At James Ritchie Clockmakers, our passion for horology drives us to restore and supply the finest regional Scottish antique clocks, including exquisite pieces like the Victorian wall clock from Edinburgh Clock Works.
We offer professional assessment, restoration and repair of antique clocks at our workshop in Edinburgh
Each clock is carefully inspected and serviced as appropriate before sale.
We offer professional assessments and where possible, some repairs at your home, along side specialist restoration and repair at our Edinburgh workshop.
Established in Edinburgh in 1809, James Ritchie Clockmakers continues the proud legacy of the historic firm James Ritchie & Sons, one of Scotland's oldest and most respected names in horology. For more than two centuries, this esteemed Edinburgh clock co has been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, specializing in the manufacture, restoration, and conservation of fine clocks.
Over the years, the business has been entrusted 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 iconic pieces such as the Edinburgh clock works Victorian wall clock. 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 is now managed by clockmaker Jon Reglinski, who relocated the workshop from Edinburgh's New Town to its newly renovated premises located at The Old Byre within the grounds of the historic Drum Estate. Jon carries around 25 years of experience in the trade and is a BHI Accredited clock restoration and repair specialist. Moreover, Jon is a member of the British Watch & Clockmakers Guild.
We specialize in providing a reliable repair, maintenance, and restoration service, and when more conservative and specific approaches are required, an appropriate course of action can also be offered.
All of the work is carried out in our fully equipped workshop. If you require further information, please make contact by telephone or by e-mail.
We offer professional assessment, restoration and repair of antique clocks at our workshop in Edinburgh
Each clock is carefully inspected and serviced as appropriate before sale.
At James Ritchie Clockmakers, we offer specialist conservation, restoration and repair services for antique clocks.
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 of the Edinburgh Clock Company 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 by the Edinburgh Clock Co in the latter part of the 19th century. Despite these challenges, the Edinburgh Clock Works continued to offer services in the maintenance of Edinburgh clocks, including watches, turret clocks, and Victorian wall 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 Edinburgh clock works relocated to Broughton St, where it continued to operate until the late 90s. In the early 2000s, the Edinburgh Clock Co separated its operations. The turret and public clock department diverged to become a branch of 'Smith of Derby', while the antique clock division moved to Dundas Street, specializing in pieces like the Victorian wall clock, and remained there until 2018.
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