Category: beginner

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

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?

Ingersoll-Waterbury mantel clock

Winding a mechanical clock – A How-To Guide

May 4, 2017

In this age of everything electronic, it may surprise some people that a newly acquired mechanical clock bought at the local garage sale, flea market or antique store needs to be wound on a regular basis. Winding a mechanical clock takes a level of care but a few simple guidelines should have you on your … More Winding a mechanical clock – A How-To Guide

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

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

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

Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock, Part I

September 20, 2016

I am going to take you, the reader, through the process I follow when servicing a clock. There will be several posts in this series. I am not a trained expert in clock repair, nor do I do this for profit and have learned most of what I know through trial and error, careful study … More Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock, Part I

Smiths Enfield Mantel Clock

September 27, 2015

Restoring and repairing antique clocks is a rewarding and sometimes challenging journey, and my latest project has been no exception. I recently acquired a time-and-strike mantel clock from the Enfield Clock Company, a British manufacturer known for its utilitarian designs, especially post-war. In this article, I will share my experiences as I continue to restore … More Smiths Enfield Mantel Clock

Plate clock movement

Blackforest Shelf Clock Progress

September 12, 2015

I have dis-assembled this clock twice. After the first dis-assembly I cleaned and oiled it, found everything to be in order but once I assembled it, bench-tested it to find everything seemingly correct and set the beat  it would not run more that 5 to 10 minutes at a time. When it stopped it seemed to catch on … More Blackforest Shelf Clock Progress

Mauthe Mantel Clock – called a buffet clock by the marketing folks at Mauthe

June 14, 2015

Mauthe mantel clocks are widely available in various shapes and sizes, often appearing on online marketplaces, at garage sales, flea markets, and in antique shops. However, not all are well-preserved, with many showing signs of age and neglect. This particular round-top mantel clock stands out for its excellent condition, especially considering its age. While this … More Mauthe Mantel Clock – called a buffet clock by the marketing folks at Mauthe

Mainspring barrel

A Barrel of Fun – Dugena mantel clock issues

June 8, 2015

I am continuing work on my Dugena mantel clock with a Hermle movement. Everything seemed to go well after re-assembly but the strike barrel. A serious problem or simple fix? The latter, thankfully. Something was definitely amiss since the winding arbor was not engaging on the mainspring. The spring was either broken or had not … More A Barrel of Fun – Dugena mantel clock issues

Dugena clock

Dugena Mantel Clock Progress

June 5, 2015

  If you are following the progress on my Dugena mantel clock project it seems to be going fairly well though there have been some minor issues. I had no trouble taking the movement apart and cleaning all the parts to the best of my ability. Everything seemed to be in good order with minimal … More Dugena Mantel Clock Progress