Smith of Derby Ltd

We are passionate about time – making, mending and maintaining time across the globe. The depth and diversity of our business is vast: from the smallest village church clock to the some of the world’s most famous time pieces, you will find we are proud to be involved.

We are more than just Smith of Derby.

The heritage of our stable of clockmaking companies - J B Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire; William Potts of Leeds; James Ritchie & Sons of Edinburgh - spans the centuries as far back as 1690. This rich heritage means we can bring our expertise to bear on everything from the restoration of the world’s oldest turret clocks to the dynamic creation of a stunning new design featuring the latest technology.

There is very little about church and public clocks that we don’t know. Another thing sets us even further apart - our passion for time. It underpins everything we do - talk to us today and be inspired.

Your time, our passion

Just how important is your clock to your community? It represents the hub - the heartbeat - as it marks time on its dial and chimes. It is heard, looked up to, and appreciated. And sadly missed if it stops.

Our geographical spread and long established centres of time in the UK mean that you are not very far from one of our regional clockmakers. With a local presence we are able to react to customer request quickly to keep your clock ticking at the centre of your community life.

Annually our team of clockmaker engineers carefully maintain 4,500 historically important clocks in the UK and around the world. Engineers who understand that a clock lies at the heart of a community and take the preservation of its longevity very seriously for future generations to enjoy.

• Automatic winding and timekeeping systems.
• Bell System restoration and installation.
• On-site and in-workshop dial repair and restoration.
• Windvane restoration and re-gilding.
• All work fully conservation and heritage compliant.
• Full up-to date safety equipment and training.
• New build and renovated public clocks.
• Annual service contracts.

The pictures (top to bottom) show three of our landmark church clocks:

• Edinburgh Tron Kirk, in the care of James Ritchie & Sons
• St David’s Cathedral, Wales, in the care of J B Joyce of Whitchurch, full workshop and dial restoration
• Selby Abbey Carillon, in the care of William Potts of Leeds, restored in partnership with Smith of Derby