In the heart of North End Halifax, on December 6, 1917, a Junghans Crispi clock fell off a wall in a house on Princess Court. Unbeknownst to it, this simple clock would become a silent witness to one of the worst man-made disasters in Canadian history – the Halifax Explosion. As the Belgian relief ship … More Honouring History, One Tick at a Time – the Halifax Explosion Dec 6, 1917
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?
While I do not operate a clock business I have, in the past, worked on other people’s clocks. The customer’s perspective and preferences are always paramount when it comes to repairing and restoring antique clocks. As an antique clock blogger and clock repairer, I believe it is crucial to respect and understand the wishes of … More Restoring Antique Clocks according to Customer wishes
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
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?
What to do with this cute Jerome & Co. CA 1870 cottage clock? I worked on the movement in the spring of 2022 and even at that point I was not sure what to do with the clock case. The tiny movement intrigued me and I wanted to have it running but the case – … More Jerome Rose Cottage clock – a candidate for extreme restoration?
I have saved a few clocks that were one step closer to a garbage bin by taking an aggressive approach to clock case restoration. Is stripping a clock case a travesty? Firstly, I am not a huge fan of gingerbread clocks which were very popular in America at the turn of the 20th century. Every … More Stripping a clock case is a travesty, or is it?
Should antique clock cases be refinished or rejuvenated? It can be a judgement call. I am all for patina and preserving an old clock case but there are times when certain amount of intervention is practical from an aesthetics and resale point of view. There is a certain philosophical argument among collectors who believe on … More Hamilton Clock Co. ogee – a dull and tired case needs help
Nothing is perfect. Antique and vintage clocks often suffer the ravages of time and neglect and a neglected old clock is far more difficult to bring it back to life if it is missing crucial parts or repairs have been crude and haphazard. Improper restoration can significantly decrease or destroy the value of some pieces. … More Do reproduction parts devalue a clock?
This 30-hour shelf clock (hour strike) was manufactured by American clock-maker E. Ingraham and Co. in the 1870s. There are various iterations of the name over the maker’s history but this was the one the company used from 1861 to 1880. The clock was bought at auction in mid-March 2022 along with 3 other clocks. … More Refreshing an Ingraham “octagon top” 30-hour shelf clock – keep or sell?
In November 2015, I added an Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf “fan top” to my collection. The clock was advertised as non-running, and the seller’s description was accurate—it had its share of challenges. While gingerbread-style kitchen clocks don’t typically appeal to me, I felt that, as a Canadian, if I were to own one, it should … More Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf Kitchen Clock
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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