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.
Some people act as if they are part of the family, and in a way, they are.
Unfortunately, time is running out on the careers of many clock restorers. At 37, Hochstrasser is an exception in his beloved profession. He says most clock restorers are close to, or at, retirement age. University of Cincinnati philosopher John Martin advises against taking the timing too seriously, however. Calendars are a convention, not a matter of absolute truth, he said.