Guardians of time: Michlmayr & Co Ltd

Since 1958 Michlmayr & Co has been a sanctuary for horology lovers, offering expert repairs, restoration and servicing for mechanical and quartz watches, as well as clocks of all sizes.

Their Norwich workshop hums with the sound of lathes, ultrasonic cleaners and meticulous hands restoring timepieces to factory condition. Whether it's a treasured Rolex, an intricate Omega or a centuries-old longcase clock, Michlmayr's team delivers a comprehensive service, including cleaning, lubrication, timing adjustments and subtle cosmetic restoration that honours each piece's unique story.

Accredited by prestigious brands such as Omega, Longines and TAG Heuer, Michlmayr & Co has earned its place as the largest horology service centre in East England. The firm also supports public institutions and private collectors nationwide, reflecting a commitment to keeping history's tick alive.

Caring for the Timepiece of St George’s Church, Tombland, Norwich

Standing proudly on historic Tombland, just outside the gates of Norwich Cathedral, St George’s Church is one of Norwich’s finest surviving medieval churches. Its flint walls, ancient tower and historic furnishings are a reminder of the city’s remarkable past.

Among the church’s many features is its tower clock — a public timepiece that has helped mark the passing of time for generations and remains an important part of the local landscape.

For many years, Michlmayr of Norwich has played an important role in caring for the church’s horological heritage.

Historic clocks are much more than mechanisms designed to tell the time. They are an important part of the buildings in which they are housed and, in many cases, have been operating for generations.

Michlmayr have developed extensive experience in the restoration, maintenance and conservation of historic clocks, combining traditional horological craftsmanship with modern engineering techniques.

Founded as a family business with deep roots in Norwich’s horological tradition, the company has spent decades working on clocks of all types — from domestic timepieces to large turret and church clocks.

Under the leadership of Simon Michlmayr, a Fellow of the British Horological Institute, the company has established a reputation for specialist clock restoration and maintenance. Its work extends beyond Norwich, with the team working with churches, historic buildings, local authorities and heritage organisations across the United Kingdom.

The Importance of Specialist Maintenance

A clock that has been operating for many decades — or even centuries — will naturally experience wear. Components such as bearings, pivots, wheels and other parts of the movement can gradually deteriorate through continued use. The striking mechanism, drive system and hands also require careful inspection and maintenance.

The environment inside a church tower can present additional challenges. Temperature fluctuations, dust, moisture and the general conditions of an exposed tower can all have an effect on a mechanical clock over time.

Regular inspection and maintenance are therefore essential.

By identifying wear at an early stage, unnecessary damage can often be avoided and the working life of the clock extended.

One of the most important principles when working with historic clocks is understanding that the original mechanism is part of the clock’s heritage.

Where possible, historic components should be repaired and conserved rather than unnecessarily replaced.

This requires experience and an understanding of both traditional clockmaking techniques and the individual history of the mechanism.

At Michlmayr the aim is to maintain the integrity of historic clocks while ensuring that they remain reliable and functional.

Keeping the Clock of St George’s Working

The continuing care of the tower clock helps ensure that this important feature of St George’s Church remains part of the surrounding community.

Annual work carried out by Simon Michlmayr and his team helps ensure that the mechanism can continue performing its original purpose while remaining an important part of the church’s historic character.

Preserving the Past for the Future

Historic clocks occupy a unique position within Britain's heritage.

They are simultaneously machines, works of craftsmanship and records of the communities they have served. Many have witnessed generations of local history while continuing to perform the same basic function: telling the time.

The clock at St George’s Church, Tombland, is a fitting example.

As the clock continues to mark the hours above Tombland, it remains a small but significant part of Norwich’s remarkable history — quietly connecting the past with the present, one hour at a time.

S. Michlmayr & Co. Ltd
Specialists in professional clock restoration, maintenance and conservation.

More info available at https://www.michlmayr.com/