Why Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
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Blog Title:
Why Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
Series: Time Well Spent – Caring for Your Clocks & Watches
By John Haines, Liberty Clock Repair
When you own a beautiful clock or a well-made watch, it’s easy to assume it will run forever — until one day, it doesn’t.
Maybe it starts running slow. Or it stops ticking entirely. You bring it in for repair, and the damage is more extensive than expected. Worn bushings, dried oil, broken teeth on the gears — suddenly, what could have been a simple service becomes a costly repair.
The Good News? Most Major Repairs Are Avoidable.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your timepieces running smoothly — and to avoid those expensive surprises. Just like you wouldn’t drive your car for 10 years without an oil change, your clocks and watches need regular attention too.
What Does Preventive Maintenance Include?
For most mechanical clocks and watches, basic maintenance involves:
Thorough cleaning of internal mechanisms
Re-lubricating pivots and gears with the right horological oils
Inspecting for wear and alignment issues
Testing for accurate timekeeping over several days
This simple routine, done every few years, can extend the life of your clock or watch by decades.
A Real-Life Example
A customer recently brought me a 1960s cuckoo clock that had been in storage for 20 years. The movement was gummed up, a gear tooth had snapped from dried-out oil, and the bellows were rotted. The repair took hours and cost several times more than a routine service would have.
Had the clock been serviced just once every 5 to 7 years, it likely would have avoided all of that damage.
Preventive Maintenance = Peace of Mind
Whether it’s a family heirloom, an antique find, or a daily-wear watch, regular maintenance:
Preserves value
Reduces repair costs
Keeps your timepieces running reliably
At Liberty Clock Repair, I specialize in caring for both clocks and watches with expert attention and old-fashioned craftsmanship. If it’s been more than 5 years since your last service, it may be time for a checkup.
📫 Ready to Keep Your Clock or Watch Running Smoothly?
Email me at second.wind.japan@gmail.com or visit www.LibertyClockRepair.com to schedule your preventive service.
Stay tuned for the next post in the series:
How Often Should You Service Your Timepieces?
