June 08 - Sad loss leads to new knowledge

This weekend we were invited to view fourteen clocks from the estate of a recently deceased collector and restorer. Buying clocks like this is sensitive business, as the clocks were the owners pride and joy but now need clearing before the house is sold.

We don't pick and choose in these circumstances, but just bid to clear them all and then establish what to do with our new acquistions. Buying 'en-masse' means we end-up owning some styles of clock we wouldn't have set-out to buy. Some are really not our type (which we'll list on ebay), but others help expand our own range and (through research) our knowledge. New to me this week is the term 'Freischwinger', applying to the cased wall clock by Gustav Becker we've listed today.

Hopefully the family of the collector feel they were treated fairly and respectfully, and now the clocks will bring pleasure to their new owners for many generations.

May 08 - Credit Crunch update and new buys

Just further thoughts on the credit crunch and the supposed 'end fo the world' as we've know it ..... Well, we've sold 2 longcases in 10 days. Sales had been slow, so this isn't a boast, just reflecting perhaps that longterm buys like Grandfather clocks might survive the recession better than more 'fashionable' purchases?

This weekend we've bough a remarkable Twin-Fusee wall/bracket clock by John Bennett (later Sir) that we'll be photographing & adding soon. Wonderful mahogany carved case, cast bezel, super 5 pillar movement etc. A great example of Victorian clock making.

Apr 08 - Credit Crunch?

Back with an update as we surface from the chaos of having our first baby!
Despite not having been able to put much new stock on the website, we've actually been quite busy selling. I reckon we've sold more in the last 5 weeks than we did in the last 4 months. So much for the end of the world as predicted by some financial commentators.

Drop-Dial wall clocks seem back in favour after a quiet spell. We've 2 more virtually finished which will be on soon. Also, despite the dollar exchange rate, American customers are still in the market.

Feb 08 - Busy busy

Just leaving my excuses for the lack of new stock appearing this month. Jill and I are expecting our first baby next month so I'm required to dedicate all my time to decorating the nursery / buying car seats etc.
There is still plenty of restoration going on, but not much getting 100% completed / rebuilt, so expect a surge later! Do get in touch if you want to know the status of any item or have a specific request. Always happy to try and help.

Jan 08 - Happy New Year & New Stock

Happy New Year to all our existing customers and those who enjoy browsing the site. After some good sales in the last month, we will shortly be adding more items to the website. We've just purchased an enormous (18" dial, 24" overall dia) genuine Post Office 'school-type' clock. This is another one we are not sure whether to repaint the somewhat damaged dial, or leave as it is. We'll probably list it as unrestored and if there isn't much interest, we'll do the dial and display it in the Bakewell showroom. Mahogany frame this time.

Nov 07 - New Showroom to open

We've agreed to take a space in a new Antiques Centre set to open in Bakewell, Derbyshire. The Rutland Arms Antiques Centre will open towards the end of November in the listed Coaching Inn where Byron, Colerdige and Wordsworth all stayed whilst visiting nearby Chatsworth. We are taking stand no 28 on the first floor. UPDATE-The Centre opened on Saturday 24th November.

Oct 07 - 'Latest Additions' now working

We've managed to get the items we've most recently added to the website to list at the bottom of the home page.......so you can see if anything has changed since your last visit!

Sep 07 - Back to the bench

Sorry things have been a bit slow here over the summer - been doing a bit of house diy. Nearly done now and keen to get back to the restoration; starting with a lovely drop-dal by Hancock Cox & Co of Yeovil, cast bezel, all original etc.

June 07 - Mercury Amnesty

In the Greater Manchester area, there is an 'mercury amnesty' until the end of June. Organised by Rochdale Council but covering the whole area, you can the Help-Line on 01706 924225. They will offer advice and also come and safely collect your unwanted mercury.

June 07 - Ho Ho Bird on the BBC !

We have been invited onto Becky Wants' BBC Manchester Radio show on Thursday 21st June to talk about the new European ruling 'banning' the use of mercury in barometers. Despite the hype, it appears that the 'ban' only applies to new barometers and we will still be allowed to sell and restore antique barometers. I can't quite see why anyone would want a new one! Email us if you'd like a copy of the interview.

May 07 - Knutsford Outlet to Close June 15th

Unfortunately, we are loosing our Knutsford Showroom as the owners of the Reedgate Antique Centre have decided not to renew the lease. The whole centre will close on the 15th June 2007. We are sorry and saddened to to see it close, but it is a very common occurance these days.

We are still keen to maintain the links with new and existing customers in the Knutsford area. We can still arrange for potential customers to view stock localy - please either telephone (0161 408 2473) or to arrange.

We buy, sell and repair Antique Clocks & Barometers in Cheshire, Greater Manchester & Derbyshire. We always have a good choice of Longcase (Grandfather) / Bracket / School (English Dial) Clocks