Christ the King Chapel’s Clock Restored

Christ the King Chapel, built in 1928 by the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres from France, has long been a revered landmark in the area. The design of the chapel incorporates a set of clock and bells crafted by L. Terraillon & Cie, Perrigny, Jura, France, on the main façade of the building. However, over the years the clock fell into disrepair, with the expertise knowledge required for its restoration lost in Hong Kong. 

Our Hong Kong team, serving as Heritage Consultant’s on a wider renovation project at the Chapel, took on the task of restoring the clock. Initial inquiries to Terraillon proved unsuccessful, as the company no longer manufacture clocks any more, prompting the team to seek assistance from UK-based clock specialist, the Cumbria Clock Company. 

In autumn 2019, experts from Cumbria inspected the clock and recognised its significance in French horology. A full restoration plan was then agreed with the client, involving dismantling the clock, part of the dial and shipping the components to their UK workshop for repair, and redecoration.  

The restoration process faced unforeseen challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020. As a result, the clock remained in the UK workshop for nearly four years before recently returning to Hong Kong. 

Following rigorous testing to affirm its accuracy, the antique French clock was carefully reassembled within the chapel. For the ease of future maintenance of the clock, additional modern features such as such as automatic winding units and night silencing functions have been incorporated. Staff members also received training for regular clock maintenance. 

The clock is now fully operational, marking a successful restoration effort and ensuring the continuation of the chapel's historical legacy.