guide-home-smDealers in Fine Clocks and Barometers

Working with love and precision, Ray Bates sets antique clocks ticking again–and breathes some life into an age-old craft: “I call myself a clockmaker, but in reality what I do is reanimate,” says Bates matter-of-factly. “Clocks are close to living things. The way the original makers constructed them predetermines how they will act, so while they may not be a living entity, they represent the ongoing creation of their makers. It’s my job to get inside the minds and hearts of the original makers, to be in communion with them, to make their works live again.”

— Boston Sunday Globe Magazine,1995

The British Clockmaker Marks 50 Years In Vermont
Thursday, 17 July 2014, Steve Zind, VPR

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Ray and Richard Bates work side by side in the Newfane home the business has occupied for 50 years. (Credit Steve Zind / VPR)

For Ray Bates, family life and work as a Master Clockmaker take place under the same roof.50 years, Bates’ antique clock repair business has been located in his home in Newfane.

To get from the workshop to a room where repaired clocks are tested requires walking the kitchen and turning right through the laundry room.

Read or listen to the article at:
digital.vpr.net/post/british-clockmaker-marks-50-years-vermont

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Established in London in 1957, The British Clockmaker has become an American institution! Ray Bates is known internationally as a consultant, and restorer of major clock collections, public and private, throughout the USA and Canada. He appears frequently on TV, and has been featured in many magazine articles. In 1964 we moved from Boston to Newfane, Vermont where we have been restoring and conserving fine 17th, 18th, and 19th Century clocks and barometers for discerning owners, collectors and institution.

We specialize in Excellence in everything we do : no shortcuts are tolerated, and the aim of all work is to preserve the integrity of the original maker utilizing the best of modern technology, and with hand finishing in the manner of the period.

Wheel and Pinion Cutting:
We are able to manufacture replacement wheels and pinions to match the period and style of damaged originals. This service applies only in the context of a complete overhaul.

Dial Restoration:
We are able to restore brass, engraved dials and painted dials of all periods. Examples can be seen on our website.

Clock Case Restoration:
Our cabinetmaker is also a furniture maker and can make or repair any part matched to the original finish and style.


Vermont Viewpoint with Ric Cengeri, June 16, 2021
We start with taking calls from listeners. After that, we’ll hear about the little brewery that could. Green Empire Brewing in Fort Ethan Allen started as a nano-brewery and just keeps growing in size and suds. Next, Chris Barbieri stops by to share his background in developing business in China. Plus, he’ll share his love for cars and provide details on the Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet being held in Waterbury in mid-August. Lastly, we finish with another classic, when we talk to the British Clockmaker, Richard Bates of Newfane.