Recently, a reader contacted me because his mantel clock showed 7 o’clock but insisted on striking eight times. He assumed something had broken inside the movement. In reality, the fix took less than a minute. One of the most common questions asked by owners of mechanical clocks is: “Why does my clock strike the wrong … More My Mechanical Clock Strikes the Wrong Hour: Learn How to Fix It
For newcomers to the hobby, the expression may sound complicated, but the concept is actually quite simple. … More What Is a Strike Train? A Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Clock Striking Mechanisms
Starting an antique clock collection can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. With so many styles, makers, movements, and time periods to choose from, it’s easy to wonder where to begin. The good news is that you don’t need deep pockets or expert knowledge on day one—just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn. … More How to Start an Antique Clock Collection: Tips for Beginners
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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?
It is always challenging to find time to work on projects when life is busy. I picked up some part-time work this winter, teaching at a community college so between that my clock hobby teaching has taken precedence, for now. Since the post on extreme restoration a week or so ago, I have continued planning … More Jerome cottage clock – progress so far
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
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
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
Clock collecting from a beginner’s perspective. That was the subject of my first blog post six years ago. Since then I have seen a lot of excellent and not-so-good blogs come and go but I wanted to give it my best shot and after 6 years, well, I am still here. I started with a … More First blog post – 6 years ago
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?
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
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
Antique steeple clock. Battery operated. Has been refinished Very nice clock Hmm, I wonder if they had batteries 100 years ago?
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
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
The other day I decided to explore my humble beginnings and realized that 240 posts ago was post number one. Three years ago I had recently retired and I decided to look into blogging, something I always wanted to do. I never considered myself a great writer. I do not have that natural flair that … More 240 clock posts later and still ticking away
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
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
This 30 hour Ogee clock was purchased in the fall of 2017. I was eager to add this clock to my collection as it is the one particular style of clock that I do not have. From my research on Waterbury clocks I determined that it was made in or around 1870. I decided to … More Waterbury 30 hour Ogee clock – servicing Part II
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