Scottish Antique Clocks for sale | Edinburgh
James Ritchie clockmakers specialises in Scottish antique clocks, professionally restored and available to view in Edinburgh
Accredited MBHI and members of the BWCMG
Services
Clock Restoration
Clock Restoration
Clock Restoration
We offer professional assessment, restoration and repair of antique clocks at our workshop in Edinburgh
Store
Clock Restoration
Clock Restoration
Each clock is carefully inspected and serviced as appropriate before sale.
House Visits
Clock Restoration
House Visits
We offer professional assessments and where possible, some repairs at your home, along side specialist restoration and repair at our Edinburgh workshop.
Ritchies At the drum
From City to sanctuary
Established in Edinburgh in 1809, the historic James Ritchie & Sons became one of Scotland's best known names in clockmaking. Today James Ritchie Clockmakers continues that horological tradition from our workshop in the grounds of Drum Estate, Edinburgh
Over more than two centuries, the name has been associated with the care of many of Scotland's most significant public timepieces, including Edinburgh's Floral Clock, the Nelson Monument Time Ball, and numerous church, turret, and civic clocks. This enduring reputation has been built on generations of skilled craftsmanship, technical expertise, and a commitment to preserving Scotland's rich horological heritage.
Today, trading as James Ritchie Clockmakers, we remain dedicated to the restoration, conservation, and sale of exceptional antique clocks, including Scottish longcase, bracket and wall clocks. While our name has evolved, our commitment to traditional craftsmanship, authenticity, and excellence continues exactly as it has since 1809.
In January 2019, the company came under new ownership and the workshop relocated from Edinburgh's New Town to The Old Byre within the grounds of the historic Drum Estate. Jon Reglinski carries over 25 years of experience as a clockmaker and is a BHI Accredited clock restoration and repair specialist and a member of the British Watch & Clockmakers Guild.
We provide professional clock repair, maintenance, and restoration services with each clock assessed individually to determine the most appropriate course of action. Where conservation is preferable to extensive restoration, we take a sympathetic approach to preserving the clocks original character
All restoration and repair work is carried out in our fully equipped workshop at drum estate. For further information about our services, repairs or antique clocks, please get in touch.
History
A brief overview of the Ritchie's history in Edinburgh
In April 1873, Frederick Ritchie presented a paper to the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, discussing his synchronised clocks. These innovative timepieces were in operation at the Liverpool Observatory, in Edinburgh itself, and at various locations, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Edinburgh Clock Company. The Edinburgh clocks, including the elegant Victorian wall clock from Edinburgh Clock Works, were a testament to the advancements in clockmaking of that era.
In 1903, the Edinburgh Clock Company, known for its craftsmanship, designed the mechanism for the world's first floral clock, which can be found in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. By 1912, James Ritchie & Son, a prominent name in Edinburgh clocks, manufactured and presented a distinctive non-dial chiming clock to St Giles Kirk, showcasing their innovative spirit in clockmaking.
1930: Following the end of the First World War and the economic challenges of the 1930s, the branch y on Princes St closed. The onset of the Second World War saw many younger skilled professionals enlisted in service, while others left for opportunities at the new Ferranti factory. The passing of two world wars contributed to a decline from the boom experienced in the latter part of the 19th century. Despite these challenges, the company continued to offer services in the maintenance of clocks, watches and turret clocks.
In the 1970s, the Edinburgh Clock Company premises on Leith Street was vacated, prompting the company to move to North St James Street. However, this location was short-lived as the area was demolished to make way for the St James Centre. Subsequently, the workshop relocated to Broughton St, where it continued to operate until the late 90s. In the early 2000s, the company separated its operations. The turret and public clock department diverged to become a branch of 'Smith of Derby', while the domestic antique clock division moved to Dundas Street and remained there until 2018.
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