Tick Talk Tuesday #31 – nobody wants the family clock

Posted on by rjoiner2021

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer

MM writes, “Attached are photos of a clock my mom has. She is downsizing and does not have room for this clock. The key is there and the best I can tell the clock works and chimes. Nobody in the family has an interest. Can you suggest what she can do with this clock.

Jauch wall clock, the style is known as a "box" clock
Jauch wall clock

Jauch, the maker of your clocks, was a German clock manufacturer that made fine German clocks for the masses. Other German makers made higher end clocks but many people bought Jauch clocks for their homes because the price fit within their budget. Jauch sold popular styles of clocks over a number of years but finally folded in the mid 1970s.

Westminster chime clocks can be easily sold online. I would suggest Facebook Marketplace where she could sell locally and would be able to get something in the $125 range.

She could also gift it to a friend or acquaintance.”

Jauch clock face
Dial showing three winding arbours, a chiming clock

MM evidently reconsidered and decided to keep the clock. MM replied “I’ve decided to keep the clock myself. Are there any precautions needed before movement. Do I have to secure or remove the pendulum, etc.?”

My reply, “Unhook the pendulum. You may want to wrap the pendulum in paper or tissue and place it back in the case unhooked for transport. Make sure the key is inside the case and ensure the door clasp is secure.”

“Thank you for all your help”, MM replied.

Authors’ note

It is a shame that many fine clocks are thrown away or discarded in some fashion. The generation of folks who cherished old clocks are dying off and the newer generation either sees them as irrelevant or they don’t fit the decor. People are now living longer and pass off their possessions to “children” who are already retired and have enough “stuff” of their own.

Family heirlooms are lost forever.

Clocks are the mechanical wonders of a lost era. How many machines do you know work perfectly after 100 years?

2 thoughts on “Tick Talk Tuesday #31 – nobody wants the family clock”

  1. Ron, you’re absolutely right. Clocks, especially mechanical movement ones are a niche collectible. For those of us who can appreciate them, perhaps that’s a good thing. As with other antiques, pricing often within reach.

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