Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question is not answered below, please contact us here.
Do you work for private individuals?
Yes, we work for families, individuals, collectors, museums, and institutions. We also offer consulting and bespoke manufacturing services. Please send us an email at bcox@mechanicalcurios.com for inquiries.
What kind of objects do you work on?
All kinds of automata, including but not limited to dolls, singing bird boxes and cages, mechanical animals.
Musical boxes of all shapes, kinds, and sizes.
Complicated clocks and watches. We specialize in English and European objects.
Do you offer internships or allow people to shadow you?
Currently, I am unable to offer internships and only allow clients into my conservation studio. However, I do teach classes at my workshop and offer private tuition, a list of which is available here.
Can you walk me through a repair?
No, I am not able to offer advice or walk people through how to fix objects they are working on. I have many resources listed on my website for individuals who wish to learn more about these subjects.
Is your workshop open to the public?
At this time I am unable to open my workshop to the public. However, I do teach classes and offer private tuition, a list of which is available here.
Where did you study?
Please see my CV here.
Where can I study antiquarian horology?
There are many facets to the trade and unfortunately, I do not know of an institution that teaches everything. You would need to go through different programs of specialized training, complete an apprenticeship with a master, or work under someone for many years.
It takes time to master this trade and nothing replaces experience at the bench. Personally, it took me 9 years in full time higher education and working under established craftsmen to learn my skills and I am still learning every day. I cannot speak to someone else’s experience, aptitude, or timeline for achieving the same.
To study watchmaking:
To study Conservation of Clocks and Related Dynamic Objects:
What books do you recommend for someone interested in learning more about horology?
There are many areas in horology and some books can be difficult to find or are cost prohibitive. Below are a few titles that are generally accessible and will provide a good foundation. There are also many resources and websites listed on the sidebar, which may prove useful for the interested party.
Making:
Watchmaking by George Daniels
Wheel and Pinion Cutting in Horology by J Malcolm Wild
History:
Britten’s Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers: A Historical and Descriptive Account of the Different Styles of Clocks and Watches of the Past in England and Abroad Containing a List of Nearly Fourteen Thousand Makers, 7th Edition
Do you offer copy services of rare books?
I am not able to copy books or chapters, but many books are available through the NAWCC library.