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
The Confusion Between the Terms Antique and Vintage Among clock collectors and owners of older items, there’s considerable confusion surrounding the correct use of the terms “antique” and “vintage.” These terms are often used interchangeably, and more often than not, incorrectly. According to U.S. law, an “antique” refers to items that are over 100 years … More Clearing Up “Vintage” and “Antique” Confusion for Collectors
You have just brought a clock that was running smoothly when you first saw it. You bring it home, select a location to display it, reattach the pendulum, and give it a slight push but after a few seconds, it stops. One crucial aspect of keeping a mechanical clock functioning properly is making sure it … More How to Keep Your Clock In Beat
Every year, my wife and I embark on a fall getaway to our cottage in central Canada to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of the past year, celebrated with family and friends. It signifies togetherness, reflection, and the importance of giving thanks for life’s abundance. … More Fall Getaway in Central Canada: Our Thanksgiving Tradition
Every clock owner wants to know what their clock is worth, and every seller hopes to sell for as much as possible. This guide offers a framework to evaluate antique and vintage clocks for both buyers and sellers, starting with insights into the unpredictable clock market. The Unpredictable Clock Market Determining the value of a … More Assessing Antique and Vintage Clock Values: Key Factors
Over the past 12 years, time has flown by, and just recently, while cleaning a clock I serviced over five and a half years ago, I realized that I have been immersed in this hobby for a long time—and loving every moment of it. Three years into my journey, I started blogging, a passion that’s … More Navigating the Challenges of Clock Collecting
I recently had the opportunity to expand my collection with more Canadian-made clocks, including a 30-hour Ogee clock produced by the Canada Clock Co. at their Hamilton plant between 1880 and 1884. Canadian clock companies have historically struggled to survive due to fierce competition from American manufacturers. Companies like Westclox in Peterborough survived largely due … More Exploring a 30-hour Ogee clock from the Canada Clock Co. (Hamilton)
I recently added two more Pequegnat clocks to my collection: the Hamilton Tall which you can read about here and the Danby model, which I will be profiling in this article. This brings my total to 12 Arthur Pequegnat clocks. Let’s start with some background on the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Co. and its significance in … More Dandy by Pequegant | An Affordable, Everyday Clock
I recently added two more Pequegnat clocks to my collection: the Dandy model and the Hamilton Tall, the latter of which I will be profiling in this article. I now have a total of 12 Arthur Pequegnat clocks in my possession. For those unfamiliar with the Pequegnat name, the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company is arguably … More Exploring the Iconic Hamilton Tall Clock by Pequegnat
I am currently working on a mantel clock from the Hamburg American Clock Company. This is Part II in a two-part series. For Part I go here. The Hamburg American Clock Company is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. In … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part II
Among clock collectors and admirers, the Hamburg American Clock Company is a well-known German company. It is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. About the Company The company was formed in Germany in 1873 by Paul Landenberger and Phillipp Lang. … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part I
How to Safely Transport and Pack Antique Clocks Transporting antique clocks requires extra care and attention due to their delicate movements and fragile components such as glass, and chime/strike rods. Whether you’re moving a clock across town, or shipping it across the country, proper packing and handling are crucial to prevent damage. This guide will … More Safely Transport and Pack Antique Clocks: Expert Guide
I often wonder about the stories behind my clocks. Antique and vintage clocks evoke a time when life seemed simpler, a stark contrast to today’s frenetic pace. Old clocks serve as living memories, cherished relics of people and places that are long gone but not forgotten. Ideally, they should be passed down through generations. Yet, … More The Stories Behind My Antique and Vintage Clocks
A clock spring barrel is a cylindrical component found in spring-driven clocks. Its primary function is to house the mainspring, which stores energy to power the clock. The mainspring barrel works like this The mainspring is a tightly coiled strip of metal that, when wound, stores potential energy. The barrel holds the mainspring in place … More How to Remove and Service a Mainspring Enclosed in a Clock Barrel
About a year ago, I shifted my focus to collecting clocks made in Canada or those with a Canadian connection. Of course, there are exceptions if a particularly interesting clock comes along. In keeping with my goal, I won three Canadian clocks this week at auction: an Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton “Tall”, an Arthur Pequegant Dandy, … More Three Canadian Antique Clocks Won at Auction
Are you searching for a unique gift for a friend or family member? Have you ever considered giving an antique or vintage clock? It is the perfect, memorable gift. Whether you’re familiar with antique and vintage clocks or completely new to the world of horology, you will need guidance in finding the right clock for … More Mechanical Clocks Guide | Tips for Selecting the Ideal Antique or Vintage Clock Gift
Determining the age of a clock can be challenging, especially since listings often don’t specify the exact year the clock was made. However, you might come across phrases like “mid-century”, antique, collectible, or vintage which can give you a general sense of its age. If the description is accurate, it provides a good starting point … More How to Determine the Age of an Antique Clock: Strategies and Tips
In the fascinating world of horology, many terms and expressions are often misunderstood or misused. A classic example is the frequent confusion between the words “mantel” and “mantle” to describe certain types of clocks. While “mantel” refers to a shelf over a fireplace, “mantle” is something you wear, like a cloak. Another pervasive myth is … More The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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