I reside in a small community just outside Truro, Nova Scotia. I am a retired community college criminal justice professor. My interests include clock collecting & repair, photography, and international travel. The world of horology has opened up interesting opportunities for me. As I build my collection of clocks, repair and restoration have become an integral part of my hobby. Please leave a comment on my blog or email me privately about any question(s) you might have on this post or others.
The maker of the movement is HAU or HAC. The familiar cross arrows trademark of the maker is stamped on the movement, in the middle of the backplate. HAC was formed in Germany in 1873 by Paul Landenberger and Phillipp Lang and was originally called Landenberger & Lang Uhrenfabrik. The company changed its name to … More Troubleshooting A Strike Issue on a HAC/HAU Movement
Have you ever wondered where the terms “half past the hour,” “a quarter past,” and “a quarter to the hour” originate from? At one time these terms were practical and necessary for understanding time when precise minute readings were unavailable. Stepping Back In Time The practice of dividing an hour into quarters comes from the … More When Clocks Had One Hand
Regularly dusting a clock was once a key part of the cleaning routine in days gone by. The clock was an important feature in the home, and maintaining its appearance was a significant part of regular housekeeping. It often held a place of pride in the household. While modern homes may generate less dust than … More Essential Tips for Clock Case Care
After working on the dial of a Pequegnat Jewel mantel clock, I was very pleased with the results of the repaint. While the detailing may not withstand close scrutiny, the clock looks excellent from a comfortable distance. When I brought the clock home, it appeared that a previous owner, frustrated by the loss of some … More Why I Changed My Mind About the Dial Bezel on a Pequegnat Jewel Mantel Clock
As we enter a new year it is time to look back on the adventures and milestones I’ve experienced in the world of antique and vintage clock collecting and repair in the past year. 2024 has been one of discovery, growth, and deepening appreciation for the art of horology. Over the past year, I have … More Reflections on a Year of Clock Collecting and Less Time Repairing
This blog post was first published in 2016, and it’s now time to revisit and update it to reflect the changes in market conditions and prices since then. There are many reasons why clock prices are low and continue to decline, but at the risk of oversimplifying, I will say that the law of supply … More What is My Clock Worth? | 2025 update
In Part I of this series, I shared my approach to restoring a clock dial through a process called inpainting. Inpainting is but one solution to the problem of a ruined dial. To restore a clock dial by bringing it back to its original state involves carefully mixing paint to match the original tones, gradually … More Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part II
As we welcome the New Year, antique clocks serve as quiet reminders of the passage of time, marking the shift from one chapter of our lives to the next. Imagine a room with an antique clock, its steady ticking signaling the start of something new. These old clocks remind us that every moment is precious, … More Celebrate the New Year with antiquevintageclock.com
As the holiday season is upon us, I’ve decided to take a break from writing and updating my blog to enjoy some much-needed downtime. The past year has been filled with exciting clock-related adventures, research, and restoration projects, and now it’s time to step back, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. I look forward … More Holiday Downtime | What’s Next for Antique Clock Lovers
Wishing you all health and happiness this Christmas season! Every year, my kids stress over what to get me for Christmas. They know I’m passionate about antique clocks and spend my time restoring and repairing them. “Is there anything he needs?” they ask their mum. Honestly, it’s the little things I really appreciate in my … More Christmas Wishes for Antique & Vintage Clock Fans
As I continue to build my Pequegnat clock collection, I always seize a good deal when I find one, and the Jewel was too good to pass up. You might be wondering, what exactly is a Pequegnat clock and where does the Jewel fit into their model lineup? A Pequegnat clock refers to clocks produced … More Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part I
When discussing American clocks, the name Elisha Manross might not come to mind as readily as prominent makers like Seth Thomas, New Haven, or Waterbury. However, Elisha Manross (1792–1856) played a pivotal role as a pioneer in the development of Connecticut clockmaking. In 1812, at the age of 20, Elisha Manross, along with John Cowls, … More The Rare Brass Mainsprings of Elisha Manross Clocks
Transporting antique clocks requires meticulous care due to their delicate mechanisms and fragile components, including glass panels and chime or strike rods. Whether you’re moving a clock across the house, across town, or shipping it across the country, proper packing and handling are essential to avoid damage. However, this guide focuses on the steps needed … More Moving a Grandfather Clock Even a Few Meters Takes Care and Attention
Clock repair and restoration can be a rewarding yet delicate process, requiring both skill and patience. Whether you’re working on an antique clock or a vintage movement, there are several common pitfalls that can easily derail your progress if you’re not careful. From handling mainsprings to ensuring proper oiling, small mistakes can lead to bigger … More New to clock repair? Here are some errors to avoid
For years, my Seth Thomas column and cornice clock rested atop an antique radio in our living room. However, after redecorating the space with hardwood flooring in place of the carpet, the radio and clock no longer suited the updated space. I did not want to relegate the clock to storage, so I opted to … More Relocating A Shelf Clock To A…Well, A shelf
As a clock repairer, there are several compelling reasons to keep the original mainsprings if they are still in good condition. Keeping the original mainsprings ensures that the clock remains as close to its original condition as possible. Collectors and enthusiasts often value clocks with original parts, as they maintain the authenticity and historical significance … More Mainsprings dilemma | To Replace or Not To Replace
The term minimal invasive intervention refers to the delicate decision-making process regarding how much work should be done to repair, restore, or conserve a clock without significantly altering its original character. It encapsulates a challenge many collectors face: balancing preservation with functionality. Some argue that any work performed on an antique clock detracts from its value, much … More The Art of Minimal Invasive Clock Preservation
It has been said that Ypres has existed in one form or another for close to 1000 years and is probably named after the river Leperlee on the banks of which it was founded. Among the many historic structures in Ypres is the Cloth Hall Tower, an iconic structure with a rich history, including its … More Ypres Cloth Hall Tower Clock: A Symbol of Resilience
This fall, my wife and I embarked on a battlefield tour of northern France and Belgium. The weather was remarkably good for November in Europe—though mostly cloudy, we were fortunate to avoid any rain. Instead of joining an organized tour, we followed a personalized itinerary thoughtfully put together by our son, inspired by his own … More War Souvenirs | How One Clock Made Its Way Back to France
Retirement definitely has its perks, especially the freedom to dive into passions that may have taken a back seat over the years. Soon, we’ll be heading to France—a mix of my love for horology and a chance to revisit the travels of my younger days. This trip feels like a journey back to history, culture, … More Retirement Adventures: Discovering the Culture of France
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 … More The Future of Antique Clocks: A Call to Appreciate Our Past
Every November, as we observe Remembrance Day in Canada, we pause to honor those who served in The Great War, World War II, and other conflicts, recognizing their courage and the deep sacrifices made. This tradition invites us to look back with reverence, keeping memories of lives and histories that have shaped our world close … More Remembrance Day | A Time For Reflection
Some time ago, I discussed clock repair in the old days with a horologist acquaintance who completed work on my 138-year-old E. Ingraham Huron mantel clock in my collection. He had just spoken with an 82-year-old friend who spent most of his life in clock repair, reminiscing about how different things were “back in the … More Evolution of Clock Repair: From Tinkerers to Modern Horologists
A clock’s pendulum is a swinging component made up of a rod or wire with a weighted bob attached at the end. It is a key part of pendulum clocks, responsible for regulating the movement and ensuring accurate timekeeping. The pendulum swings back and forth in a precise, periodic motion, controlling the clock’s escapement mechanism … More Pendulum Length Vs. Pendulum Weight in Clocks: What Matters More?
When local daylight time approaches Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour to 1:00 AM local standard time instead. As a result, on November 3, 2024, sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier than the previous day. This change means there will be more daylight in … More Why Nova Scotia Should Eliminate Daylight Saving Time
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.