Mobile longcase and wall clock repair
Visit homes, churches and businesses to repair, set up and service large clocks that are hard to move.
- £2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,144 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 95250 “Repair of watches, clocks and jewellery”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Visiting customers to service and repair longcase, wall and mantel clocks on site, taking smaller movements back to your workshop when needed.
Your first three steps
- Build clock repair skills through a course, mentor or apprenticeship-style training
- Put together a portable toolkit and a small stock of common parts, and set out a call-out price list
- Contact antique dealers, auction houses and local heritage groups to get your first jobs
Who pays
Homeowners with inherited or antique clocks, small museums, churches, pubs and hotels with feature clocks.
How it makes money
Call-out or visit fee plus labour and parts, with repeat income from regular servicing every few years.
Skills that help
- Mechanical clock knowledge
- Careful handling of fragile antiques
- Friendly, trustworthy manner in people's homes
- Driving and route planning
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and cover for items you take away
- Lifting and moving heavy cases and weights safely
- Church or listed building work may need permission, check before you start
- Vehicle insurance covering business use and carrying tools
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile longcase and wall clock repair
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile clock repair business?
Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your tools, vehicle needs and insurance. These are estimates, so allow for equipment to carry on site and a way to transport clocks safely.
How much can a mobile clock repairer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,500, depending on how many visits you book, the type of clocks and your pricing. Treat this as an estimate and allow for travel time between jobs.
What should I check before repairing clocks at customers' premises?
Check public liability insurance and cover for items you take away. Check how to lift and move heavy cases and weights safely. Church or listed building work may need permission, and your vehicle insurance should cover business use and carrying tools.
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Photo: jackmac34 on Pixabay