One clock that’s high on my wish list is the Arthur Pequegnat Regulator No. 1. It’s a single-weight, 8-day, time-only wall clock, and it’s a rare one. Every so often I’ll see one for sale, but the price tags are usually well out of my reach—for now, anyway. Pequegnat as a clock company was Canada’s … More The Arthur Pequegnat Regulator No. 1: A Canadian Collector’s Dream
Over the years, I’ve explored countless stories tied to the world of horology, but few carry the prestige, legacy, and craftsmanship of A.G.U. Lenzkirch, one of the oldest and most respected German clockmaking brands. While there is much more to say about this iconic name, I’ve prepared a brief summary—based on information provided by brand … More A.G.U. Lenzkirch: Rare Opportunity to Own a Historic Clock Trademark
For clock collectors, presentation is just as important as the clocks themselves. A well-arranged collection not only enhances a space but also invites conversation and appreciation. While some collectors prefer to distribute their clocks throughout their home, others opt to showcase them all in one dedicated space. Regardless of your approach, thoughtful arrangement can make … More How to Arrange Antique Clocks for Maximum Impact
Have you ever come across the term FrankenClock in the world of clock collecting? If not, let me explain. Imagine purchasing a clock, hoping that every mechanical component, finial, and piece of trim is original, only to later discover—through experience, research, or sheer luck—that it isn’t. How would that make you feel? Disappointed? Cheated? Many … More Is Your Clock a FrankenClock? Key Insights for Collectors
Allow me to take 5 minutes of your time to watch my video of 19 wall clocks in my collection. Each wall clock is identified by its maker, where known. The video features background music throughout, with a brief segment of sound highlighting the winding of a Mauthe wall clock. Otherwise, there is no dialog. … More My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour
Thomas Tompion (baptized July 25, 1639– died, November 20th, 1713) was an English clockmaker and watchmaker, often referred to as the “Father of English Clockmaking.” He is renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and significant contributions to the development of clockmaking during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In fact, Tompion is the most celebrated … More Thomas Tompion: The Father of English Clockmaking
During the winter months, I teach part-time in a justice program at our local community college. The other day, I had a former student visit this blog and she commented on her admiration for one of my clocks, specifically a time and strike crystal regulator by Ansonia. Thanks, Cate for allowing me the opportunity to … More Is this a four-glass clock or a crystal regulator
One clock that holds a special meaning and one that I would like to add to my collection someday is the Arthur Pequegnat Regulator #1, a single-weight eight-day clock. This clock is truly a rare find, though the prices I’ve encountered thus far are a bit steep for my budget. The Arthur Pequegnat Story The … More Regulator #1 by Arthur Pequegnat
In this post, I describe an unusual issue when relocating my mini Vienna Regulator clock. Out of all my clocks, this one tends to be the most sensitive when I move it to a different location in my home. I’ve previously shared my experiences with this clock because it’s not the first time I’ve encountered … More The Quirky Charm of a Vienna Regulator Clock
In 2018, while exploring Ontario (Canada), I came across a Seth Thomas Regulator #2 in an antique shop in Bloomfield, just a short drive from Picton, a prominent center in Prince Edward County known for its numerous wineries. I had my eye on this clock when I viewed it online over the summer and carefully … More My Seth Thomas Regulator #2 Clock five years later
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
In this post I will acquaint the reader with temperature compensation and what it means for maintaining the accuracy of a mechanical clock. Almost all materials expand noticeably with heat and contract when cooled. Temperature compensation is a critical factor to consider when it comes to the maintenance and repair of antique mechanical clocks. Clocks … More Pendulum clocks and Temperature compensation
In this post, I describe an unusual issue when relocating my mini Vienna Regulator clock. But first some background information on Vienna Regulators. The Vienna Regulator clock, also known as the Vienna wall clock, is a type of precision pendulum clock that originated in Vienna, Austria, in the late 18th century. The development of the … More An unusual issue with a Vienna Regulator time-only clock
Every time I glance at one of the vintage clocks in my collection, I am struck by the exceptional level of craftsmanship and marvel at how a mechanical device crafted over a century ago can still maintain precise timekeeping. Mechanical clocks are machines designed to measure, keep, and indicate time. Mechanical clocks rely on a … More The Inner Workings of Mechanical Clocks: How They Keep Time
During my article review this week, I stumbled upon my first-ever blog post from 2015 about my fortunate discovery of an Arthur Pequegnat clock in a nearby antique shop. It was an exciting experience for me, and I was thrilled to share it with my readers. This was my first Arthur Pequegnat clock whihc was … More Timeless Treasure: My First Arthur Pequegnat Clock Discovery
Vienna regulator weight-driven wall clocks are a type of mechanical clock that originated in Austria in the mid-19th century. These clocks are named after the city of Vienna, where they were first produced and gained popularity throughout Europe. They are known for their unique design, which features a long, slender case with a glass door … More Vienna Regulator – the pinnacle of clock artistry
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
A mechanical clock is more than just a sum of its parts; it is a remarkable machine designed to measure, verify, keep, and indicate time. These devices allow us to measure intervals shorter than the natural units of the day, the lunar month, or the year. How many machines can you name that run almost … More How does a mechanical clock work?
This is Part III of a three (3) part series. In Part I I discuss disassembly and servicing the mainsprings. In Part II, the movement and in this, Part III we will look at restoring the brass case.
This is Part II of a three (3) part series. In Part I, I discuss disassembly and servicing the mainsprings. In this, Part II, the movement and in Part III we will look at restoring the brass case. My wife found this 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator in the late summer 2018 while antique shopping. What … More Ansonia crystal regulator clock – Part II – the movement
This is Part I of a three (3) part series. In Part I I discuss disassembly and servicing the mainsprings. In Part II, the movement and in Part II restoring the brass case. My wife found this 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator in the late summer 2018 while antique shopping. In the 1905 Ansonia Crystal Regulator … More Ansonia Crystal Regulator clock – Part I – disassembly
Although there are two dozen clock books in my collection I am always on the look out for more. Some of my books profile various types and styles of clocks, some explore the history of horology while others are concerned with clock repair and case restoration. Part of every vacation or daily outing in my … More John Plewes and clock repair – a must have reference for Canadian collectors
It has taken me 6 years to assemble my collection of antique and vintage clocks. Although I have many clocks, wall clocks are my particular favorites. Check out my collection of antique and vintage wall clocks in this YouTube video I made in January 2019. Feel free to comment.
Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time. Sir Sanford Fleming (January 7, 1827 – July 22, 1915) was Canada’s foremost railway surveyor and construction engineer of the 19th century and a distinguished inventor and scientist. Sir Sanford Fleming played a crucial role in developing a global system for setting time. Fleming advocated … More Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time
2018 was a successful year for my horological hobby in many ways. I met interesting people with fascinating stories, discovered new antique clock sources and had fun along the way. The best clock moments, in no specific order, during 2018 were: Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Finding an Arthur Pequegnat Moncton double-spring time-only wall clock was a … More Best clock moments of 2018
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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