Clock Case Repair & Restoration

For Antique Clock Cases - 16 video modules and a course manual.

This course includes many details, techniques and tips not normally explained in contemporary books. The course was created with information obtained from rare antiquarian books that explained and described the processes, materials and finishing techniques used to create antique clocks of the previous centuries. With this knowledge and generally accepted repair, restoration and conservation methods used by conservators and museums, this course was created.

This is a beginner course. It is better that you know very little, than to be full of all the wrong concepts you may have learned from other well meaning sources. Using video, this course will teach you the basics of antique clock case repair and finish restoration in easy to understand terms. The same information is used by museums and antique conservators. The goal is to protect and minimize deterioration to keep an antique clock in its' original state and prolong its' existence. Antiques require proper care to protect them from various potential hazards in a home. Your home is not a museum, but you can continue to use, enjoy and safeguard your clocks by learning how to protect, repair and restore your clocks.

Antique clock finishes are at the mercy of their environment. Damage can occur from us, our friends, pets, children, insects, sunlight, humidity, and other impurities in the air. A finish left unattended will deteriorate over time. Helping the existing finish to continue protecting the wood will extend the life of your antique clock. Learn what products can be used on antique finishes, and the products to avoid. You will learn how to protect your clock finish from further damage. These are the same methods and materials originally used when the finishes were created. Only period finishing materials can be used that are historically accurate to repair and restore antique clock cases. Localized damage can be corrected to continue protecting your antiques. The average person can perform restorative work with great results.

Learn basic repairs that are common to antique clock cases using correct materials. Find out where to buy products and supplies. We can do almost all these repairs without specialized equipment and extensive tools since none of these things existed at the time the clock case was made. Most restoration work will use commonly available materials and tools that you may already have in your home. Watch and learn the original methods used by clock makers with historic period materials. Recognize any previous work, improper repairs or replacements. Not only is this course is for the beginner, but also offers much insight for an experienced person with regard to historically accurate materials, concepts and methods are practiced by many antique conservators.

Clock Case Repair & Restoration for Antique Clocks video course running time is approximately 4.5 hours of video.


Course Curriculum


  Clock Case Restoration and Repair
Available in days
days after you enroll

Your Instructor


John Tope
John Tope

Learning from books and manuals can be confusing and frustrating. It can be difficult trying to recall what you previously learned in a class. That is why I have created these video courses for you. Even though I have learned from many books and manuals, nothing beats someone showing and telling. For over the last 15 years people from all over the world have been learning from my video courses. You can learn to repair antique clocks and watches.

My interest in clocks, watches and antiques started 25+ years ago. My wife Cynthia wanted to buy an antique tambour (camelback) clock like the one her parents once had on their mantel. Before that time, my grandfather gave me his antique pocket watch.

Since then we have accumulated several tambours and a wide variety of other antique clocks and watches.

Most of the clocks and watches we bought needed some work, or did not work at all. That is where I came in - to learn to fix them all!

I still continue to buy, sell, repair, and collect many antique clocks and watches.

For most parts of the U.S., and outside of the U.S., there are very limited resources to learn clock and watch repair. These videos are for those people who have some or no access to antique clock and watch repair and restoration training.

There are 3 ways to learn clock and watch repair.

  • You can go to school in Columbia, PA and pay up to $1000 per classroom course. There is no guarantee that you will remember all you learned or recall the information when you need it. Also, there is the cost of travel, lodging and meals. This is the most expensive method considering the costs and the loss of information you may not remember.
  • Do it yourself by looking up some information on the internet, read some books and piece the information together. Experience a lot of trial and error which consumes much your time and can lead to frustration and disappointment. This is the long and hard road.
  • Learn from The Tick Tock Productions Online School where the lessons are organized, you have a resource library and the ability to recall all the information when needed. You don’t need to struggle to remember everything, no trial and error from incomplete information and no travel required. This is the most economical and convenient choice.

See the testimonials below from some of the students that have commented about the courses.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

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