The Antique Clock Shop keeps on ticking

Heinbaugh walked into another clock shop in 1972 run by an elder man and was immediately impressed. He eventually took over the business after his passing before opening up his own Antique Clock Shop in 1991; it’s located at 202 N. Broome St.

It was at that time when he and Kristen Devine, his daughter, hired an architect to build the business like an “old schoolhouse,” according to Heinbaugh. They wanted it built specifically to attract attention from drivers passing by, and the architect put a large clock at the top of the tower.

Increases in rent have made it more of a challenge, but Heinbaugh remains open to making clocks sound beautifully for customers of all ages. He cleans the clocks before examining their mechanics and determines which parts need refurbishing.

When Devine had the opportunity to join her father and learn how to work with clocks, he advised her to think of it as a puzzle. She learned to “test and observe” and examine gears and parts closely.

Today, they are passing down their love for clocks. They have an apprentice, Casey Kerkhoff, who has helped them at the shop since 2021.

Kerkhoff is learning how to diagnose what ails a clock and enjoys working at the shop.

“… The most unique aspect of diagnosing clocks is that each clock is different,” Kerkhoff said. “They all have their own unique personality. It’s always a new challenge whenever a piece comes in.”

Through 31 years of operation, Heinbaugh has remained steadfast with his passion and patience for working with antique clocks.

“I feel like I am just a witness to the great mechanics and repair of the people that created these clocks,” Heinbaugh said. “I’m a witness to their abilities and learned through time to fix what they started. … (Clocks) don’t usually respond to every effort we put forth. Sometimes, they give you a great deal of trouble, and you have to stay at it. It takes a great deal of patience to get past clocks that are different.”