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Services

Dial Restoration


Where beauty meets time

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The dials are undoubtedly the most striking feature of any clock—both visually captivating and highly functional. As the most exposed element, they endure the full impact of weather and time. Whether your dial is copper, wooden, large, or small, our team can restore it to its original lustre with expert care. For all our gilding work, we exclusively use 23.75ct gold leaf to ensure a finish of the highest quality.

The restoration and manufacture of dials is a key part of the Cumbria Clock Company’s work. In many cases, this can be carried out using rope access techniques, reducing or eliminating the need for costly scaffolding.

Where necessary, skeleton dials can be glazed using traditional opal glass, or acrylic if preferred.

When redecorating a dial, we strongly recommend dismantling and cleaning the dial motion works—the gearing located behind the dial. A full inspection and service can only be properly carried out once the hands have been removed.

Upon return to site, the dials are always reinstalled using stainless steel fixings to ensure long-term durability and corrosion resistance.


Dial Restoration FAQs


  1. Why do clock dials need restoration?

    As the most exposed part of a clock, dials suffer from weathering, fading, and corrosion. Restoration protects the structure, improves visibility, and restores their visual impact.

  2. What materials can you restore?

    We work with copper, cast iron, wood, and composite dials of all sizes. Skeleton dials can also be reglazed using traditional opal glass or modern acrylic.

  3. Do you use real gold leaf?

    Yes. For all gilding work we exclusively use extra thick 23.75ct gold leaf, ensuring a finish of the highest quality and long-lasting brilliance.

  4. How are the works behind the dial handled?

    When redecorating a dial, we recommend dismantling and cleaning the dial motion works — the gearing behind the dial. This allows for a full inspection and servicing while the hands are removed.

  5. Will restoration damage the historic dial?

    No. We follow conservation best practice to preserve original materials wherever possible. Any replacements or repairs are done sympathetically.

  6. Do you always need scaffolding?

    Not always. Many projects can be carried out using rope access techniques, which can reduce or even eliminate the need for costly scaffolding.

  7. How long will a restored dial last?

    With quality materials and proper maintenance, a restored dial can remain in excellent condition for decades.

  8. What fixings are used when reinstalling?

    All dials are reinstalled using stainless steel fixings to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion.

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