Christ the King Chapel’s Clock restored
The historic turret clock at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay has been successfully restored by our Hong Kong team.
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 Causeway Bay area. The design of the chapel incorporates a set of clock and bells crafted by L. Terraillon & Cie, Perrigny, Jura, France, on the main facade of the building. However, over the years the clock fell into disrepair.
As part of a broader renovation project at the Chapel, our Hong Kong team – acting as Heritage Consultants – took on the task of restoring the clock. When initial enquiries to Terraillon revealed the company no longer manufactures clocks, the team turned to UK-based specialists, The Cumbria Clock Company, for support.
The restored clockface
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 returning to Hong Kong in 2024.
The clock during restoration
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.
