Enfield Grandfather Clock - full overhaul

July 19, 2024 3 min read

Enfield Grandfather Clock – Full Overhaul & Stunning Restoration

Grandfather clocks hold a special place in many homes, and this Enfield grandfather clock was no exception. Owned by the same family for many years, it had become a cherished heirloom — but time had taken its toll. Previous owners had removed the original silvering and chrome from the dial and weights, leaving the clock looking tired and far from its authentic appearance.

The owner approached us hoping to bring the clock back to life. What followed was a full professional overhaul, restoring both its beauty and its performance.


About Enfield Grandfather Clocks

Enfield clocks were produced in England throughout the early to mid‑20th century and are known for their reliability, solid construction, and classic Westminster chime. Many families still own Enfield longcase clocks today, and with proper restoration, they can run beautifully for generations.


Initial Condition: What Needed Attention

When the clock arrived in our workshop, several issues were immediately clear:

  • The dial had lost its original silvering

  • The weights and pendulum had been stripped of their chrome finish

  • The movement showed signs of wear from decades of use

  • The clock was no longer running reliably

These are common problems in older Enfield clocks, especially those that have been “home repaired” in the past.


Our Full Overhaul Process

To restore the clock to its former glory, we carried out a complete and meticulous overhaul:

1. Full Movement Strip‑Down & Service

  • The movement was fully dismantled

  • Every component was cleaned using professional solutions

  • Worn pivots and bushings were repaired or replaced

  • The movement was reassembled and lubricated correctly

This ensures long‑term reliability and smooth running.

2. Dial Re‑Silvering

The dial had lost its original finish, so we:

  • Re‑silvered the chapter ring

  • Restored the numerals and markings

  • Polished and protected the surface

This brought back the crisp, elegant look Enfield clocks are known for.

3. Polishing the Weights & Pendulum

The weights and pendulum had been stripped of their chrome, so we:

  • Cleaned and removed grease from the metal surfaces

  • Re-chromed the weight shells, pendulum and chains which restored their shine and reflective finish

This dramatically improved the clock’s visual impact.

4. Final Testing & Regulation

Once reassembled, the clock underwent:

  • Extensive bench testing

  • Fine regulation for accurate timekeeping

  • Chime and strike adjustment

The result: a beautifully smooth‑running clock.


The Final Result

The transformation was remarkable. The clock now:

  • Runs reliably and keeps excellent time

  • Looks authentic with a restored dial and polished metalwork

  • Feels like a true family heirloom once again

The owner was “over the moon” with the results — and we were delighted to give this Enfield grandfather clock the care it deserved.


Enfield Grandfather Clock – Full Overhaul and Restoration

Some clocks arrive in our workshop with a long and meaningful history, and this Enfield grandfather clock was one of them. The owner had cared for it for many years, but time — and some unhelpful work by previous owners — had left it in need of a thorough restoration.

The dial had been stripped of its original silvering, and the chrome finish on the weights and pendulum had been removed. The movement, too, showed signs of age and wear. The owner asked us to return the clock to the condition it deserved.

After the work was completed, the customer kindly shared these words:

“I have had this clock for many years and it needed some attention. The previous owners had removed the silvering and chrome from the dial and weights. I am over the moon with the results. It runs beautifully and looks as good as new.”

We were delighted to hear it.


The transformation was striking. The clock now runs smoothly, keeps excellent time, and has regained the authentic appearance that had been lost over the years. Most importantly, the owner was delighted with the outcome — a reminder of why restoration work is so rewarding.


Considering a Restoration of Your Own?

If you have an Enfield or any other antique clock in need of attention, we would be pleased to help. We offer:

  • Full movement overhauls

  • Dial restoration and re‑silvering

  • Case cleaning and polishing

  • Servicing for all antique and vintage clocks

You are welcome to contact us for advice or to arrange an assessment

Completion: July 2024


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