Bar Billiards Table Timer/Clock (Jan 2026)

To my knowledge there are two main typles of mechanical clocks fitted to tables, the French version and the British version. I'm initially starting with the British version which is considered the more reliable and I would say more durable of the two.

Most clocks in existance are 50+ years old and still going, but they do wear out or get abused by people pulling the mechanism and letting it fly back un-controlled. This leads to broken or stretch springs, and sheared off gear teeth etc.

There are no new parts available, and limited spares if you can find them.

My plan is to initially make a new timing mechanisum and then to make a complete clock including the castings.

I've already made a pattern to make a mould from so I can then cast main aluminium body, and I've also made many of the gears and pinions. 

My first new timer mechanisum. Juat a few hours work involved.

 

  

Quite a common problem with bent gears or missing teeth 

Some photos of parts made.

Depthing Guage for setting up gear mesh spacing

I didn't have a depthing guage and couldn't find one with
large enough capacity so I had to make one.