W F Bruce Antiques Ltd

W F Bruce Antiques Ltd was started by Bill Bruce, a Fellow of the British Horological Society, and an antique clock specialist with a reputation for restoration and conservation work on pre-pendulum antique lantern and chamber clocks from the early 17th century.

The business also holds a large stock of antique clocks from the early 17th to 19th century and offers a rare and unusual selection that is sourced for its originality and style. Additionally, they usually have in stock a number of longcase clocks made by Sussex clockmakers, some from Lewes itself, which was home to several outstanding makers. They also offer a selection of barometers and English chronometers

Their busy in-house restoration workshop offers a complete antique restoration service. Sympathetic conservation of all types of quality antique clocks from the 17th to the late 19th century are undertaken, using the same traditional hand skills as the clockmakers who made them, in many cases nearly 300 years ago.

Bill Bruce established the business in 1985 after completing a three-year BADA antique clock restoration course at West Dean College. Initially based on the outskirts of Lewes, larger premises were soon required and in 1986 the business moved to the village of Herstmonceux before returning to Lewes and finally settling in North Street in 2002, which houses two large showrooms, a good library and excellent workshop facilities. Interestingly, North Street has been home to other Lewes clock makers dating back to the early 19th century.