In June 2024, H & W Perrin, a longstanding supplier of clock and watch parts based in Toronto, Canada, will permanently close its doors, citing undisclosed reasons for the shutdown.
For the past decade, I’ve relied on Perrin for all my clock supply requirements. While their prices weren’t consistently the most competitive, their prompt deliveries, fair shipping fees, and attentive customer service ensured I always obtained the supplies I needed with ease.
Most of the essential tools and equipment required for clock repair were sourced from Perrin, including some investments like an ultrasonic cleaner, a Bergeon Bushing Machine, and an Olie Baker spring winder. Additionally, various consumable items have been acquired from Perrin over the years.
Ultrasonic cleaner by L&R
Understandably, I feel disappointed, but I am confident that Perrin made a strategic business decision that led to the closure of its operations.
Moving forward, obtaining supplies will require sourcing them from international suppliers. While initial prices may appear favorable on their online sites, once expenses such as shipping, duties, exchange rates, and additional fees are taken into account, the overall attractiveness diminishes.
Olie Baker spring winder
In the meantime, there is an opportunity until June to stock up on parts.
There will always remain a glimmer of hope that a potential buyer will emerge as a savior, acquiring the assets of this company and continuing to supply clock parts to Canadian clock repair enthusiasts but I am not confident this will occur.
In the meantime check out an article I wrote on Clock Suppliers recently, minus Perrin of course.
Clock repairers depend on reputable suppliers for quality parts, tools, and accessories, ensuring durability and customer satisfaction. Trusted suppliers offer a diverse selection of compatible components, expert knowledge, timely delivery, and warranty support. Efficient logistics and ample stock levels from reliable suppliers benefit repairers with waiting customers.
The suppliers mentioned below, none of whom sponsor this author, are my preferred choices based on my extensive experience in procuring parts from them over the years. I’ve also included some suppliers known for their reputation, although I haven’t personally dealt with them.
The original blog post regarding clock repair resources was published last year. However, I’d like to update the list and welcome any additional recommendations. At the request of a reader, I have added an addendum section with a description of the lever setup for the strike train.
An assortment of Bergeon bushings
Notable suppliers, with a short description of their services and with links to each one, include:
Timesavers: According to their site, “TimeSavers is a worldwide distributor of clock parts and repair material. We have been in business since 1975.” Their extensive inventory contains thousands of parts. Timesavers is the best-known clock parts supplier in North America.
Cousins; Cousins is a UK parts supplier I have sought them out for specialty items such as brass feet for a bracket clock and parts for long case clocks and parts not readily available from North American suppliers.
Butterworth: I am not certain if Butterworth has a dedicated site but they can be reached on Facebook. I have ordered a pivot polishing kit from them in the past but they are also known for their unique Butterworth bearing.
Merritts: While their parts inventory may not be as comprehensive as that of other suppliers, they offer a diverse range of antique clocks available for online purchase at reasonable prices.
Meadows and Passmore: Some restrictions apply on the purchase of clock parts and it is best to check with the company before ordering.
Mile-high Clock Parts: The repairer’s source for Keystone tools, staking sets, spring winder, bushing machine as well as other parts.
Clockworks: The clock repairer’s principal source for new Hermle movements as well as other supplies and parts.
Black Forest Imports: A distributor for clock movements and supplier for case parts, tools, repair supplies, etc.
Somal Watch Supply in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is a source for Watch Movements, Watch Tools, Batteries, Mineral Glasses, Crowns, Spring Bars, and more.
Ronell: Ronell is a worldwide provider of clock repair parts and supplies.
Steady rest tool for Tiag metal lathe
A reader suggested Griffens Clocks and they can be reached here. The company acquired R&M Imports in 2019. R&M was well-known to clock enthusiasts and began as a mail-order business in 1968. Griffens also acquired the inventory and assets of the Herschede Clock Company. They are located in Portland Oregon.
ACDP: “offers professional service for all your clock parts and clock repair needs”. This site was recently passed on to me by a reader, a company in the Netherlands called ADCP. On their site, I found difficult-to-locate clock parts of antique German movements among other interesting items.
The past two years have witnessed notable price increases that might unsettle newcomers, in the field of horology. In my experience dealing with suppliers, the costs of essential items such as bushings, files, and specialized tools like bushing machines and spring winders have seen significant spikes since the global pandemic, with some prices surging by 50% to 75%.
Tool for working on escapement bridges
For hobbyists venturing into horology, there are opportunities to find bargains in the used market. However, without developed expertise in locating quality parts and tools in good condition, there’s a risk of falling prey to unscrupulous sellers.
TimeTrax model 185 clock timing machine
While the initial prices of parts may seem attractive, always consider additional factors like taxes, shipping costs, document processing fees, and potential import duties. Some suppliers also impose minimum order requirements. Certain suppliers extend their offerings beyond the clock and watch parts, including antique clocks, repair manuals, and novelty items.
The reliability and quality maintained by these suppliers not only ensure the authenticity of repairs but also contribute to preserving the art of horology so that we can enjoy our clocks today and well into the future.
Clock repairers often find themselves in need of specific parts and tools to ensure optimal repair. While utilizing components from donor movements is perfectly acceptable, there are instances where a new part becomes the only viable option, and reliance on reputable clock suppliers becomes crucial.
Bergeon Bushing Machine
Relying on reputable clock suppliers for these new parts, tools, accessories and supplies ensures that repairers have access to top-quality components that meet the necessary specifications and standards. This not only guarantees the longevity and reliability of the repaired clock but also enhances the repairer’s reputation for delivering top-notch craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
Trusted suppliers offer a wide range of compatible parts, expert knowledge, timely availability, and potential warranty support, making them invaluable resources for clock repairers striving for excellence in their work.
Occasionally mainsprings must be replaced
Clocks come in various types and styles, and each may require specific parts that are compatible and interchangeable with the existing mechanisms. Reputable suppliers often stock a wide range of clock parts, offering a diverse selection to meet different requirements. They understand the intricacies of clock mechanisms and can provide suitable components that seamlessly integrate into the repair.
Reliable suppliers usually maintain adequate stock levels and have efficient logistics systems in place. This means they can promptly fulfill orders and ensure timely delivery of clock parts. Having a reputable supplier who can provide quick access to the required components is essential, especially for clock repairers with and waiting customers.
Steady rest clock tool
Reputable suppliers often stand behind the quality of their products by offering warranties and after-sales support. This provides peace of mind to customers, as they know they can rely on the supplier in case of any issues or defects. Warranty coverage allows for replacements or repairs, minimizing potential losses and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Movement held by a clock standStandoffs for working on a movement
So, who are the suppliers? The suppliers listed below, none of which are sponsors of this author, are the ones I would choose based on my past experiences in procuring parts with most of them over the years.
Here they are with a short description of their services.
Timesavers: According to their site, “TimeSavers is a worldwide distributor of clock parts and repair material. We have been in business since 1975.” Their extensive inventory contains thousands of parts. Timesavers is the best-known clock parts supplier in North America.
Cousins; Cousins is a UK parts supplier I have sought them out for specialty items such as brass feet for a bracket clock and parts for long case clocks and parts not readily available from North American suppliers.
Butterworth: I am not certain if Butterworth has a dedicated site but they can be reached on Facebook. I have ordered a pivot polishing kit from them in the past but they are also known for the unique Butterworth bearing.
Merritts: While their parts inventory may not be as comprehensive as that of other suppliers, they do offer a diverse range of antique clocks available for online purchase at reasonable prices.
Meadows and Passmore: Some restrictions apply on the purchase of clock parts and it is best to check with the company before ordering.
Mile-high Clock Parts: The repairer’s source for Keystone tools, such as a staking set, spring winder, bushing machine as well as other parts.
Clockworks: The clock repairer’s principal source for new Hermle movements as well as other supplies and parts.
Black Forest Imports: A distributor for clock movements and supplier for case parts, tools, repair supplies, etc.
Ronell: Ronell is a worldwide provider of clock repair parts and supplies.
If the reader is aware of other suppliers please add them to the list through the comment section below. Should there be others this article will reflect the additions at a later date.
A reader suggested Griffens Clocks and they can be reached here. The company acquired R&M Imports in 2019. R&M was well-known to clock enthusiasts and started out as a mail-order business in 1968. Griffens also acquired the inventory and assets of the Herschede Clock Company. They are located in Portland Oregon.
With that said, pricing increases in the last two years may frighten some newcomers away. In my experience when dealing with suppliers, everything from bushings, files, and specialized tools such as bushing machines, spring winders, and so on have risen dramatically in price since the global pandemic. Some prices have increased by as much as 50% to 75%.
For those entering into horology as a hobby, fear not, as there are bargains to be found on the used market. However, unless you have developed an expertise for locating quality parts and tools that are in decent condition it is easy to fall prey to unscrupulous sellers.
While the prices of parts might appear appealing, it’s important to remember to include taxes, shipping costs, document processing fees, and import duties (if applicable). Additionally, certain suppliers mandate a minimum order. It’s worth noting that some of these suppliers also offer antique clocks, repair manuals, and novelty items in addition to clock and watch parts.
The reliability and quality of these suppliers not only ensure the authenticity of repairs but perpetuates the art of horology, allowing time to be both honoured and preserved for generations to come.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.