Cedarburg, WI — Time is fleeting, hard to hold, and yet, for Tim Grabenhofer, time is everywhere. Surrounded by ticking clocks in his Cedarburg shop, the 60-year-old horologist has spent the past 43 years restoring and repairing timepieces, from antique grandfather clocks to modern models. As the owner of Gruhr Clock Restoration and Repair, Grabenhofer has dedicated his career to the art and science of timekeeping.
“There’s always ticking going on,” Grabenhofer said, noting that some callers mistake the sound of running clocks for a waterfall in the background. For Grabenhofer, the ticking of time is both a constant companion and a reminder of the fleeting nature of his work.
Grabenhofer, who specializes in repairing clocks that range from 10 years old to 200 years old, prides himself on his versatility. “I could work on something made 10 minutes ago and then switch to something made two centuries ago,” he said. In the past year alone, he worked on over 1,000 clocks, reflecting both the demand for his services and the rapid decline of professionals in his field.
His workload continues to grow. He averages 80 to 100 repairs and restorations each month, a trend he attributes to the shrinking number of skilled craftsmen in Wisconsin. “Just like many trades, there aren’t enough people going into it. As shops close, customers turn to me,” Grabenhofer explained. Despite the increasing demand, Grabenhofer is in no rush to retire. In fact, he jokes that the growing business means retirement is not an option anytime soon.
“I don’t want to retire. This is what keeps me going,” Grabenhofer said. “As long as I’m physically and mentally able to do it, I’ll keep going.”
For Grabenhofer, clock restoration is more than just a job—it’s a passion. While time may be an abstract concept for some, he views clocks as intricate machines, meticulously designed to measure the passing moments. “I don’t look at them as anything philosophical. They are simply machines used to measure time,” he said.
But despite his dedication to his craft, Grabenhofer has observed a troubling trend. Younger generations seem less interested in the clocks of their parents or grandparents, with many opting to dispose of heirloom timepieces. “Younger people don’t want their parents’ things, and that includes clocks. It’s a bit concerning,” Grabenhofer acknowledged.
Nonetheless, Grabenhofer remains optimistic. His shop is filled with antique clocks, each one telling its own story through the hands of time. And for many of his customers, a ticking clock is more than just a way to track the minutes—it’s a cherished part of the home.
“A lot of people like having their clocks running because it gives their house a certain warmth,” Grabenhofer explained. “It’s something you don’t get from a microwave clock. Those things won’t last. They’ll be in a landfill in 10 or 15 years.”
Although he remains concerned about the future of clock restoration, Grabenhofer continues to work diligently, ensuring that the artistry of timekeeping is preserved for those who still appreciate it.
As for his own relationship with time, Grabenhofer is pragmatic. He understands that, like the clocks he repairs, his own time is limited. But as long as he’s able, he’ll keep working to preserve the timepieces that bring both beauty and function to homes across Wisconsin.
“Everybody has a limited amount of time. I don’t really think about it too much,” he said. “But while I can, I’ll keep doing what I love.”
