They may be suspended from the works - for timekeeping? (9)

'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'be suspended from the works for timekeeping?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'be' could be 'end' (ending is a kind of being) and 'end' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?