Nov 7, 2024: We have a long case clock, circa 1910-20. The main cannister gear/spring snapped during winding. Because he's somewhat local, I called Murray at National Clock Repair. He told me to bring it in. He looked it over and confirmed what I already knew. Murray then went into this long and protracted explanation of how he went to school to learn clock repair, how many years that he's been doing it, and how he makes all his repairs look new again. His presentation was smooth and rehearsed. He finished by showing me some of his work. He gave me a 30,000 ft view of what he would have have to do to repair and restore our clock. Not knowing jack about clocks, I was naturally somewhat impressed. After contemplating my situation, I then asked the million dollar question, how much? Straight faced Murray said without hesitation, $5,000. My OMG reaction didn't phase him. I said we only paid £400 for the clock in the UK and your repair cost is simply cost prohibitive. Disheartened, I gathered up my clock movement and pendulum and boxed it up and headed for the door. Murray said, "Do you have your phone, and could you leave me a review? I said, "But you didn't do anything for me." He said, " You can just say you came in and you looked around and liked my shop." Now I'm beginning to get a little suspicious of his motive. He then said, "Take out your phone and I'll show you where to go." Reluctantly I did. Murray then literally tried to tell me exactly what to write, reaching for my phone, and to give him 5 Stars. He himself then tried tapping on my phone while still in my hands. I pulled my phone back and put it away and said I was quite capable of writing a review. I was getting a little irritated by his pushiness.The more I thought about his coercive tactic, the more I thought how wrong this was. Fast forward a couple of weeks. With a little more research, I found another clock repair guy in Piscataway NJ. Clock in a box, we made the drive. Taking over an hour, he too explained in detail his experience and showed me examples of his work. He examined our clock and found some hidden issues Murray failed to notice. He even gave me a detailed written estimate, complete with a repair timeline and cost ceiling: 1 month turn time and $700. This experience in Piscataway NJ prompted my review about Murray at National Clock Repair. Read ALL of Murray's reviews, not just the 5 star ones. There's a reason for them. If I could leave ZERO STARS I would. I can't wait for a response. ********************************* I received your response on Google saying my extensive and detailed review was "SPAM". Here's a grain of salt to accompany my initial review: I had deliberated for a couple of weeks and thought about it long and hard if I really wanted to expend my time and energy to write a review. So I ask, why would I go to such great length in explaining my experience with your business? Because customers need to be made aware of the experiences of others, good or bad. Attached is the screenshot from my phone with the date and times I called your business. The first call was to your answering machine, no call pick up. The second call was when we finally spoke. The third call was because I missed your business location and needed better directions. If you like, I can also provide my Google timeline on November 7, 2024 showing that my phone location was at your business. Consider your further responses carefully. I really don't think you want to persist by calling me a liar. read more

National Clock Repair - Call Log Screenshot - Clock Repair Near Me - New Hope, Pennsylvania

Have to agree with many past reviews. $375 to come to your door and another $600 to oil the clock is absurd. We realized unfortunately that this once probably excellent, professional clock expert was something in the past. Paid the $375 and sent Murray on his way. read more

I had a clock from my father who is no longer with us. I called Murray at National Clock Repair and he was so kind he waited after hours to look at my clock. This shop is awesome! This is the best place for excellent customer service and quality repair work by a master. Donna Shallcross read more

National Clock Repair - Clock Repair Near Me - New Hope, Pennsylvania

My wife contacted Mr. Kallen and made arrangements to have our grandfathers clock repaired. Presumably, the work was OK (clock is working). Strangely, he asked my wife if I was going to be home (I wasn't). He was paid $1000.00 for an hour of work. With travel that's $500.00/hour. Stay away! read more

Spoke with Murray today about repairing my 100 year old Telechron Grandfather clock. He was very informative and great to speak with. In this day and age to find someone who has the talent to repair such a complex and old clock is amazing all unto itself. Thanks to National Clock Repair for your great Service! read more

Our grandfather clock stopped chiming and They said the service fee to come to our home was $275. After working on the clock for less than two hours, and providing no parts, we were billed $1,775.00. This was after we were told the $275 wound be removed but it wasn't. Within 10 minutes of the repair man's departure the click stopped chiming again We called and he came back today and told us that he would relate the workings for another $2,000 and we obviously said no. We asked him to only charge for the two service charges and return $1,200 to us and he said no. beware!!! read more

Do not use this guy or his repair services. He is dishonest ! Tries to scam you with stories of how much work is involved in a repair. Quoted me $5000 and when I said are you crazy he said call your husband And ask him. STAY AWAY! read more

Wish I had read other reviews here before I went! Took a clock to get repaired and agreed to the hefty price (sentimental value). Charged the deposit on my credit card. Before we left, Murray wanted to show me how to give a review on Google Maps of Yelp--but noted that he only wanted 5 star reviews! That felt awkward.... Called 3 hours later (had to leave a message on the answering machine) to say I'd changed my mind and would entertain other lower cost options or make arrangements to pick up the clock and get my refund. Didn't hear anything so drove over to settle things up the next morning. Got the clock okay--but he refused to refund the entire amount charged on my credit card! Claimed he gets charged 4% every time he does a transaction (charge or refund) and that he would refund me all but that amount. When I said no and that no other merchant does that, he and his son chimed in that they aren't WalMart and that what they are doing is legal! Lost 8% on the deal but am "paying them back" by reporting this here. read more

I needed a slightly longer than standard part fabricated for a valuable antique clock. The standard part was $7 in any clock parts catalog. He shows me the standard part and says it's "hard to find and costs $70." It would not have worked anyway. He was pushy and insisted that I needed to bring the entire clock in. I was suspicious of his motives and did not wish to entrust the clock to him. I walked out without getting further involved with this business. P.S. I got the custom part perfectly fabricated by another clock repair shop for just $42 (and without bringing anyone the clock). Your results may differ, but my brief encounter was not positive. read more

The guy running this store asks just about anyone to give him 5 stars on his store regardless of their experience. He fluffs his numbers. Clients beware and dig deeper into the reviews. read more

They restored two clocks for my father 10+ years ago and they are still running without issue. A question on proper operation came up and I called and received excellent instructions. If I need a clock repair shop I will be going back. (Appears to be no time soon as the clocks are running well!) read more

I think we dodged a bullet. Old 'family' clock in need of repair. Very valuable from a personal perspective but likely worth $200 on resale? $3400-$4200 to repair. Nope. read more

Would give this character zero stars if I could he's a dull on scam artist. He came to my house to fix my clock at a hefty price and it worked for about a week then died. He comes back and says it needs a new movement (which he expected because this made is the "new style" which doesn't last as long). Tells me the cost is going to be over $4000, and I'm lucky because he's the only person in the US who has an exclusive deal with a place in Germany that makes the movements the old way. I proceeded to call several clock shops around the entire US and every one of them told me to not give him another cent and that he was completely full of crap. I found a nice clock shop in Haddonfield NJ and they got me a new movement installed for $1400. Clock runs beautifully. AVOID THIS GUY COMPLETELY!!!! read more

My husband took a clock to be looked at. He was told the movement was bad and would need to be replaced at a cost of $1175.00. My husband found a rebuilt movement on EBay for $200 and received an estimate from another repair shop for $300-$400. Disappointed with such an inflated price. Will be looking at other shops for other clocks needing work. read more

I wish I had read the reviews regarding Murray and his National Clock Repair Service. There were red flags, however, I ignored them due to the importance to repair my deceased mother's clock from the early 1970's. While the clock was not in disrepair - I thought it would be a good idea to have it oiled, adjusted, and given an overall bill of good health. I did find National Clock Repair online - and called immediately. Murray answered the phone and I explained my situation....he stated it would be a $275 trip charge, then any additional charges would be rendered onsite. He also said I could deliver the clock to him to avoid the trip charge, I agreed. Upon arrival to his shop, he looked at the clock and said $2,875 to repair. I said why? He stated the gears, were old, and needed replacement and he would make the clock run like new and it would never need servicing other than oiling in the future. I paid the bill on my AMEX card. Reluctantly, (my mistake) I left the clock with him to repair, and he told me it would be about a month to repair. Less than two weeks later, Murray called and said the clock was ready! I said to him "Wow you said a month" to which he replied "we started working on it right away.....and it would be an additional $1000." Shocked I asked why, thinking he would have called if there were additional charges - He said "It needed a lot of repair and also, do you have a different credit card you can use - perhaps a Visa or MC? I stated I usually use AMEX, he said "They really charge me a lot in fees and even better can you go to the bank and pay me in cash....perhaps 10 - $100 bills - that would be the best" (Huge Red Flag) . I went to pick up the clock immediately, upon arrival he sensed my displeasure and distaste with his business practices and as he tried to explain all he had done and when I didn't respond and continued pack up my clock - he told me to "Relax". I signed the AMEX charge slip gathered up the additional items and left. Please If you are still reading....Do your research - Read the reviews - and PLEASE DON'T ever use National Clock Repair. I will have a hard time looking at my mother's clock now knowing Murray ripped me off! I don't know how people sleep with themselves conducting business like this.....Buyer Beware! read more

I would encourage all readers to take their business to someone else. I was told that the cost to come to my home would be $250.00 plus repair fees. Murray, the owner, arrived at our home and said immediately that the clock movement was "completely worn" and had to be replaced at a cost of $4,975.00! We had originally paid less than $1,500 for the entire clock 25 years ago. When asked why the new movement was so expensive he said it was "a Black Forest Movement." When asked what kind of movement was in our clock he said he didn't know because it had no ID numbers on it. We eventually declined and he insisted he be paid in cash. He was in our home for no more than 75 minutes and the total charge was $475.00 When asked to itemize the cost Murray said, "$275.00 to come to your house and $200.00 for my examination of the clock" which still was not working when he left. I later found a brand new, identical, German Black Forest Clock movement for sale at www.clockworks.com for $319.00. It should also be noted that when I examined the clock movement myself I did find its ID numbers which identified it as a German Black Forest movement. Caveat Emptor! I wish I could have rated him at less than zero stars. read more

Over the years my grandfather clock has stopped working a few times if the weights are not reset before they reach the bottom of the clock. Happens, for example, when we leave for vacation and I forget to stop the pendulum. Since my dependable repairman retired and the clock is from 1927 I actually agreed to the ridiculous service fee just for a home visit. Did I learn some things about my clock that I hadn't known? Yes. Was the repair man chatty and charming? Yes. Did I end up paying 1800.00 for almost nothing? Yes...You know that feeling when your instinct is telling you something isn't right but, hey, you are already in 200.00 just for him to walk through the door so you ignore that instinct? The clock stopped again about 3 months later (brain lapse) and the next repairman stated that nothing had been even lubricated. Got it started and I paid 240.00 total, cleaning included. I am so thankful to have found a new repairman. But I am also furious and feel foolish. At least I didn't fall for his argument to take the clock to his store and "rebuild" it. read more

Before they came to my home, they told me that there would be a $200 service fee which I agreed to pay. Then after they arrived they said it was another $200 to fix the clock. I reluctantly agreed and they were finished in 20 minutes. This equates to about $600 an hour. I don't know who they think they are but I will never use them again. read more

We had Murray come from nearby New Hope, PA to check out our newly acquired grandfather clock! He told us the clock works we're "completely worn out" and that he could totally rebuild it for "$18-$24"... I asked if that were $18-$24 Hundred and he said "No, $18-$24 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! It cost us $475. for his 20+ minutes in our home plus his travel time (about 1.5 hrs round trip)! He added that his signature on the repairs he would do would add to our clock's value... I doubt that as well, but would welcome feedback from anyone who found that to be true! read more

If I could give this is zero I would. We were totally ripped off spent several thousand dollars to get a clock fixed and it still isn't working and I know if we take it back he will just say it's something different and very disappointing don't ever use them read more

I have a grandfather clock that needs to be cleaned and/or oiled. I called them to possibly setup an appointment. I was very pleasant, and gave them my name, and asked the name of the person that I was speaking with. The man was extremely rude, and asked if I was a customer, or just trying to sell them something (He never did tell me his name). I told him that I was a customer, and he proceeded to tell me that they were very busy, and that he didn't have time for this. I even offered to call back later in the day, when maybe they wouldn't be so busy. He asked me again if I was a customer. He obviously didn't hear me say at the outset that I was a customer, so I then said (loudly, and very slowly) I AM A CUSTOMER!! I then told him that he was very rude, so never mind, and I hung up on him. I believe that they called me back 5 minutes later, but I declined the call. Needless to say, this is not someone that I want in my home. They clearly don't even know how to conduct themselves on the phone with a potentially new customer. I certainly don't want someone like that in my home. Especially someone that I will be paying. And from reading the other reviews, it sounds like I dodged a very expensive bullet! read more

DON'T USE NATIONAL CLOCK REPAIR if you value your antique clock or your pocketbook. I'd give them minus rating if I could! They were members of NAWCC. They have an impressive web site and a man named Murray who sounds good over the phone. The result of shipping our mantle clock to him? He claimed the clock 1) was unrepairable, 2) would cost $8000 to repair, 3) charged us $375 to return the clock (using our packing materials!), and 4) damaged the clock case. We made a complaint through the Better Business Bureau, where we subsequently learned that several other people had lodged similar complaints. He has not responded to any of these concerns, including ours. I contacted a collector of clocks similar to ours (a Jerome Chauncey clock, c. 1853). He recommended a reputable clock expert in New England, who repaired and refurbished our clock and returned it for $441.65. The clock runs like a champ! Eloise L., Styer, Tifton, GA read more

Very helpful and knowledge. First time visit. Would recommend for antique clock work and repair. Also has unique clocks for sale.

I called Murray from halfway across the country after his shop came up on an Internet search. Even though we didn't end up transacting business (he doesn't typically sell parts), I was impressed by his knowledge and particularly by his wonderful attitude. There's not very folks in this business anymore, so let's give a thumbs-up to those who are. I wouldn't hesitate to send a clock to him for repair. read more

I just had Murray at my home to adjust my grandfather clock. I was told the cost would be $275 and he quickly told me it would be $475. He was here for barely 15 minutes. I'm hoping it's fixed properly. I know I confirmed the price when scheduling him. Make sure you get it in writing from him. He is not forthcoming and honest. Never again. read more