Did you know, the Star Ferry Clock Tower in Central, is the only mechanical clock left in Hong Kong? It was originally built by the same company which built Big Ben's famous clock chime mechanism in London. E Dent was the manufacturer and they no longer exisit, making this clock mechanism historically rare. Mears and Stainbanks, also known as the Whitechapel Foundry in London cast the bells, and they were shipped all the way from the UK back in the 1957.
According to Star Ferry, they had previously carried out a technical feasibility study to see whether it could relocate the clock mechanism to the new site. http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/060829/features/html/060829en06002.htm#However, An "expert" and specialist clock supplier advised against relocation as there was no guarantee the clock and chimes would continue to work after relocation, due to their age and obsolete components.
Recently, I have done my own bit of research contacting clockmakers in the UK regarding this. According Melvin Lee, the director of Thwaites and Reed (the company who were responsible for maintaining Big Ben), this is not true!
These clock mechanisms are massively over-engineered, making them very robust pieces of machinery. Somebody with a background in clock maintenance or naval engineering with access to a workshop can very easily maintain and replace parts. The most wear usually happens within the bearings, and they are designed to be replaced.
What a load of bollocks Star Ferry. Either this "expert" of yours didn't do their homework, or you have no intention of saving this clock tower at all, and any excuse to demolish it will be used.
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