The movement is disassembled and now it is time for further inspection, cleaning, servicing the mainsprings, pegging the pivot holes, polishing the pivots and installing bushings where needed. In this, Part III we will cover cleaning and mainspring servicing. I have a small ultrasonic cleaner so I tend to clean parts in batches since this … More Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock Part III
I put a quick article together on my newly acquired modern Art Deco brass Kienzle World desk clock in August and with only one photo in my post I really did not do this fine looking timepiece any justice. I hope the following photos will show that this clock really impresses. As I mentioned in my last post … More Kienzle World Time clock – a second look
This is Part II of the Sessions American No. 2 servicing. As I mentioned in my last blog entry (Part I) this clock was running but is in need of a little attention. This is a fairly simple clock to work on for an American time and strike movement. I cannot stress enough that photos … More Servicing a Sessions American No. 2 mantel clock Part II
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
After not having visited my sister in some time I was surprised to find that she is an avid clock collector. I must stress the word collector because although she appreciates the beauty of each clock she has acquired over the years how they run is somewhat of a mystery to her and that is just … More So, my sister also loves clocks
Hugh Gordon, clock-maker worked in Aberdeen, Scotland from 1748-90. He had previously worked in Edinburgh and London. Although a very proficient maker little of his work seems to have survived. This is a friend’s clock and I was asked to research it. Unfortunately, I have discovered very little so far. This time and strike clock … More Hugh Gordon longcase clock
Now that I am back on my regular schedule I can begin work on some upcoming articles. In the days and weeks to come I will be reporting on a visit to my sister’s home and talk about her small collection of interesting clocks and a friend’s most interesting antique tall-case clock that came all the way from … More Upcoming clock articles
I acquired this mechanical Kienzle World Time clock recently from an antique shop in Quebec. No matter where you are in the world this clock will tell you the local time. Quite ingenious! This is accomplished through a rotating hour indicator in the lower half of the clock. As the time advances the indicator moves along with it … More Kienzle World Clock
Regular readers have followed my progress on this 1927 Sessions tambour style clock. Better news this time. After installing 10 bushings, repairing the strike click, replacing the pendulum bob and suspension spring and reassembling and oiling the clock and the springs I am having excellent success regulating this fine old clock. On a full wind I am … More Sessions clock final thoughts
Oiling your mechanical clock is an essential part of its maintenance, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Proper lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear while keeping the movement running smoothly over time. During the summer of 2016, my wife and I were traveling through the Muskoka area of the province of Ontario … More How to oil your mechanical clock
In the year or so I have been running this blog I never imagined that it would have achieved so much. It is at 8500 and climbing page-views. In the late spring of 2015 I attended a workshop on WordPress blogging. I was impressed how a powerful blog tool it is. I had already had some … More 8500 views and climbing
Let me take you on a brief journey as we explore the history of the bracket clock. If you’re already familiar with them, perhaps I can offer some additional insights into what exactly defines a bracket clock. So, what exactly is a bracket clock? A bracket clock is a type of shelf or mantel clock. … More The Bracket Clock
Taking a little time off seems like an amusing title for a clock blog. It just struck me (there I go again). In the next few weeks you will see fewer posts as I am spending some quality time with friends and family at our summer get-away in central Canada. While in that area I intend to make … More Taking a little time off
Have you ever stayed at an inn or B&B? If you have you might have noticed those that have some sort of historical significance with furniture dating back a 100 years or more, have the odd antique or vintage clock. However, it frustrates me to no end to see them not running. In the summer of 2014 my wife and … More Inns and B&Bs – why don’t the clocks work?
I noticed this topic in a well frequented clock forum site and it prompted me to write this article. Many clock collectors realize that presentation is everything. I have about 25 clocks on display in my home and in each case I try as much as possible to situate the clock so that it catches the eye, enhances … More Clocks in their natural surroundings
Last summer (2015) I bought a Blackforest time-only shelf clock for $10 at a small antique store in Kazabazua, Quebec which you see pictured below. To be fair it did not look like this when I bought it. It was quite beaten up and a case refresh was sorely needed which included stripping and re-staining. It’s a relatively simple … More Searching for a donor movement pays off
The curator of The Canadian Clock museum was kind enough to respond to an email I sent concerning the absence of Martin Cheney clocks as well as provide further information on the collection. First of all, Mr. Symons explained that the museum profiles two centuries of Canadian clocks, which include many Canadian manufacturers that represent 90% … More Update to my clock museum post
Every museum I have ever been to has allowed me to walk away with the feeling that I have learned something new. All museums document interesting histories that are intended to educate and inspire visitors. The Canadian Clock Museum at 60 James Street, Deep River, Ontario, operated by curator Allan Symons is one such example. The Canadian Clock … More Why you should visit a clock museum
Every clock owner wants to know what their clock is worth and every clock seller wants to know what price they can ask for. This article will provide a guide to buying or selling an antique or vintage clock. I will attempt to answer the following questions beginning with comments about the unpredictable clock market. … More What is my clock worth?
My wife and I were at a little antique shop just outside Truro, Nova Scotia on a typical Sunday drive. I found a lovely Black Forest time-only shelf clock that was reasonably priced and bought it because it had a simple plate movement I was looking for. My wife on the other hand wandered through the … More The 400 day anniversary clock
I do not mean marriage in the traditional sense. In the clock world a marriage is defined as a bringing together of parts to make a complete functioning clock. Among clock circles it is generally accepted that if a clock has significant parts from another source, such as a movement, pendulum, weights, put into a different though correct case it is … More How many marriages have you performed?
A lot to some. Maybe this is old hat to you and you already have a pretty good idea what you consider antique versus a vintage item, but as I poke around the Internet I find enough confusion, so perhaps it is not that clear-cut after all. The terms vintage and antique are often used interchangeably although if one explores further there are generally … More Vintage, antique clock – what’s the difference?
There are literally thousands of clock photos posted on the internet. Being an amateur photographer myself I marvel at the care and attention that some put into the actual capture of an image for all the world to see yet others feel that their cell phone is, well, good enough. It is frustrating to see blurry and … More The art of photography – how to photograph your clock
A Martin Cheney clock is on my wish list though I doubt I will ever see one let alone buy one, they are that rare. So who is this clock-maker from Montreal, Quebec? My wife and I were staying at an historic Inn in downtown Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) in the spring of 2016. We … More Who the heck is Martin Cheney?
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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