About English Dial Clock Co & Paul Chapman

About

About English Dial Clock Co & Paul Chapman 1

From a very young age I have been fascinated in the construction of antique wooden boxes, and a keen interest in Dial Clocks. I suppose I have now combined the two. 

I am totally self-taught and over the last 20 years or so have fine-tuned and perfected techniques through trial and error to enable me to successfully restore all manner of Fusee Dial Clock cases, as well as making many new cases of all styles as well. Attention to detail is everything. I would like to think that I am a ‘one stop clock repair shop’.

From leaving school I have always been in sales within the printing industry. In 1995 I became director of my own printing company employing around 15 people. Sadly, due to the demise in the printing industry the company folded in 2014. So the opportunity opened for me to take what began as a hobby, and turn it into a full-time business.

Why specifically English Dial Clocks?

Well, I just like the simplicity and style of all Fusee Dial Clock movements & cases, not too overly complicated and relatively easy to repair.

As well as a full restoration service to the Fusee Dial Clock & case, I produce upwards of 80 new cases per year, all styles & sizes. Typically, once given a brief I take all measurements from movement, dial, pendulum & bezel then draw everything up to full size to make sure everything fits as I have found from experience that theory and reality do not necessary go hand in hand.

All new cases are veneered, stained and French polished, all brassware is aged so in keeping with age. All work is carried out on site from my fully equipped workshop.

I have and old Viceroy lathe dedicated solely for the turning of wooden surrounds and can turn anything up to approximately 30” in diameter.

The most common repairs I tend to come across all the time are, missing/lifting veneers, broken/missing side & bottom doors, split wooden surrounds.

All mahogany timber used is taken from period Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian tables. This ensures stability of the wood plus it’s in keeping with the repairs, clock cases made.

I would like to think that I am a ‘one stop clock shop’ I regard no job too big or too small.

I’m happy to give free advice with any of your restoration or future projects.

Contact me