Category: beginner

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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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

So you want to fix a clock – a beginner’s toolkit. This article will describe some of the tools required to tackle the repair and/or cleaning of mechanical clocks. Disclaimer. While not a trained horologist I have some advanced skills-sets but I am still learning as I go Based on 5+ years of clock repair … 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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Ingersoll-Waterbury mantel clock

Winding a mechanical clock – A How-To Guide

May 4, 2017

How does one wind an antique or vintage mechanical clock? The advice and suggestions, if followed, should provide you with the skill and confidence to correctly wind your antique or vintage mechanical clock. In this age of everything electronic, it may surprise some people that a newly acquired mechanical clock bought at the local garage … More Winding a mechanical clock – A How-To Guide

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Clock face Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time clock

Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time – a service is long overdue

April 25, 2017

I wrote about this clock in 2015. The Canadian Time clock was made by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock company of Kitchener, Ontario. The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company (1904–1941) is notable as the longest lasting Canadian-based clock manufacturer. Pequegnat clocks are sought after by Canadian collectors and often command high prices on online for-sale sites. The … More Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time – a service is long overdue

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Sessions Drop Octagon bob

The schoolhouse clock that was never called the schoolhouse clock

January 4, 2017

My recent acquisition of another schoolhouse clock stimulated my curiosity and prompted me to do some research on the origin of the name. In this article I will describe my thoughts on how the schoolhouse clock came to be and my most recent Sessions wall clock purchase. During my research I found it very interesting … More The schoolhouse clock that was never called the schoolhouse clock

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Using a micrometer to check pivot

Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock Part IV

October 1, 2016

In this fourth and final entry of the series I will discuss bushing work, re-assembly and finally, testing and mounting the movement back into it’s case. Part I of this series can be found here, Part II here and Part III here, Once the pivots are inspected, cleaned and polished it is now time to install any bushings required as result … More Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock Part IV

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