Time may have been standing still for a while - but in about a month the familiar hands of City Hall’s clock will be working as usual.
Specialist Norwich-based company Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers will begin a complete strip down and rebuild of the clock on Saturday (12 February) and the work is expected to take about four weeks.
The clock stopped working in the very cold weather earlier this winter. Initially, this was believed to be because its lubricant had frozen, but closer examination revealed deeper problems with the mechanism.
The company, which has established a national reputation, undertakes any type of work with timepieces - from fine quality precision watches to large public clocks.
Work will include the removal of the clock’s hands, and the internal mechanism will be taken apart and cleaned.
Simon Michlmayr, a second generation Swiss-trained watch and clockmaker, founded the company in 1986.
He said: “Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers are delighted to be involved with Norwich City Council in the restoration of such an important historic landmark clock.”
This complete rebuild is expected to give the clock many years of uninterrupted trouble-free service to the city.
Cllr Alan Waters, Norwich City Council cabinet member for resources, performance and shared services, said: “I’m pleased this is being done and City Hall’s clock will soon be working again. The clock is one of Norwich’s landmarks and a familiar sight to anyone who lives and works in the city.”
The work is estimated to cost approximately £13,000.
The clock tower was built in 1938 and is part of the Grade II* listed City Hall. It was originally intended to make the clock visible from any part of the city.
11 February 2011