Restoring Guangzhou clocks is a challenging task compared to British and Suzhou clocks. Wang Jin, a horologist at the Palace Museum, believes ancient clocks used to be advanced mechanical toys for Chinese emperors, and Guangzhou clocks were designed to meet royal needs. Therefore, they were crafted delicately and had multiple functions, becoming more complicated to repair. They are usually more complex than British clocks. Wang Jin added, "Each time I admire a Guangzhou clock, I consider the fusion of Chinese and foreign cultures. Although the timing part of most Guangzhou clocks adopts mature foreign techniques, they function based on local designs, such as auspicious language for birthday blessings in Chinese culture. On the contrary, foreign clocks are generally larger and have less complex functions."

与英国钟表、苏钟等相比，广钟的修复难度并不小。故宫钟表修复师王津认为，古钟表是皇帝的高级机械玩具，广钟的设计迎合了皇家的需要，所以它的表演功能设置了很多，修起来相对更麻烦。不管是故宫博物院收藏的广钟，还是各地博物馆我们看到的广钟，它们的做工往往非常精细，特别是表演功能非常复杂，有的不在英国钟之下。

王津表示，“每次欣赏一件广钟作品，都能体会到最早的“中外合资”的感觉，绝大部分广钟的计时部分采用的是外国比较成熟的工艺，但是它的表演功能更多出自本地设计。我们往往能看到一些表演功能比较迎合中国的传统理念，比如祝寿的吉祥语等。外国的钟表个头更大一些，相对来说，表演功能倒没有广钟这么复杂。”

文/羊城晚报全媒体记者 黄宙辉 文艺

图/羊城晚报全媒体记者 贺全胜 刘颖颖 王绮静