My sister, who’s just a couple of years younger and was once an avid collector of antiques, recently shared something that’s been weighing on my mind. She told me that she’s stopped collecting, something I never thought I’d hear from her. “There’s no one to leave them to, no one who will appreciate them,” she said. “I have this beautiful sterling silver collection, and my son will probably just melt it down and sell it for cash when I’m gone.” Her words stung. I tried to tell her that was harsh, but she insisted that’s how it would end.
I have started to feel the same. It seems the current generation is far less interested in preserving the past, in keeping these old treasures with all their stories. My own children, although they have each chosen a few cherished clocks from my collection, the rest will go up for auction someday, sold for whatever they can get. It’s a sobering thought, one I try not to dwell on too often.
In a world where minimalism and rapid change have become ideals, I worry that the beauty and history in antiques are slipping away, lost in the rush to move forward. Each clock I have collected has a story—a legacy of skill and craftsmanship, resilience, and time. I hope that someday, someone will see beyond the dust and patina and recognize the true value these pieces hold. Yet I wonder: how do we make these treasures matter in a world that so easily leaves the past behind?
Maybe it starts with us, sharing stories and teaching others to see these old clocks not as relics but as links to history and memory. Each clock was built with care, by hands that once held a passion for the craft. Each tick and strike is a heartbeat, connecting us to moments long gone.
Maybe, if we bring people close enough to touch and hear these old clocks, we can pass on a little of that wonder. Letting someone hear the rich strike of an old clock, or watching gears move gracefully in time—these small moments can stir something deep, something lasting.
Documenting their stories, through photos and words as I attempt to do with my blog, is my r way of carrying these legacies forward, preserving the memory in a form that lasts longer than I will.
And for those who may stumble upon these stories years from now, I hope they’ll feel that spark of connection. Reaching out to online communities, historical societies, or even local museums could help, too. By blending history with storytelling and technology, maybe we can find a way to preserve this beauty and bring it to life for future generations.
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Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
I too, have the same concerns. Thank you for your article. Nancy
Sent from AOL on Android
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I realize that many of my clocks might eventually end up in a thrift store, but I take comfort in knowing that some will be cherished by my family after I’m gone.
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The struggle is real Ron I’ve contemplated this very topic many times. I would love to see the Canadian clock museum relocate from Deep River to Peterborough, home of Westclocks (perhaps Alan Symons will see this reply). In addition to the museum a Canadian headquarters of the NAWCC complete with a school of Horology but it’s just a dream.
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The collection is situated there because Allan dedicated his career to that region. I agree that relocating it to a larger center would make it accessible to a much wider audience.
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Ron, You’re right. Today’s market for antiques poor. Will my “treasures” end up a thrift store for pennies on the dollar? Ironic that collectors of other stuff are paying stratospheric money. Vintage tin toys and used oil cans to name two areas.
Would you like to own outright a fifty unit apartment building? Dig out your first edition Superman comic book. Voila!
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You’re absolutely right—it’s ironic how the market values some items astronomically while others, like antiques, struggle to maintain their worth. Trends in collecting are so fickle, and what’s “hot” today might be forgotten tomorrow. It’s disheartening to think of treasures, rich in history and craftsmanship, ending up undervalued in thrift stores while a pristine oil can or a first-edition Superman comic fetches fortunes.
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🥲🥲this is all so true Ron….Sent from my iPhone
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You’re doing a great job preserving our past with this blog. Because our generation still knows but 2 generations from now, children could grow up without ever seeing this type of clocks in their life. Frisian clocks for example are harder and harder to find.
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Thanks. I do my part in keeping the memories of these old clocks alive.
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