When starting out in Horology I needed to know where to get things. Not just parts for clocks, but equipment, tools, machinery, materials, conservation supplies, consumables, insurance, everything. I started pestering people, and drew up a list of suppliers.
Over time, others saw this and wanted copies. Some people provided feedback and further input. The list continues to grow and mature. One way to thank the many people who help, is to make the list available to a wider audience. So here it is. I've kept it on a single page so that people can use the browser search functions.
It is still evolving and growing. So if you have additions, comments on the content, or notice failed links, (I try to maintain it, but I'm a clockmaker, not a web-person) please let me know through the ‘Contact’ page here.
Last Update: October 2018
Caveats:
- The list was drawn up to be useful to me. It is not exhaustive, nor definitive, just enough to support a solo clockmaker starting out.
- This is a list of products not services - It does not include industry bodies (BHI, Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, NAWCC etc.), training (West Dean, BHI, etc.), contact lists (e.g. www.modeleng.org or Antique-horology.org.) ,nor clockmakers, unless they offer a specialist product to the industry.
- I do not publish email-addresses - That's just wrong. I spent too long working in cyber-security to do this.
- A Bias to South East - I largely work on personal recommendation. Most of the people asked live in the South East of Britain. The list reflects this.
- I am not Recommending these suppliers - they were suggested to me. Whilst I believe they are reputable, I cannot and do not vouch for them.
Horological Supplies
Suppliers of watch and clock Tools, material and jewellery findings. Range of parts mostly for 20th century and later clocks, specialist tools and consumables. The level of description on the web site implies a business to business (as opposed to retail) model.
Online web store, or phone ordering.
Tompion House,Heaton Road, Bradford. BD8 8RB.
01274497171
Restoration materials, many of which "we now manufacture ourselves". Range of steel and brass clock hands some of which include: "These hands are designed by myself and produced in England to ensure the highest of quality." in the description.
Online shop.
No address given on web-site. From the map it is 48 The Boulevard, Hollingworth.
07920841377
Clock parts, quartz movements (including pendulum), mechanical movements, watch and clock tools.
Online shop, also take orders over the phone.
Units 11 & 12 Finchwell Close, Handsworth, Sheffield, S13 9DF.
01142438914
Manufacture and retail reproduction comtoise clocks and parts for antique ones - pendulums, iron brass and bronze bells, cast and saw decorations, brass and iron hands, dials etc.
Parts can be ordered online (in English.) Separate sites for the museum and shop.
(Bernd Deckert) Suitbertusstr. 151, D-40223, Dusseldorf
+49 21334545
Wholesale clockmakers and jewellery suppliers.
Online shop, aimed at professional horologists - the purchase process includes a tick box confirming that you are buying it for trade purposes. They guarantee many of their prices as the lowest available, and my experience is that delivery is fast.
Cousins Material House Ltd , Unit J, Chesham Close, Romford, Essex, RM7 7PJ.
01708 757800
Watchmaker and clockmaker suppliers. From the web-site mainly the former.
Clarkenwell shop, online shop and telephone sales .
111-113 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 4JA.
02072531345.
Retailers and wholesalers offering a wide range of clock repair (and jewellery) supplies - tools, abrasives, materials and parts etc. Showrooms in Biggin Hill, London (Hatton Garden) and Birmingham.
Extensive web-shop, its size can be daunting and can require perseverance. Phone number connects to a sales line.
Hunter House, Biggin Hill Airport, Churchill Way, Biggin Hill, Kent. TN16 3BN.
01959543660
Retail horological supplies. Large range of materials, parts, consumables, tools, even complete movements, they also develop and market their own branded products. For amateur and professional horologists.
Full online shop and freephone automated sales line.
1, Ellen Street, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN41 1EU.
01273421321, Sales: 08003289435
"Suppliers to Watchmakers, Clockmakers, Jewellers, Hobbyists & Related Trades". Broad range, tools, parts, replacement movements etc. mostly, but not exclusively, for watches and smaller clocks.
Full online shop.
P O Box 1587, London N17 6QJ.
020 8376 9600
"Value [...] tools & parts for watch/clock repair & jewellery/metal craft".
Online shop and telephone order lines.
Unit 80 The Base, Victoria Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5FS.
01322 314816/7
Their website describes them as "Clockmakers who have branched out into supplying clock parts." These include: Castings - the usual spandrels, finials, capitals etc, and back-cocks, bridges and fly blanks - antique books, engraving, coil winding for electric clocks, bells, keys, pinion and wheel cutting.
Web site provides catalogue with pricing, phone, email or write with orders.
143 Parliament Street, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. DE11 0SG.
01283219155
European clock movements, parts and supplies for repair. Large range of movements, hands, dials, chains, ornaments, springs and other parts - useful for repairing European clocks. Small range of horological tools.
Online shop, translates to English.
Christian-Messner-Str. 29, 78647 Trossingen.
+49 7425 930 462 (Export)
Describe themselves as "antique clock restorers who also specialise in selling materials and replacement parts for antique clocks." Stock range of parts, including castings, cast brass rods/sheets, bells, wheels, french clock parts (hammers, click wheels, bell nuts, weights, pendulums) suspension springs, keys, hands, dials etc. Also offer pinion cutting and glass fitting services.
Online store for catalogue items, contact for bespoke.
18 - 20 High Street, Pewsey Wiltshire, SN9 5AQ.
01672563544
Manufacturers and retailers of an extensive range of parts for traditional english clocks in both brass and steel. e.g. Bell-stands, bell hammers, chains/sprockets, bridges, flys, back-cocks, pendulum bobs, racks, click-wheels/springs, pendulum rods/suspension springs, case-fittings, ropes, lines, bells, weights, keys, etc. They also supply standard cut pinions and wheels. Reputed to be the source for other retailer’s products.
Full-function online store.
Unit 6, Albany Court Blenheim Road, Airfield Industrial Estate, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1HA.
01335347154
Import and distributing clock movements, clock parts and associated horological product lines. As of 2018 their range seems mostly aimed at repair of 20th century and later clocks. Some tools.
Full online store.
Units 11 & 12 Finchwell Close, Handsworth, Sheffield,S13 9DF.
01142440749
Horological and Related Specialists
Hand made and bevelled glass, including carriage clock glass. Came recommended as 'do a good job, but can be busy, so allow time'.
Web-site provides information, contact by phone.
Unit 1, Shepperton House, 83–93 Shepperton Rd, London, N1 3DF.
02072263121
Design and manufacture printed instrument and clock dials, including one offs. Website states: ”We have extensive records and designs in house stretching back over 50 years. We can restore and reprint original dials where we have the original or a similar design already in house. We can also make new designs and replacement dials where the original dial has been lost."
Contact by email through the web site or call.
The Corn Exchange, Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8BB
01584810345 or 01584811036
Custom glass forming - offer a barometer and thermometer repair service.
Web site focuses on ready-made gifts, jewellery etc. For barometer and thermometer repair the site suggests “please give us a call and talk to Bernie."
Glass Forming, Unit D, Manston Green Industries, Preston Road, Manston, Kent CT12 5BA.
Land: 01843821758 M: 0814214993
CNC engraving on brass e.g. for dials or chapter-rings. Can accept files in Autocad R12 or DXF or undertake the design and drawings.
Call or email (through the web-site) to discuss requirements.
153 Thornley Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2QP
01283564457
C. Giese KG
Supplier for Jewels. My source tells me they "have small quantities of readymade stones and make Stones to order - the best thing would be to send a drawing and they will send an offer"
No Web site, call or write (Herr Wilhelm Giese).
D-55743 Idar-Oberstein, Germany
(+49) 6781 43581
Silver and gold plating, repair and restoration. Cleaning and polishing of silver trophies, heirlooms, clocks, watches and jewellery.
Their website is informative not an online shop. Whilst it provides an online enquiry form, it recommends phoning them.
Unit 3, 14-16 Meredith Street, London. EC1R 0AE
020 7837 5957
Christopher Elton
Advertises in AHS journal: “Hand engraving. Clock dials made in the traditional style”
No web presence found, so contact by mail.
P.O. Box 1812, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN23 9FX.
Supply hand crafted bespoke bevelled clock and instrument glass, including convex glass up to 14 inches diameter. More than one person recommended them as being 'very useful for carriage clock glass, but have a waiting list'. I found them helpful and responsive.
As of April 2017 the Class Glass Web site appears to be unavailable - this site provides contact details.
9 Martley Road, St John's, Worcester, WR2 6HG.
01905 422 616
Clarke & Jones
Wheel and pinion cutting (advertise in BHI’s Horological Journal) "escape wheels, arbors (rough and finished), motionwork etc. either from stock or to pattern"
No web presence found.
5 Hall Farm Buildings, Hempnall, Norwich, NR15 2IJ.
01508498939. Mobile 07968259452
Cobb, Clive
Clock dial restoration, and chinoiserie. Suggested to me by an AHS member who had used him for fine work ‘restores names on dials down to a brush with a single hair’.
Contact by phone.
3 Pembroke Crescent, Hove, Sussex, BN3 5DH.
01273 772649
Wheel and (some) pinion cutting service. Recommended to me by BHI member as "good, efficient, cost-effective"
Web site has photographs and a price list, but best to contact directly.
Arch Cottage, Scourie, Sutherland IV27 4TE
+44 (0) 1971 502441
Specialist manufacturer of clock and watch lubricants. Recommended to me for their high quality products and for their helpful service
Contact for prices/purchasing.
Murber Steige 26, D-72160 Horb-Ahldorf, Germany
+49 (0) 7451/5386-0
Offers a pinion repair service using micro welding techniques. Advertises in BHI's 'Horological Journal'.
Web presence is minimal, phone for service.
54 Burgage Lane, Burnage, Manchester M19 2N
0161 225 6783.
GSR Electro Plating
Advertise in BHI's Horological Journal offering "Gold, silver & rhodium electroplating, also hard acid gold plating & copper plating, bronzing.
Contact by phone.
4a Kingsmead, Felpham, Bognor Regis, Sussex, PO22 7BE
01243826888 07770446083
Howard Vyse
Advertises in BHI's Horological Journal: "Hairsprings fitted and timed to all train counts"[...] "Turning balance staffs and pallet staffs including cylinder escapements".
No Web presence mentioned "Telephone for price list or advice".
67 Long Grove, Baughurst Tadley, Hants. RG26 5NU
0118 9819 633
Maggie Parker
Advertised in AHS' Antiquarian Horology (March 2016) - "Sympathetic professional painted clock dial restoration ... a trained artist who has been restoring clock dials for over 20 years".
Phone.
"Based in Shropshire"
01691 238632 or 07584 439223
Offer bespoke CNC driven engraving on brass e.g. including clock-dials, which can then be hand-finished. They accept a wide range of file-formats including “eps, pdf, dxf, plt".
Phone or email through the contact page on their web site.
63 Red Bank, Manchester, M8 8RD
01618341988 / 01618341620
Advertised in the AHS' Antiquarian Horology. (March 2016) "Over 35 years experience in hand engraving and restoring engraving on clocks." Web site states "We offer a fast turnaround time, high quality work with a competitive price structure and a pro-active, friendly and informative customer service"
Phone or email using the address on the web-site.
Gary Callaghan. (Address not given on web site)
07768893474
Michael Penso
Advertised in the AHS' Antiquarian Horology (March 2016) offering "Braided Rope ... Artisanal rope for antique clocks ... On request I can braid rope from Hemp or Flax for valuable antique clocks with rope trading wheel(s) ... Every rope is individually made by hand for guaranteed high quality and long life. Made in diameters between 3 and 12mm to any length with the possibility of colouring in green or oxblood."
Advert gave real and email address (against Site policy) telephone from Telefoonboek.nl.
Ganzevlesweg 3, 7395 PD TEUGE, Holland
+31 55 5768426
Manufacture/sell MicroSet Timers - timing tool for clock (and watch) repair. Available in a variety of configurations, a range of sensors and computer interface software.
Phone or email using the address on the web-site.
3933 Antone Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 USA.
(001) 805 687 5116
Manufacturers of traditional cabinet (furniture) locks. Also sell key blanks suitable for these, which could be used for clock cases.
Online shop with phone
Bloxwich Road North, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV12 5PX.
01922 473199
Clock wheels and pinions, cut to requirements. Dial restoration service. Hand pierced frets, dials and hands. Also some specialist horological supplies, e.g. silvering powder, bronze wire for fusee movements, Recommended to me as a fast economical, good quality supplier.
52 Brockhurst Road, Gosport, Hants, PO12 3DE
07504 960 311
Turret clock automation - design and manufacture automatic drives, pendulum regulators and strike control (Advertises in the BHI’s Horological Journal).
Smeeton Westerby, Leicestershire, LE8 OQJ.
01162404005
Suggested to me as a source of custom made mercury glass vials for repairing mercury pendulums. The web site also suggests them as a source for longcase mercury pendulum flasks, plus barometer and thermometer repairs or parts.
Standard parts can be bought online. Phone or email using the address on the web site for custom parts.
Rash's Green Industrial Estate, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1JG.
+44(0)1362-693481
Bespoke water jet cutting. Has been used by horologists for accurate and economical cutting of fine wheels in small runs. Also will cut clock hand blanks in gauge plate, one-offs if necessary. They do need Autocad drawings in the right format to do so - see their website.
Web is informational only. Contact directly.
Unit 9, Larkstore Park, Lodge Road, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0QY.
01580 890582
Offers a dial restoration service (painting and silvering)
Web-site is informational, contact them.
15 Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln. LN6 8RB
01522 694 709 / 07930 652 161
Handmade glass domes and display cases from France.
Web-site is information only, contact them.
Domaine du Lac Ferrand - D 536 07560 LE ROUX.
04 75 37 24 11
Tooling
New and used swiss lathes, accessories and other precision tooling, Schaublin and Aciera specialists.
Web site is largely informational, direct contact was recommended.
Dr David Samways, Anglo-Swiss Tools, Ipswich.
01473253232
Comprehensive range of wire brushes available with a choice of either brass, steel, stainless steel or nylon fill, also some natural fibre. Source for brushes of a particular size/shape. They will also make bespoke wire brushes if required.
Online store, web site gives phone-lines “if you would rather talk to a real person".
Anvil House, Beechcroft Road, Ipswich, IP1 6BB.
01473431226
Retailers offer a full range of engineering supplies, machine tools, drilling, milling, model engineering with comprehensive online presence.
Their web site describes the range as 'unbeatable value engineering products'.
Arc Euro Trade Ltd, 10 Archdale Street, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1NA.
0116 269 5693
Retailers of general tooling, workshop equipment etc.
Branches across the country, also sell through their website.
(Stores across the UK - See store locator on their web-site).
03332406406
Supplier of binocular microscopes. Website states they aim to be the "UK One Stop Shop” for all items related to the many aspects of microscopy."
Their web site offers a range of microscopes for sale with the option to buy online, but there are frequent suggestions that purchasers may be advised to call their helpline for advice.
Brunel Microscopes Ltd, Unit 2, Vincients Road, Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6NQ U.K
01249 445156
Model engineering suppliers, machine tools, drilling, milling, tooling etc.
Substantive on-line presence including on-line shop. Several people recommended them.
Clwyd Close, Hawarden Industrial Park, Hawarden, Chester, CH5 3PZ
01244 531631
Model engineering suppliers, extensive range, tools and materials are relevant.
My own experience is that they are efficient, preferring online interactions.
Unit 2 Southfields Rd, Dunstable LU6 3EJ.
01582 471900
General tool supplier "maintenance, repair and operations type products", branches across the UK. Fast delivery.
Large online store, I find it slightly unwieldy to browse, but good for finding specifics.
Chartwell Drive, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2FS.
0116288 8000
Specialists for drills and cutting tools, also silver steel and gauge plate, and as a source of technical documentation for these. More than one person suggested their service is good.
Purchases can be made on the web site or by phone.
23 Albert Road, Horley, Surrey , RH6 7HR.
01293 774911
Retailers specialising in 'precision tools designed for hard materials'. Diamond files, carbide gravers, carbide drills (micro and spade), diamond pastes, diamond wheels etc. By reputation they focus on quality over price.
Full web shop.
Sales Office, 5a Westland Way, Oxon, OX20 1YQ.
01993 812252
Machine tools, used, new, lathes, drilling, milling, metrology etc. They were described as 'good, not always the cheapest, but may be open to negotiation'.
Purchases can be made through their web-site, but given the description, are possibly better made by phone or in person.
The Mill, Mill Lane, Ashington, West Sussex, RH20 3BX.
01903 892510
Precision lapping and polishing technology, including diamond lapping pastes and consumables, ultrasonic tanks and consumables, micro-welding equipment
Web site details products and specifications, call for prices and sales.
Kemet International Ltd, Parkwood Trading Estate, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9NJ.
01622755287
Sell tooling and related supplies to industry. Large catalogue, huge range, competitive pricing.
Full online web site, large catalogues published and phone ordering.
7 Pacific Avenue, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7WP.
0800663355
Used tools, mostly machine tools, include clockmakers and watchmakers lathes, drills, gear-cutting machines etc.
Web-site catalogues machines available, phone or email to purchase.
Pennyfarthing Tools Limited, 4 New Street, Marnhull, Dorset DT10 1PY. (Do not sell at this address.)
01235763987
Tools, model engineering, jewellery, hobby craft, metal and woodworking. Wide range, competitive pricing.
Full online store with phone-line backup.
24 Saddington Road, Fleckney, Leicestershire, LE8 8AW.
01162403400
One of very few suppliers of cutters for cycloidal gears. Not cheap, but high quality for the money.
Web site is information only, order by phone.
The Old Dairy, Prescote Manor Farm, Cropredy, Oxon OX17 1PF.
Technical: 07754383750 Office & Orders: 01295279060
Model engineering suppliers, including some watchmakers lathes (Boley, Pultra), diamond grinding wheels and lapping paste. Competitive pricing and my experience is that delivery is fast.
Full online shop as well as phone lines.
Grosvenor House, Caldene Business Park, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd, nr Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX75QJ.
01422 885 069, 01422 884 605
Model engineering supplies - tooling, machine tools, collets, chucks, metrology, work-holding. Claim to be “the UK's largest stockist of lathe chucks and spares". New and used equipment.
Online web store.
16-20 Lodge Road, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 5PN.
01215511566, 5545177
Retailers of precision tools, model engineering, jewellery, and hobby craft. Hand tools, lamps and magnifiers, polishing products, soldering and brazing, ultrasonics etc.
Online store aimed at the consumer market, so detailed descriptions. Phone ordering also offered but with higher shipping charges.
Shesto Ltd, 3 Century Court, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9RS.
02084516188
Engineering tools and supplies, taps dies, files, plastics, brass, silver steel, pricing reputed to be competitive.
Full online shop, and sales line.
Langley House, Station Road, Standon, Herts. SG11 1QN.
0845 099 0220
Large range of specialist taps and dies, including esoteric ones. (e.g. Gas Cylinder taps, Schrader valve taps). Also good range of drills, including some slow spiral (brass) ones.
Purchases can be made through the online shop, although as this appears to be aimed at engineering specialists it may be worth calling for advice.
Unit 1, Parkfield Units, Barton Hill Way, Torquay, TQ2 8JG.
01803 328 603
Manufacturer/retailer of machine tools, drilling machines, lathes and accessories.
Full online shop, although product descriptions sometimes sparse. They have a showroom in Surrey.
Warco House, Fisher Lane, Chiddingfold, Surrey, GU8 4TD.
01428 682929
Offer an unusual range of premium tools and consumables including difficult to find items. Whilst products are primarily aimed at cabinet makers, woodworkers and knife makers many are of use to horologist. Website says they set out to to provide "optimum value for money, [..] friendly knowledgeable advice, and a no-nonsense lifetime warranty"
Full online shop with phone contact details
Unit 5, Alkerton Oaks Business Park, Stratford Road, Upton, Banbury, OX15 6EP
+44 (0)1295 678941
Materials (and Castings)
Supply difficult to get alloys and non-ferrous metals, and can deal with small quantities.
As of 2015, web presence is token, but they are reputed to be very helpful on the phone.
Unit 17, Parham Drive, Boyatt Wood Industrial Estate, Eastleigh. Hampshire SO50 4NU.
02380618891
Specialist manufacturers in hard/brittle materials, including agates and rubies. Suggested to me as a potential Jewels supplier they have to be made to order, so may be expensive.
Web-site for information contact by email or call..
Tiefensteinerstr. 15-17, D-55758 Vollmersbach, Germany.
(+49) 6781458960
Specialists in high precision machining of ultra hard materials. Suggested to me as a possible supplier of Jewels - these may have to be custom made and hence be expensive - on the other hand, their web site shows what appear to be clock jewels.
Informational web site (German and English), contact by email or phone.
Freiburger Strasse 8, D-79215 Elzach, Germany
(+49) 7682 8007-0
Horological materials (e.g. steels, brasses, blue pivot steel, invar rod, some springs etc.) in small quantities in custom sizes. His service was described to me as competitive, but emphasising quality over price - consistently good quality.
Whilst the web site details the sizes and materials available and provides order forms and payment through paypal, it also states that prices may vary, possibly best to phone.
8, Poplar Avenue, Birstall, Leicestershire, LE4 3DU.
0116 2676063
Materials and castings for model engineers. Will cut and supply small quantities of metal stock.
Orders for the sizes shown can be made directly from the website, otherwise call.
The College Engineering Supply, 2 Sandy Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1EJ.
0845 166 2184
Castings, casting service, patination, reputed to be happy to work with small quantities.
They also offer a small range of clock specific castings. As of 2015 this is restricted to two French clock pendulum bobs, and a small range of spandrels - rococo and cherub.
An extensive web site lists products, services and prices, but enquiries are best made by phone.
Unit 2, Redward Business Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6PW.
01323 643533
Castings and foundry craft. Their work was described to me as “nice brass colour, quality work, happy to do one offs.”
Web presence is high level descriptive only, contact by phone. They do offer a printed catalogue at £5 (refundable on order).
2/3 Victoria Way, Exmouth, Devon, England EX8 1EW.
01395 272846
Metals especially mild steel. small quantities not a problem. Also provide summary technical information about the different types of metals and their qualities. Not VAT registered, and have a minimum order of £10 excluding postage.
Web site provides catalogues and prices, order by phone.
62 Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, Kent, CT18 7BP.
01303 894611
Cast brass in small quantities - will also cast in aluminium, bronze and iron. One recommender suggested that they 'are good, but can be busy so allow time'.
Web site is information only, call them.
Units 6/8, Ivyhouse Lane Industrial Estate, Ivyhouse Lane, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4NN.
01424443160
Non-ferrous metals supply. Wide range of brass including (as of Q1 2015) 70/30 brass sheet. They state that they pride themselves on their service.
Web site provides a catalogue. Call for stock levels and pricing.
33 - 35 Shadwell Street, Birmingham, B4 6HD.
01212364300 / 9386
Manchester Minerals
Gemcraft, lapidary and jewellery making supplies. Suggested to me as a source of tooling, polishing materials and raw materials for making clock jewels.
Full web shop.
Unit 11, Castle Farm Cholmondeley Malpas SY14 8AQ United Kingdom
+44 (0) 161 477 1151
MAR Edelstein GmbH
Gem suppliers. Suggested to me as a source of materials for those wishing to make their own jewel.
As of 2018 web site I was given no longer works. They are however still listed in Web Directories. Enquiries by email or phone.
Am Roten Merle 24, D-75181 Pforzheim, Germany
(+49) 7231 68939
Wide range of brass castings for the antiques market. This includes an extensive range of clock spares - spandrels, finials, capitals, hinges, handles. Their web site states they use "a precise mix of copper, zinc and tin produces the authentic colour of "old" brass".
Web site provides (black and white) illustrations of products - call or email to order.
Heckingham Hall, Heckingham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 6QU.
01508548403
Source of small quantities of brass (as of 2015 only CZ108), mild steel and zinc sheeting. Their website states 'specialised in cutting sheet metal offcuts to customers sizes at competitive prices. [...] we can offer "No Minimum Charges”, “No Minimum Sizes” and “No Job Too Small”".
Online website allows selection of sizes, but states that for other sizes call the telesales line.
Arcadia Works, 83 Sefton Lane, Maghull, Liverpool L31 8BU.
0151526 4777
Large catalogue (c100 pages) of standard castings, furniture finials, escutcheons etc. (includes case-key blanks) moulds taken from historic items. Within this are a small range of horological castings- spandrels, capitals, finials etc. Also offer custom service. Were recommended to me as 'nice to deal with'.
Full catalogue and pricing online, ordering via email or phone.
Unit 1, Upstairs, Global Park, Station Road, Bampton, Devon EX16 9NG.
01398 331515
Manufacture and supply custom made jewels. Primarily produce for water jet machines, also produce custom made bearings.
Online, in German and English, enquiries by email or phone.
Freiburger Straße 64, D - 79215 Elzach, Germany
(+49) 07682 528
Suggested to me as a “first class source of non lead based casting alloys.” Also Blacking solution for lead. Their web site states that they are the only UK based manufacturers of cast rolled pewter.
Whilst their web site lists the products they provide, a phone call is suggested.
Pewter Sheet Company Limited, River Lee Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, B11 2JG.
0121 706 2649
Bespoke castings. They were suggested as being a “source of 30/70 brass, hence able to match the colour of antique clocks, but can be busy, so allow for fulfilment delays.”
Web site is a contact page only, enquire by phone or email.
Unit 14 Langston Priory Workshops, Station Road, Kingham, Oxon, OX7 6UP.
01608659001
Quality Castings
Small company with experience of making a small number of horological brass castings from a model. They do not use 70/30 brass, but their 'bright yellow' is supposed to be close. (Note: Moulds provided to them should be 3-5% over-sized to allow for shrinkage.)
Unit 7, Canal Side Sdutios, 2-4 Orsman Rd. London N1 5QJ, moving to: Victoria Park Industrial Centre, Rothbury Rd, E9 5HD.
02077 293041
Source of brass and spring steel shim materials. Good range, but as of 2016 have a minimum order of £35.
Online shop and telephone order lines.
3 Fairylands Park, Cannon Hill, Coventry, CV4 7DS
02476419808
Metals supplier with depots across the UK. Large range of metals with specific qualities - the website lists 12 formulations of brass in stock, with others available on request. A typical commentary about them ran: 'they are not cheap, but do offcuts, where they score is in their rapid response.'
Web site is informational including helpful metal specifications listings. The site implies that their preferred method of contact is by email.
Branches across the country.
See web-site for branch numbers.
Tempus
Suggested to me by someone who uses them as a source of bevelled clock and watch glasses. The website also mentions barometer glasses, and that they also drill for fitments.
Web site suggests you contact them for specialist repairs.
1 Albion Street, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1JL.
+44(0) 1395 270058
'Vast array' of decorative and specialist hardwoods'. They were suggested as an excellent source of hard-to-obtain veneers, and advice about them, for repairing clock cases.
"Our range of timbers and how they are used requires person to person contact to be traded successfully so please contact us with any enquiry" (Timberline web site). My source strongly recommended visiting them. ... they do now (early 2017) have an online shop.
Unit 7, Munday Industrial Estate, 58-66 Morley Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RP.
01732 355626
Consumables and Conservation Materials
Fine art materials - came recommended for their range of furniture restoration products, in particular their Kremer glues. Their service was described as helpful and rapid.
Online shop, physical shop, or phone ordering.
142 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E1 5QJ.
0207790 0884
Good range of quality gut harp strings. ideal for long-case clocks, vienna regulators and fusee lines. Staff are used to supplying horologists.
The web-site does not include an online shop, contact by phone.
Highgate, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1PT.
01553 772943
Specialist archive and conservation materials, useful for known-grade brushes, bags, detergents etc.
Online shop, also phone ordering/advice.
Conservation By Design, Timecare Works, 5 Singer Way, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7AW.
01234 846 300
Extensive range of conservation materials, some of which are of use to an horologist. e.g. Plastizote.
Offer an on-line catalogue and stock-checker, orders are placed by telephone, fax or email.
Conservation By Design, Timecare Works, 5 Singer Way, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7AW.
01234 846 300
Jewellery suppliers - solders, silversmithing, fluxes, bench equipment. Claim to be "UK's largest one-stop shop for the jewellery maker with over 17,000 products".
Online shop, geared to both retail and wholesale customers.
Cooksongold, 59-83 Vittoria Street, Birmingham, B1 3NZ.
0845 100 1122, 0121 200 2120
Retailers of a wide range of specialist, quality artists materials. Some of these are of interest to the horogist. For example: Gilding and restoration materials, lacquers, varnishes, solvents, Paraloid B72 etc.
Take both phone and online orders.
105 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3RY.
020 7636 1045
Specialist paint supplier to the Heritage market. Traditional paints, varnishes, sign-writing supplies etc. Reputed to be ‘helpful and efficient’.
Full online store with advice and product descriptions. Telephone for help, advice, colours not shown and orders.
Academy Works, Norman Way Industrial Estate, Over, Cambridge. CB24 5QE.
01954231308
Describe themselves as "one stop shop for disposable gloves", including nitrile gloves. Full range of sizes and available in single boxes.
Web site with customer helpline.
Unit E, Aghanloo Industrial Estate, Limavady, Northern Ireland, BT49 0HE
028 7776 7007
Recommended by a furniture conservator as a good brand of historic pigments and glues. Available directly from the manufacturer in Germany, but can take time to arrive.
Online shop (available in a range of languages, including English).
Hauptstr. 41 – 47, DE 88317, Aichstetten, Germany
0049 7565914480
Manufacturer of specialist gun care chemicals and materials. They were suggested to me as a source of corrosion protection products for ironwork.
Online store.
3 Moorbrook, Southmead Park, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HP.
01235 812993
Marquetry, veneers, adhesives, tooling, brass inlay strips, kits, pre-made panels and motifs, including one panel designed for Long-case clocks. They also offer bespoke marquetry and marquetry restoration services and fretwork repair panels.
Online store covers catalogue products, otherwise call.
143 Bishopthorpe Road, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5AF.
01179442640
Range of conservation supplies (materials, tools, consumables) at competitive prices.
Online web-store or catalogue ordering.
Vinces Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4HQ.
01379 647400
Products for the restorer - metal finishing, gilding, clock and barometer parts, brassware, fittings, cabinet key blanks, etc.
Online web store, or phone ordering.
194 Wellington Road, Bury, Lancashire BL9 9AH.
0161 764 2741
UK supplier of “commercial and hard to find wood screws, machine screws” … “also specialise in buying and selling old antique (Vintage Grade) wood screws in standard and non-standard sizes”.
Online Store, and sales line
Rufford Court, Wellow Road, Eakring, Newark, Notts NG22 0DF
01623 870 000
Sculptors tools, materials and studio equipment. Useful for mould-making and casting materials and tools, including silicon rubbers, high temperature thermometer, plus a range of alloys.
Online shop aimed at a specialist, non-horological, retail market. Showrooms in central London and Thatcham.
3 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4ER.
or 27 Warren Street, London, W1T 5NB.
0845 123 2100
Other
Links to free, downloadable books. Mostly on the theme of pocket watches.
None given.
Insurance group, offer small business insurance suitable for solo horologists.
Call to discuss your needs.
Branches across UK.
0207448 6000 (London enquiries)
Insurance brokers offering small business insurance, including to solo horologists. Were recommended as being helpful.
Phone, or branches.
(Multiple Branches)
03334000700
Offer small business Insurance, including for workshops.
Web site, phone or mail.
Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ.
0808 274 2633 (New Business)
Advertise specialist insurance services in BHI’s Horological Journal - 'Precious Time An insurance product for members of the BHI'. Suggested by several sources. They have a policy aimed at horology businesses, and basic cover can be updated, e.g. to reflect security measures, increased stock costs etc.
(No address provided for Weald Insurance)
01959565678
Ok. This is an oddity for a clockmaking site. It's a roll over from my previous life as a Cyber Security specialist. Worth exploring nevertheless.
This is a tool that helps you know if one of your online passwords has been part of a 'hack' - if it has, you should change it. The owner (a security specialist) of the site has collected data from a number of major 'breaches' and combined them. These are searchable by email address. If found then the password you were using for that service was exposed to hackers. If you use that same password for any other services, change it!
(A word of caution, Troy's site is not exhaustive. There have been other breaches that are not in his collection.)
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