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Process
The process of making a Knight & Gibbins clock starts
with selecting the very best wood for the job. Recent
ecological arguments have encouraged Knight & Gibbins
to consider very carefully their sources of supply and
obtain timbers where possible, only from areas where
an enlightened policy of reforestation is pursued. Newly
felled timber has a very high water content which has
to be almost completely removed before it can be used.
A lengthy kiln-drying process is applied prior to delivery
of the timber, but to ensure total stability Knight
& Gibbins closely monitor a final drying process in
their own kilns. Satisfied that the timber will withstand
the rigorous climate of a centrally heated home it is
then sawn, planed, shaped and moulded using tools and
traditional machinery, processes requiring great skill
and dexterity. Many Knight & Gibbins clocks feature
hand cut inlays and marquetry. These handsome decorative
wood designs are prepared in the hand assembly shop
where the now recognisable clock shapes are carefully
smoothed by hand ready for the next stage. A fine finish
is essential to protect and enhance the beauty of the
carefully selected timbers.
In the polishing department up to eight very thin coats
of lacquer are applied before hand waxing adds the final
sheen. The superb wood finish on a Knight & Gibbins
clock is the envy of the most experienced of French
polishers and is probably the finest finish in their
trade. The last department in Knight & Gibbins factory
is appropriately named final assembly and it is here
that they add to their cases products from their specialist
suppliers - like minded craftsmen whose skills in their
own trade match up to those of Knight & Gibbins. Brass
bezels are spun by hand before being polished and then
lacquered to prevent tarnishing. The metal dials are
stove enamelled before the black numerals are applied
either by screen printing or offset lithography. All
the clock hands are of the best quality, acid etched
from steel or bronze sheet, some are hand cut using
fretsaw and file before a heat process produces that
distinguished gun barrel blue finish. Many of the clocks
Knight & Gibbins make have as standard a mechanism that
is powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal.
For those who prefer the reassuring tick-tock of a traditional
keywound movement and who enjoy the weekly routine of
winding the clocks, Knight & Gibbins are able in many
of their timepieces to offer the option of a wind up
movement. Knight & Gibbins clocks although products
of today, are now being recognised as heirlooms of the
future.
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