Category: beginner

Why You Should Avoid Buying Chinese-Made Mechanical Clocks

June 10, 2025

As a clock enthusiast, collector, or someone simply looking to purchase a dependable antique or vintage clock, it’s natural to consider all your options. Chinese-made mechanical clocks are often attractively priced and readily available through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, but before clicking “Buy Now,” it’s worth understanding why many horologists and repair … More Why You Should Avoid Buying Chinese-Made Mechanical Clocks

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Chairman Mao Zetong waving as the clock ticks

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing an Antique or Vintage Clock

February 7, 2025

Buying your first clock is an exciting journey, but it can also feel a bit daunting. In this article, I’ll share some practical tips and advice to help you choose your first clock and discuss the various types of clocks to consider. One of the goals of this blog is to introduce antique and vintage … More Beginner’s Guide to Choosing an Antique or Vintage Clock

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AI-generated clock repair manuals and other clock repair book discoveries

June 25, 2024

Exploring Amazon’s selection of clock repair manuals presents several appealing options. However, purchasing these manuals can be intriguing, as it’s often challenging to know exactly what you’re getting until they arrive at your door. I bought three such clock repair manuals this spring. The “Antique Clocks Repair Manual” by Phoenix Publishing, “Clock Repairing for Beginners … More AI-generated clock repair manuals and other clock repair book discoveries

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The worst bushing wear

Understanding Clock Pivot Wear and Bushing: Part I of Two-Part Series

June 4, 2024

Is your mechanical clock experiencing issues such as intermittent stopping or simply not running at all? This might be due to several issues with the movement, one of which could be pivot wear. This is a two-part series. In Part I, I will explain why it is necessary to bush a clock movement, and in … More Understanding Clock Pivot Wear and Bushing: Part I of Two-Part Series

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Why should I repair an antique clock if the repair exceeds its value?

April 25, 2023

An often-asked question is why should I repair an antique clock if the repair exceeds its value. The decision to repair an antique clock if the repair exceeds its value ultimately depends on your personal attachment to the clock and its historical significance. Let’s talk about sentimental value If the clock has been in your … More Why should I repair an antique clock if the repair exceeds its value?

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Junghans Mantel Clock: Initial Impressions Sight unseen

April 11, 2023

As a manufacturer today Junghans is not the same company that made mechanical clocks many years ago. In response to the demands and advancements in technology in today’s world, the company has undergone a transformation in its products. In recent years, the company has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of high-quality wristwatches. With a … More Junghans Mantel Clock: Initial Impressions Sight unseen

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Can I repair my antique clock with common household tools?

April 7, 2023

While it is possible to repair an antique clock with common tools, there are limitations to what can be achieved. That’s the short answer. Let’s explore this a little further. Repairing an antique clock with common household tools is possible, but it can be challenging, and it depends on the extent of the repairs needed … More Can I repair my antique clock with common household tools?

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Sessions time and strike movement with a stiff minute hand

December 16, 2022

Most mechanical clocks have an hour hand concentric with the minute hand with the hour hand making one full turn every twelve hours. The special set of wheels off the centre arbour is called the motion works. Attached to the centre arbour is the minute hand. The hour pipe fits over the centre arbour and … More Sessions time and strike movement with a stiff minute hand

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Beyond the basics – more advanced tools for clock repair

December 13, 2022

Let’s assume you have decided to take the plunge and you are at the beginning stages of building an essential tools list for clock repair. Let me help you with your journey. In the fall of 2022, I wrote about the five essential tools for clock repair. The sidebar will bring you to that article. … More Beyond the basics – more advanced tools for clock repair

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Screw drivers, clock tools

Five essential tools for antique and vintage clock repairers on a budget

November 14, 2022

Thinking about clock repair? Does the high cost of tools keep you from diving deeper into the hobby? Here are a few basic tools to get you started on clock repair. These are also the five tools that I use almost every day in clock repair. The tools together are well under $100 and are … More Five essential tools for antique and vintage clock repairers on a budget

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Variables that affect antique and vintage clock prices?

March 1, 2021

  There are many types and styles of clocks and dozens of manufacturers. If you are a collector you know exactly what you are looking for and have a good idea of its approximate value. If you are not an “expert”, selecting an antique clock can be a daunting task. But this article is not … More Variables that affect antique and vintage clock prices?

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The essential clock repair library according to Antiquevintageclock.com

November 7, 2020

Whether you are working on your first clock movement or have repaired dozens, instructional resources, I believe, are essential. There is only so much information gained from a YouTube video (sadly some information is plain wrong) or how-to instructions online and there comes a point in time when you simply must have more detailed information. … More The essential clock repair library according to Antiquevintageclock.com

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Smith Enfield time and strike

A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

February 26, 2019

Smiths Enfield mantel clocks are highly regarded by beginning clock collectors due to their popularity, abundance, and durable movements. For amateur clock repairers, they offer relatively few challenges. I acquired my Smiths Enfield time-and-strike clock in 2013 from a young clock tinkerer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but it was never a reliable runner. It would … More A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

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Restored Athur Pequegnat Bedford mantel clock

Arthur Pequegnat Bedford – bringing a handsome mantel clock back to life – Part II

July 29, 2018

This is Part II of a two part series in which I describe the final finishing of an Arthur Pequegnat Bedford clock case. In Part I I described the challenges of repairing the clock case and the minor repairs to the movement. In the first part of the series I also described how I acquired … More Arthur Pequegnat Bedford – bringing a handsome mantel clock back to life – Part II

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ome clockmakers are not fond of putting Gilberts back together

Gilbert time and strike – why I am putting the movement aside for now

June 30, 2018

While antiquing some time ago I came across boxes of clock movements in a shop. Some were fairly new though I found a Gilbert time and strike date stamped 1906 which piqued my interest. In the box was the key, the coil gong, clock hands, pendulum and movement mounting screws. A movement without a case. … More Gilbert time and strike – why I am putting the movement aside for now

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Featured article on Chelsea Clock blog about my blog

April 25, 2018

The following is an article that was featured on the Chelsea Clock blog I have always had a fascination with clocks. As a young boy I can remember the schoolhouse clock in my grandparents’ kitchen and the ticking sound it would make that echoed through the entire house. We all have busy lives and despite my … More Featured article on Chelsea Clock blog about my blog

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The art of veneering – Part III – staining and finishing

February 24, 2018

This is Part III and the final part of a three part series on my first venture into veneer repair on an antique clock. Prior to beginning this project I spent many hours researching veneer repair, watching YouTube videos and seeking advice from my knowledgeable colleagues at NAWCC. A recent acquisition, this is an 8-day … More The art of veneering – Part III – staining and finishing

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4 and 5 prong keys and singles

So you want to fix a mechanical clock – Part I – a beginner’s toolkit

October 29, 2017

Tools are essential for clock repair because they enable precision and accuracy, which are critical when working with delicate mechanisms and intricate components. Let’s identify the key reasons. Antique and vintage clocks can lose significant value if repaired improperly. Using the right tools minimizes the risk of damage, preserving their historical and monetary worth. The … More So you want to fix a mechanical clock – Part I – a beginner’s toolkit

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Bushing installed on escape wheel arbour

Is clock collecting part of the counter-technology revolution?

October 1, 2017

Is clock collecting (and repair) part of the counter-technology revolution? Many years ago, social scientists predicted with the onset of modern technology it would sap us of our knowledge. Our brains would simply melt away. Concentration and initiative would be sucked out of us. Why would you need to know anything if it is readily … More Is clock collecting part of the counter-technology revolution?

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