But unlike the historic versions, the newly minted communal clocks are computer-controlled, never requiring winding or resetting. David Hochstrasser, owner of The Clock Shop near Boston, Massachusetts, has repaired tiny centuries-old watches with parts no thicker than a human hair in addition to restoring and maintaining historic clocks such as the ones located in Boston's Custom House Tower, the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House. He even makes clock parts that are no longer available. Hochstrasser stresses that, typically, an old clock can outlast any modern-day version. In Europe, he says, there are mechanical tower clocks that have been running since the 1600s.
Antique clocks are superior to new clocks mechanically.
New clocks tend to wear out faster. He sees little danger that the timepieces of yesterday will wind down and be discarded in the new millennium. Public clocks are treasured landmarks. Most of our business is repairing or restoring antique clocks for homes. There is a lot of emotion heaped onto these clocks.