A. It is always best to double pack a clock for shipment. Use two boxes, one inside to put the clock in, and put that box inside another larger box. Place the clock inside a plastic bag, along with any keys, weights or pendulum. Just make sure the weights, if there are any, do not bounce around inside the box. Tape them down. Use newspaper to pack the clock tightly. Newspaper works best. Please make sure to package properly, as I am not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft that occurs during shipment to my home shop. That is strictly the senders responsibility. Also be sure to place adequate insurance on the clock when shipping. Insurance is not expensive, and is worth it. You can ship using any common carrier you wish. I have not preference.

Q. How is the final repair price determined ?

A. The final repair price will be determined after I have examined the clock. It all depends on the condition of the piece, and how much time is needed in it's repair and setup afterwards. My price as quoted is final. The prices listed in my services page are for reference only, and the actual price may be lower or higher than those listed there. Many times they will be somewhat lower.

Q. Since you work out of your home, why are your prices as high as other locksmiths who have their own separate shops.

A. I work out of my home as a convenience to me, and to save cost on rent of a shop. This cost is relayed to you. Many Dentist's, Lawyers, Doctors of all practices, and accountants work out of their own homes, so why not a clock restorer! I do quality work, and just because; I work out of my home does not mean that my services will be substandard.

Q. What is your complete mailing address ?

A. If you want to mail me your clock, then please send it you:

Mike's Tick Tock Clocks  Michael Kraft 60 Victory Place East Brunswick, NJ 08816-2234.

Please see above for method of shipping. And please be advised that I am not responsible for any items damaged during shipment. Please use adequate insurance on the item.

Q. Did you go to any schools for clock making and repair?

A. I have repaired clocks as a hobby since 1978 and have done very well. I am a member of the AWI and the NAWCC, and membership is pending with the BHI, that's the British Homological Institute. I have studied many video tapes and have many repair books and literature on clocks. I have the Horolovar guide for the 400 day clocks. School is not a necessity for Horology, as VCR tapes and books form self learning courses in of themselves. Also, practical experience is a great teacher also.

Q. How do I know you can fix my clock?

A. I can repair your clock, and need have no concerns over my not being able to. I have many contacts in the AWI and the NAWCC if I need info on a certain type of clock or movement

Q. Will you come and pick up a clock? How much would you charge to pick it up at my home? Is it cheaper for me to bring it to you? Will you work on it in my home if it only needs minor repair such as cleaning and oiling?

A. (a). I will pick up a clock if you are within a 75 mile radius of my home shop.

(b). I charge a $35.00 pickup fee, as is standard.

(c). Since there is a pickup fee, you can save this charge by bringing me your clock. Please call me or e-mail me so we can arrange a time for you to bring it down.

(d). This is a good question. I prefer to have the clock in my shop to work on it. However, under certain circumstances, I might decide to clean and oil it on the premises. This would apply mostly to tall case clocks. If I only clean and oil the clock movement on your premises then there are no guarantees given, as I cannot guarantee a clock that I have only cleaned and oiled without disassembling it and inspecting it's internal parts and bushings. There would still be the usual $35.00 house call fee, as well as my payment which is $40.00 an hours, and cost of materials and clock oil, which is expensive since I only use the best.

Q. Will you use modern tools to repair my clock? Will my clock be accurate after you have repaired it?

A. (a). I use a combination of both old and new tools in the repair of clocks. I have an electronic beat amplifier, that enables me to hear the tick of the escapement with accuracy. I also have a beat setting electronic device that does many other measurements to ensure that your clock is running perfectly. Also, is my experience in clock repair, since the eye and brain are still the best tools.

(b). Accuracy depends entirely on the type of clock we are dealing with. 400 day, or Anniversary clocks, typically loose time as they run. Since they will run for 400 days on one winding, it is not surprising that they will begin to run slower as their mainsprings unwind. You either will need to reset the time, or simple wind the clock up every three months or so. They are accurate, but not perfect, time keepers, and are intended as a novelty clock, to be re-wound every anniversary date of some event. Cuckoo clocks never will run on time, as their exposed pendulum catches the air and breezes in the home. Temperature changes will affect the pendulum length and cause it to gain or loose time. These are also novelty clocks, and time will need to be re-set once everyday or so, depending on conditions. Even though I will setup a clock, certain ones will need to have final setting done by the owner, as some types of clocks run differently in different locations. This will be discussed at the time of pickup or delivery of the finished clock.