Clock Manufacturing

The exquisite detail of the clocks, each one crafted to suit the individual requirements of each client, is testament to the trademark skill and dedication of Robert Bray FBHI and his fellow craftsmen, with every delicate stage of production carried out in our Yorkshire based workshop.

While we continue to preserve original reproduction techniques, investment in latest technology has allowed us much greater flexibility for developing new, exciting ideas, while enabling us to maintain the highest level of accuracy and attention to detail that Sinclair Harding is renowned for. This mix of traditional skills and hi-tech processes ensures that we offer all our customers the very best service possible.

Any Sinclair Harding project begins with the customer and their bespoke requirements, however complex they may be. We encourage our customers to get involved with their clock design at every stage of the process, making each project a unique and rewarding experience.

Computer Aided Design

Following initial discussions with each customer, we produce highly detailed 3D screen models of all working parts and assemblies using SolidWorks technology. This enables us to give our customers a clear picture of their own exclusive design, viewable from any angle.

SolidWorks also gives us the flexibility to develop new design ideas and innovations and make running changes far more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

From SolidWorks we generate parts list which are used to produce our stock sheets. Our stock parts are checked and the clocks are kitted. From this a shortage list of parts is produced and is passed through to the machine room.

CNC Machining

From the 3D model, engineering drawings are produced so that CNC programmes can be generated via CAM software.

A planning card is produced for each component then these are then machined and inspected to the drawing. With the finished part these are then booked in on our stock control system and then placed into the correct clock kit.

Fusee Chains

Our Fusee chain suppliers, Mavis and David decided to retire at Christmas 2013, with nobody coming forward to carry the business on, we agreed to buy their business and in January 2014 collected the first batch of machinery from David's workshop in Devon and moved it to Huddersfield. David and Mavis shared their knowledge acquired over many years and we have been painstakingly learning this almost lost art.

Since then, we have developed our skills and we have 3 competent chain makers. The chain is built up set by set, 16 sets of chain are made to complete our standard chain. A total of 510 pins, 765 inner and outer links.

Bells

The Octave of cast bells from a perfect blend of PB2 and tin. From the cast bell this is then turned down in 3 stages, skimming the bells at each stage, the pitch is measured and checked.

This process is repeated until the bells are at the correct pitch.

Then outside of the bell is polished the inside is left cast. Then the bell is protected using a renaissance wax. Our bells are used on our Three Train Skeleton clock and our Single Train Condliff clock with Passing Strike.

Hand Finishing

Every part is polished to a high degree of finish, mostly by hand, but with the help of a wide variety of tools. Each part, seen or unseen, is given the same amount of care and attention.

Every screw is polished and blued and protected with a renaissance wax. The dials are machine engraved, hard wax filled, grained and hand silvered finished with a layer of lacquer to protect from tarnishing.

Cleaning and Inspection

After polishing, the parts are cleaned in an aqueous ultrasonic cleaning tank and meticulously inspected for any imperfections, which can still be corrected at this stage. At this stage the brass parts are separated and sent to be electroplated.

Electroplating

The final process prior to assembly is the plating, either in Gold or Platinum of all the Brass parts. Since 2015 we have expanded our facilities and set up our electroplating line. We have the capabilities to plate Gold, Platinum and Nickel.

This gives us the control of our plating to ensure this is at the highest standard for our clocks.

We can offer our electroplating for subcontract work if you would like more information then please contact us.

Assembly

We begin with the pinion assemblies and greasing of the mainsprings. With every part polished and every screw, pin and spring in place, the final assembly begins. Every bore is given a careful last burnish and any tapped holes re-tapped and cleaned.

Base and Glass shades

Our bases and protective glass shades are made in our workshop. The bases are usually made from marble or wood, which has been French, polished over several weeks. The movement is fitted to the base and the glass shade carefully placed in position to allow perfect visibility.

Over the years we have been developing our opening door bevelled glass shade, the opening door has made the clock easier to wind and has enhanced the clocks appearance.

Testing

Thorough checks are made at every stage to ensure that on completion the clock will operate perfectly from the very first moment.

The most exciting part in the whole process for us is when the movement starts ticking for the very first time.

Once each clock is finished, the regulation is monitored over a few weeks and the final checks are completed before the clock is ready to deliver. Each clock is signed off and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee of faulty workmanship of the lifetime of the original owner.

And finally, we even make the flight cases! Our clocks are shipped all over the world, so we have worked hard to develop a style of case that ensures our clocks arrive at their destination in perfect working order.