Client Profile
 

James Moss Clockmakers, Inc.
Littleton, MA

When James Moss was 18 years old, he wandered into an antique shop where he spied an intriguing old watch. The old woman who ran the shop told him that it was not working, but if he thought he could fix it, she would sell it to him for a fair price. Although he had no experience fixing watches or anything of the sort, Mr. Moss decided to buy the watch and take a shot at repairing it. He fixed that watch, and in doing so, set the course for his entire future. "After hearing those first few tick tick ticks, I was hooked. I knew I was onto something," says Moss.

Mr. Moss went on to study electrical engineering at Wentworth College and Northeastern University. Soon after, he took a job as Computer Field Engineer for Honeywell, but continued to repair clocks and watches as a side job. "One afternoon, while looking for more old watches, an antique dealer asked me if I knew anything about fixing clocks, and I replied, 'yes.' The next thing I knew, he was offering me part-time work repairing some of his old clocks. Truth be told, I reluctantly accepted, as I still didn't know that much about clock repair. But I was somehow intrigued. The first few years were grueling. I trained myself as I went, learning from what ever sources I could get my hands on. After four years, I was spending as much time as a clock repairman as I was at my day job at Honeywell. During this time, I did a lot of thinking about what I really wanted to do with my life. Being the methodical thinker that I am, I made a list of 15 things that were important to me in a job. From time to time, I'd come across an interesting job and measure it up to my list. The one job that always matched more items on my list than any other was clock repair. Before long, I left my day job to open my own clock restoration business."

For the first few years, Moss ran the business out the tiny apartment where he lived in Newton. Little by little, the business grew--and so did the supply of clocks, parts and equipment he had piling up. "It was getting to the point where I couldn't sleep at night with all the ticking and chiming going on. I knew it was time to move the business to a store front." Rent for a Newton store front was quite high, and Moss was on a limited budget, but after some searching he found a home for his business. "I stumbled across a man with a place for rent right in downtown. He was asking for only $150 a month. The catch was the back of the store had a leaky roof. I rented it anyway, and just used the front of the shop. You do what you have to do to survive. Every time it rained, the back of the shop filled up with gallons upon gallons of water." A few years later, the landlord received some funds to renovate the building, and Moss was able to expand his business. He and his business remained in that shop for 23 years until all was lost to a fire that started in an adjacent building. "I lost everything and was devastated, says Moss."

Moss spent the next few years searching for a job. "My experience was very specific and I was getting older. Finding a good job was not easy. Finally, knowing where my heart lie, I committed myself to rebuilding my business," says Moss." After some time and hard work, Moss got his big break. By expanding his services to include not only the design and production of specialty clock parts, but specialty mechanical parts in general, he was able to land a contract with Arthur D. Little, Inc. to produce micro electronic mechanical devises for the Department of Defense. Earnings from this contract allowed him to purchase an industrial building--this time one made of cement--to house his business and more equipment. Today, Mr. Moss's business is stronger than ever and continues to grow.

Upon entering Mr. Moss's office, one is greeted by a friendly, humble individual. Surrounding him are three down to earth staff members who interact like family. Mr. Moss presents himself as just another ordinary guy, but he is anything but. His credentials and his dedication to his work are remarkable, his staff are top notch, and his interest in sharing his knowledge with others is impressive. 

Mr. Moss is more than a repairman. On the premises of James Moss Clocker Maker, Inc., you will find an extensive engineering library, a chemistry lab, a specialized storage facility designed for protecting old pieces, a synchronizing room to assure time keeping accuracy, a modern clock repair studio, and a large machine shop. In the machine shop Mr. Moss shows you a set of screws that were produced there--perfectly formed screws, tiny enough to fit on the head of a pin. Some of the machines used in his shop are over more than a century old, like the 150 year old lathe that is powered by a foot pedal, much like you would find on an old sewing machine. "A lot of work we do here is precision hand work," says Moss, "The modern CNC machines are fine for mass production, but you have no intimate control over your work. With these machines, I can produce shapes and surfaces that can not be matched by automated machines." Mr. Moss and his staff execute all their projects with an eye for accuracy and a respect for the significance of performing work that will not destroy the historical value of a piece. 

Mr. Moss holds the honor of being one of only two Horological Conservators in the country as recognized by the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC). This designation carries with it an agreement to follow a strict code of ethics and guidelines for practice. He has also been a member and has served on the board of several other associations such as the New England Conservation Association and the New England Museum Association. Mr. Moss' work is nationally recognized and he has been featured in Yankee Magazine and Boston Globe as well as on the television programs Evening Magazine and NOVA. Clients have included Harvard University, Boston's Old North Church and Gore Museum, among countless other cities, towns and private institutions. Mr. Moss enjoys sharing his knowledge with the local community as well. He has done presentations for elementary school children, college students and historical societies. Says Michelle Sticklor, accountant for James Moss Clock Maker, Inc., "Working here has been so interesting. It is amazing to realize that the work we do here is a part of history. Jim (Moss) is currently working on the clock for the Old North Church in Boston. His signature is there on the clocks along with Simon Willard's and other prominent clock makers." For Mr. Moss, whether the project involves restoring a famous historic clock to working condition or preserving a family heirloom, he finds his work rewarding. Says Mr. Moss, "I remember a family that brought in an old grandfather clock that would not chime. Upon inspection of the clock, I found that the entire set of gears that was responsible for making the clock strike was missing. I was able to recreate all the missing parts and make the clock work. The overjoyed expression on the owner's face when she heard that clock chime was so gratifying."

Yet Mr. Moss' talents lend themselves to more than clock conservation and repair. "While clock work has been my primary line of work, I have been able to extend my expertise into other lines. I am capable of producing nearly any micro electrical mechanical device. I have produced pieces that have gone to the deepest depths and the highest highs. For the Navy, I produced electromechanical devices for fleet of submarines. For NASA, I had a part in assembling an electronic component and wiring for a space satellite. I am very interested in expanding the industrial applications of my work and enjoy finding new avenues where my skills and knowledge can be of use." 

For more information on James Moss' services, you may contact him at his studio:
     James Moss Clockmakers, Inc.
     95 Russell Street
     Littleton, MA 01460
     978-952-0070

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