My apologies for the wordplay in the title. I recently encountered an issue with the striking mechanism in a German clock I’m currently repairing, and in this article, I would like to describe my experience with the repair. I have to admit it is a frustrating problem that could have been a disaster but I … More Disaster strikes a Junghans movement
In the past two weeks, my focus has been directed towards the servicing of a Junghans roundtop mantel clock. This particular time and strike mantel clock is the Hunsruck model manufactured in the second half of 1913 (stamped B13 on the rear plate). For first impressions and background information about the clock itself, you can … More Junghans round-top mantel clock – wrapping up servicing
Last week I began working on a Junghans round top mantel clock. For first impressions and background information about the clock itself, you can find the article here. During this segment of the maintenance process, my attention will be focused on the mainsprings. Upon my initial assessment, it appeared that the movement was found to … More Junghans round-top mantel clock – servicing the mainsprings
I first wrote about this clock in April 2023 after having won it at auction. With so many other projects on the go, I can finally allocate time to focus on servicing this captivating German time and strike mantel clock. The 1915 Junghans catalog identifies the clock as the Hunsruck, named after a mountain range … More Junghans round top mantel clock servicing
In the world of horology, antique clocks stand as both timekeeping devices and exquisite works of art, bearing witness to the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of bygone eras. Yet, beneath their exteriors lies a profound philosophical conundrum—one that questions the very essence of their identity. As we dive into the realm of antique clocks, we … More The Philosophical Conundrum of Antique Clocks: When is a Clock No Longer Itself?
The popularity of Vienna Regulator clocks began to wane towards the early part of the 20th century. The more modern and less ornate design of the box clock appealed to changing tastes and preferences after World War I, leading to the gradual replacement of Vienna Regulators with box clocks. The box clock design stood the … More German Box Clocks: A Journey into Clockmaking History
While working on one of my latest acquisitions, a Junghans Hunsruck mantel clock, memories flooded back to the first Junghans clock I ever owned, a Junghans Crispi wall clock, that I still have to this day. It was a humble box of parts when it first came to me, but I was determined to bring … More My most recent Hunsruck Clock evokes memories of my first Junghans clock
Junghans, a renowned manufacturer of high-end wristwatches today, acknowledges their significant role in the clock industry by providing access to their catalogs to anyone interested in researching their clock production since the company’s establishment in the 1880s. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to preserving the history and legacy of their brand and allowing collectors and … More Junghans Hunsruck roundtop mantel clock – refreshing the case
Tick-Talk Tuesday is dedicated to addressing readers’ letters and comments related to clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks. In cases where the comments and questions are particularly challenging, I seek advice from my fellow clock enthusiasts to provide the most accurate and helpful response. DH writes I am the executor of an estate … More Tick Talk Tuesday #47 Mason and Sullivan movement in a grandfather clock
Junghans, a name that is well-known to clock collectors and repairers, is not the company it once was. In recent years, the company has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of high-quality wristwatches. However, During the early to mid-20th century the German company had established itself as a prolific producer of wall, mantel, and tall … More Unboxing the Junghans Mantel Clock: An anticipated Arrival
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
Well, it’s that time of the year. What is my best clock acquisition of the past year? You can decide for yourself and leave a comment but I will reveal my favorite at the end of the post. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks and every year I have … More Best clock acquisition of 2022
One of my retirement gifts in 2016 was a 2-weight time and strike Gustav Becker wall clock. My wife had thoroughly searched eBay and picked what she determined to be the best gift for me considering a Gustav Becker wall clock had always been on my wish list. It was everything I had hoped for … More Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later
Jauch was related to one of the oldest Black Forest clock-maker families. The Gerbrueder Jauch company manufactured hall, wall, and mantel clocks and movements for the trade including those that were spring and weight operated. In late 1979, the company fell victim to a curtailed export limiting production. Gerbrueder Jauch GmbH eventually went bankrupt in … More Jauch time only calendar clock – first look
A museum is an institution dedicated to the display of objects of lasting interest or historic value. A museum can display just about anything but The Canadian Clock Museum, located in Deep River, Ontario (Canada) focuses on Canadian clocks or clocks that have a Canadian connection. Most are mechanical clocks as you would expect but … More The Canadian Clock Museum – a must-see for clock fans and museum lovers!
Seven clocks in my collection have family connections, not necessarily with my own family but clocks that I am able to trace back through families mostly in Nova Scotia (Canada). No names are mentioned. The stories are sad in some cases but interesting nonetheless. Let’s begin. Waterbury wall clock When I was a child back … More 7 Clocks in my collection that have family connections
This wall clock was gifted to me in the spring of 2022. I have no idea who made the clock, there are no markings on the case or the movement. It was likely sold by the Forestville Clock Company of Toronto in the 1960s and my guess, a Hermle movement. I could find nothing else … More Wag on a wall – servicing a well engineered movement
My wife’s uncle was an internist (internal medicine specialist) in Newfoundland and practiced for many years but dementia and its attendant complications finally got the best of him. He spent the last 5 or so years in a locked ward of a residential facility for the elderly. As part of his practice, he set up … More Wag on a wall clock – does it wag?
Like a car engine, oil is the lifeblood of a clock. A correctly oiled clock will ensure a long life. Oil is the “lifeblood” of the car engine, the same applies to a clock. Just as a car engine relies on oil to keep its moving parts running smoothly and efficiently, a clock depends on … More Oiling your mechanical clock – a quick guide
Something causes tooth damage. But what? The example is a Fleet time and strike mantel clock from the 1930s. Fleet Time Company of Montreal, a company that was operating four short years, sourced movements from Germany prior to the Second World War. It was a very common mantel clock sold through department stores across Canada. … More Mainspring barrel tooth damage – how does that happen?
I knew when I first laid eyes on the clock that it was missing something, the crown. It’s too bad because it is very attractive Hamburg American Company or HAC 8-day time and strike mantel or parlour clock. The little plaque on the base references 1926 the year it was presented to a pastor in … More HAC mantel clock – it came without a crown – FIXED
Honestly, an entire book could be devoted to the topic of dating clocks. Some time ago, I published an article titled “How to Date an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part I,” in which I used specific examples from my own collection. I’d like to explore this topic further, and this post will discuss additional … More Dating an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part II
Schatz and Sohne, the maker of this attractive 8-day carriage clock may not have considered the fact one day their carriage clocks would require servicing. Did they make a throw-away clock? We’ll see. Many were sold and gifted to family, friends, and business associates. Over the years they have either been tossed out, found their … More Are inexpensive carriage clocks worth fixing? Schatz and Sohne
There is no single method of dating an antique or vintage clock but there are some strong clues in some cases and subtle inferences in others that help determine when a clock was manufactured. Occasionally, the exact month and year is displayed somewhere on the case, and in other instances the clock by way of … More Dating an antique or vintage clock – Part I
Is it worth the time and expense to have a clock professionally serviced? That is the question of the day. I receive many letters from people who ask whether a clock handed down to them is worth repairing/preserving. It is not an easy question to answer. Shared history and stories connected with the clock can … More Having a professional service your clock
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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