chimes was really off and they started going silent. I let the clock run down and did not use it for fear of making things worse. I saw the good reviews for The Old Clockworks and I eventually gave them a call to see if they could help. What a wonderful experience. After checking the clock in my presence when I brought it to them, they immediately allayed my fears that it was not fixable.....in fact it was only going to need about a week and it would be good as new. When I picked it up, the chimes sounded new again...and I got a 10 minute lesson on how the clock works, and how to adjust it for perfect time. No one in all these years ever bothered to tell me that or explain the winding process or the way the clock hands work. They told me since they knew my clock now, if anything came up, to give them a call and they could help me over the phone. I highly recommend this business to anyone with a good clock.
Description of Work: Cleaned, oiled and rebalanced a chiming mantle clock that had not worked properly despite being "cleaned" by another clock company.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$175
Michele P.
03/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
It was AWSOME! The service arrived at the time they indicated. Were extremely professional, answered all of my questions. I will always have them service my clocks. Their price was reasonable for the service delivered. I shall always call them when I need any type of clock service. I would rate them "A" - exceptional!
Description of Work: Serviced my grandfather clock
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Grace H.
03/2014
5.0
clock repair, antiques
 + 0 more
The Flemister's made a house call on the first saturday after I called them. They called prior to arriving and fixed the clock's mechanism then provideda full service maintenance. Our grandfather clock is now running perfectly and once again provides us with a strong and timely chime on the hour and the half hour. The Flemister's are true professionals and expert clock repairmen. I am relieved to know that they are continuing the skill of antique clock repairs with such professionalism and expertise.
Description of Work: The Flemister's repaired our early 1800's grandfather clock. The clock bagan to lose time and then the chimming mechanism began to chime incorrectly and eventually stopped chimming altogether. Since this was a
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Ann M.
02/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
Impressed by the reviews on Angie's Lust, I took my broken cuckoo clock to The Old Clockworks for repair. I was given the repair price when I dropped it off, along with an estimate of two weeks to repair. In addition to needing a thorough cleaning and oiling, one if the hands needed replacing. Repairs were completed a little early and the charges remained as quoted. Mr and Mrs Flemister are very professional and did a fantastic job. I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them again. Very pleased.
Description of Work: Repair of 35 year old cuckoo clock.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$175
Carol S.
02/2014
5.0
clock repair
 + -1 more
They refurbished the working mechanism, delivered it to our home and set it up. When it didn't work correctly, they came back out and worked on it in our home. Great service.
Description of Work: We took a grandmother clock in as it had stopped working.
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Service Categories
Clock Repair,
Antiques
FAQ
THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC accepts the following forms of payment: Check
No, THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC does not offer free project estimates.
No, THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC does not offer a senior discount.
No, THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC does not offer emergency services.
Yes, THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC offers warranties.
THE OLD CLOCKWORKS INC offers the following services: CLOCK REPAIR, CLOCK DIAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION, APPRAISALS ON CLOCKS. GRANDFATHER CLOCKS IN HOME MAINTENANCE.
Watch repair, music box repair, metronome repair, battery clocks