During the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, a peculiar practice persisted well into the 20th century. This era predated the availability of affordable and reliable alarm clocks, leading to a reliance on professions that we may find unconventional today. One such profession was that of the “knocker-upper.” The primary responsibility of the knocker-upper was … More Rise and Shine, Industrial Style
During its prime, the Seth Thomas company produced exquisite clocks, and in my view, clocks from the 1870s stand out as the pinnacle of their craftsmanship. This particular clock embodies the design aesthetics of its era, lending it a timeless and enduring appeal. The clock boasts a sizable round top design, measuring 15 inches in … More Seth Thomas round top shelf clock with lyre movement revisited
I received an email from a blog fan this week who posed an interesting question. She was concerned that a number of clocks offered for sale at a local antique store had radium dials. I assured her that I know of no maker of mantel, shelf, or long case clocks that used radium on their … More Clocks with luminous dials – the danger within
This clock was bought at auction in Ottawa, Ontario, and hung on the wall of the kitchen at our cottage in Quebec for 4 years. The clock was imported from Germany and sold by the Forestville Clock Co. of Toronto, Canada. It was never a great timekeeper probably because it had never been properly cleaned. … More Delft clock by Forestville – Let’s take it apart and see what we have
The time has come to determine the best clock acquisition of the past year. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks over the years, and despite the seemingly never-ending pandemic, I have scored a few in 2021 though the past year has been leaner than most. In the early days … More Best clock acquisition of 2021
Ringing in the New Year is for reminiscing, reliving, looking back, and looking forward. However, I’ll be honest; let’s hope that 2022 is a whole lot better. We got through 2021 but for many of us, the ongoing pandemic has left an indelible mark. Promises were made and broken, plans were made and altered, hopes … More A Happy New Year to all
Ah, the holiday season is upon us, what to buy? Are you are looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member. An antique clock may not be anything you have considered but wouldn’t it make a terrific gift. If you know a little about antique or vintage clocks or you know nothing … More Antique or Vintage Clocks: The Perfect Unique Gift Ideas
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 … More Tick Talk Tuesday #35 – this clock is a blast
The Westclox Clock Company is best known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1909 to the mid 1980s though the later Chinese clocks did not compare with the better made American versions. In the Art Deco style is the LaSalle series. Both of these clocks (above) are … More LaSalle Dura alarm clock movement cleaned and running
A distinctive feature of this Seth Thomas round top is the lyre shaped 8-day Plymouth time and strike spring-driven movement with a hour strike on an iron bell. Not all of these models have the alarm but this one does. The movement is die-stamped “S. Thomas, Plymouth Conn.” and fitted with Geneva stops (stop-works) to … More A simple Seth Thomas round top alarm repair
When I attended the NAWCC Convention In June 2019 I bought this clock at the clock mart which is a unique opportunity to find that special clock among thousands offered for sale. I have always equated E.N Welch with quality and this clock is no exception. I have one other Welch, the Whittier, a parlour … More E. N. Welch large cottage clock – first look
Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. In my collection are 6 Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles all of which are unique representing the period between 1865 and 1930. I acquired this clock at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of … More Seth Thomas round top cottage clock
Reader EW asked me if I wanted a second Westclox LaSalle 61C alarm clock. Yes, I said, of course. I was advised of the condition of the clock beforehand so there was no surprise when it arrived in the mail. The important distinction between my clock and the new arrival is that the new one … More 2 Westclox LaSalle 61C clocks combined to make one working clock
My wife loves those little craft shops that seem to pop up everywhere. While shopping for Christmas presents in Truro, Nova Scotia, she spotted an attractive Seth Thomas balloon alarm clock. It is not working, said the vendor but my wife knew that her clock loving husband would likely get it running in no time. … More Seth Thomas Alarm Clock – big and ugly but I like it
Vintage Alarm Clock. Other than the rust, everything about it appears to be intact. May still work, just leaving it as is Yeah, about that rust!
While on a vacation in the Dominican Republic we brought along an old Westclox wind-up mechanical travel alarm clock for no other reason but to have it as a curiosity and of course, to get us up in the morning. You might wonder why an alarm clock is necessary for a relaxing beach vacation. Well, … More Westclox travel alarm clock made in China
In my past life I was a community college instructor. My students ranged in age from age 20 and beyond but most were around the early 20s. For years I had an analogue clock just above my office door. I often met with students but when I was pressed for time (not meaning to be … More Kids cannot tell the time on an analogue clock
Clocks have been more than just timekeepers throughout history; they are reflections of art, culture, and technological innovation. Whether for practical use or decorative appeal, clock styles have evolved to match the tastes, craftsmanship, and technologies of their times. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic and varied clock styles. The clock is … More What style of clock do I have?
Mercedes makes a great car. Do they make clocks? No! Is this Mercedes novelty timepiece a great clock? Read on. This very attractive 30-hour Mercedes ceramic mechanical shelf clock of the Baroque Meissen style (debatable) from the 1970s is more of a novelty item than a clock. It is a time-only alarm clock movement made … More Mercedes clock – not made by the car folks
I am a retired educator living in Nova Scotia Canada. I collect vintage and antique clocks that I repair and maintain. I also write about horological areas of interest, interesting clocks and clock stories when I search for new acquisitions. As most bloggers know the key to building a successful blog is not only attracting new … More 2017 – Time to reflect, a year in summary
You can still buy a brand new Westclox today and few people realize that the company was a pioneer alarm clock manufacturer. This is a nondescript Baby Ben clock; thousands were sold but unlike older alarm clocks made in the USA and made and/or assembled at the Peterborough plant in Ontario (Canada), this one was … More Westclox alarm clock – made in China….sigh!
We had a knocker-up, and our knocker-up had a knocker-up And our knocker-up’s knocker-up didn’t knock our knocker up So our knocker-up didn’t knock us up ‘Cos he’s not up. Source During the early days of the industrial revolution a certain practice lasted well into the 20th century. These were days before alarm clocks … More The knocker upper – waking workers up in the industrial age
The Westclox Clock Company is better known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1900 to the mid 1980s. But there were other windup models one of which is the Art Deco styled LaSalle series. This is the model 61-C (401) otherwise known as a Dura clock because … More Westclox alarm clock – non luminous LaSalle
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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