A Clockmaker's Story

I started studying the art of Horology in Knysna in the late 90s. Initially, my interest in clock repairs came about when a friend of mine, Mr P.M.Belleme (Time Machine in Knysna), began to teach me the history behind old timepieces and the skills required to repair these items. My training began when Mr Belleme agreed to train me, and we started working together three nights a week. It was an honour and privilege for me to have such a skilled craftsman willing to set aside his time (and patience) to teach me. I still recall the feeling I had when I eventually got to the stage where I could take an item that had been made over one hundred years ago (and had been through the wars – both literally and in shape and form) and bring it back to life. As time passed, I realised how many skills the art of horology required. I also realised that there is no limit to how much you can learn. Examples are metal work (cleaning, plating, annealing, tempering, etc.), woodwork, chemistry, mechanics, micromechanics, fitting and turning, and so on. The two main driving forces which continually reinforce my passion for clock repairs are bringing life back to timepieces and the fact that I am and will be learning new skills and acquiring knowledge for the rest of my life.

I eventually got to the stage where I could give up my job and move on to repairs full time. After a few years and many life changes, I decided to move to Cape Town. Once I had spent a year or so in the city, I eventually acquired the tools and knowledge to open my workshop.

I like to keep a record of all the work we perform and will update this website on an ongoing basis. The photographs we share help people gain a better understanding of the process of clock repairs. We run our workshop on an “open book” basis where interested customers are welcome to pop in. We encourage clients or other interested parties to spend some time here. I also want to keep in touch with others in the trade and have managed to create a good working relationship with them.

I have also recently reached the stage where I can make my first clock from scratch. I will post pictures of my progress and hopefully have a completed item soon.

I want to mention and thank Mr G Luck, who has helped me with knowledge and tools/machines. It is greatly appreciated. I hope to grow Time Menders to a stage where I can manufacture and repair. It is still early days, but the future is looking bright.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any enquiries. All contact details are available on this site.

Darryn Clark