This blog is intended for those who have an interest in horology and more specifically, antique and vintage mechanical clocks, both collecting and repair. For some reason the translate widget was dropped when I migrated to a new template this past year, so here it is again. It is the very first widget on the … More Translate my blog – the widget returns
Every now and then a clock is temperamental. I am not talking about the signs of wear that will certainly stop a clock but occasionally it is serviced, everything looks good but it is downright cantankerous. Anyone who has 400-day anniversary clocks knows exactly what I mean. Are clocks moody? I relocated my unmarked Vienna … More Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?
Though my collection consists of mechanical clocks exclusively, now there is an exception, a vintage Sessions electric table clock, model 3W with sweep second hand, made, of course, by the Sessions Clock Co. Forestville, Connecticut in 1936 and sold in Canada (a Canadian Standards Approval sticker is on the back). Also on the back, it … More Sessions electric table clock, model 3W
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 and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #22 – parts for my Daniel Dakota clock
This interesting Rosewood veneered round top, mirrored tablet shelf clock appears to be a Jerome in name only. It is not a fake or marriage but a curious product of early to mid-1870s marketing. But first, a little Jerome history. One might be tempted to assume that this clock is associated with Chauncey Jerome, one … More Is it a Jerome & Co. clock or something else entirely?
Every day, it seems, I am involved in the pursuit of learning more and more about the world of horology. If I am not actually working on an antique or vintage clock I am researching information about a clock issue, taking photos/videos of clocks, online shopping for clocks or writing for my blog. But I … More Clock lovers – take a break and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends
Your first thought might be the Blackforest region of Germany and there is, indeed, a close relationship to that region to a small clock company that operated many years ago in Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Blackforest is (or was) a well-known Canadian clock company. The Blackforest Clock Company of Toronto, Ontario was founded by Leopold and … More Blackforest clocks – I must be a sucker for these things
How you ever wondered what keeps antique mechanical clocks going? It’s a miracle they work at all when they are as worn as this one. Most old clocks I come across have common issues, dirty, oily movements and worn pivot holes here and there. Generally, all they need is a bushing or two and a … More Jerome and Co. mantel clock – success at last
How you ever wondered what keeps mechanical clocks going? It’s a miracle they work at all when they are so worn as this one. Most old clocks I come across have common issues, dirty, oily movements such as worn pivot holes here and there. Generally all they need is a good cleaning to put right. … More Jerome & Co. mantel clock – many issues, it wants to run but not today
This attractive parlour clock, a Waterbury York, circa 1900, was bought at auction in the spring of 2019. Though inexpensive it is certainly worth servicing which is the subject of this article. The time side was running but the strike side did not function at all. Usually these sorts of problems amount to simple lever … More Waterbury York parlour clock servicing – a few surprises but ultimately a disappointment
A couple of months ago I was in an antique shop and in two places within the shop were metronomes. Both were in pretty rough shape and missing too many parts and one was not even working at all. That, and the prices were high. I continued my search for a metronome and I was … More Not a clock but a fine mechanical timekeeper by Wittner
This is a 3-train Westminster chime mantel clock with Girod movement from France in a Canadian made Art Deco case. Girod was a clockmaker based in the Morbier-Jura region of France and produced clocks from the 1930’s into the 1960’s. The firm of Girod was founded by brothers Leon and Auguste Girod. The clock was … More Servicing a 3-train Girod clock movement – not the most fun but a satisfying result
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. I offer my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that … More Tick Talk Tuesday #23 – Forestville clock with electromechanical movement
This is Part II of a 2 part series on a clock collectors predicament: preserve or restore and consume In Part 1, I put forward the argument that if we acquire a clock that has been changed from its original state are we adding or subtracting from its value if we make further changes? The … More Preserve, restore and/or consume – A clock owners perspective on intervention: Part II
Little changes adding up over time as the ship moved from what it had been to what it would be next James S. A. Corey, Babylon’s Ashes This is Part I of a 2 part series on a clock collectors predicament: preserve or restore and consume This quote from Babylon’s Ashes (The Expanse) sums up … More Preserve, restore and/or consume – A clock owners perspective on intervention: Part I
Every blogger knows that it takes time to build a popular blog and unless you have a surefire winning formula right off the mark it takes months if not years to build a loyal following. Many blogs fail within the first few months out of frustration yet patience, determination and some hard work is all … More Top ten blog articles of all time – my blog, of course
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
Daylight savings Time; let’s follow the province of British Columbia’s (BC) lead and get rid of DST. In the meantime set your clocks back one hour if still you live in an area where the convention is still followed. Typically, regions that use daylight saving time adjust clocks forward one hour close to the start … More Daylight savings Time – let’s end this nonsense
My wife’s aunt lives in a quaint home near a small town in the south of Ireland. During our recent visit to Ireland we were invited to her home, had tea and cake and had a long talk about family history. While there I was asked to take a look at the family clock which … More Aunt Theresa’s mantel clock
When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert or perhaps a Sessions? It did not take me long to find out that the clock is a No. 3027 Gilbert, otherwise known as the Admiral.
When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert, Sessions? This clock was hanging on the wall of a local antique shop with no price. When I inquired the shop owner said that he just … More Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look
“I have a sterling silver collection”, she said, “that my son will melt down and sell for cash” once I am gone My sister, who is a couple of years younger and “was” an avid antique collector, remarked the other day that she has stopped collecting antiques. Why, I asked. There is no one to … More Destroying the past is not something new
Once the Sessions Clock Co acquired E. N. Welch assets in 1902 (for the history of E. N. Welch go here) the company was well on its way to becoming one of the biggest clock producers in America. Production began in 1903 and between that time and 1933 Sessions produced 52 models of mechanical clocks, … More Sessions Lexington Banjo Clock: 1928
During our stay in Springfield Ma. to attend a NAWCC annual clock convention in June 2019 we stopped in Bristol, Connecticut about 45 minutes drive south of Springfield. In Bristol, Connecticut is the American Clock and Watch Museum. The non-descript white clapboard New England styled salt-box is what first greets the visitor. Although the museum … More American Clock and Watch Museum – a must-see for any clock enthusiast
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
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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