Category: servicing

Tick Talk Tuesday #47 Mason and Sullivan movement in a grandfather clock

May 16, 2023

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

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Unboxing the Junghans Mantel Clock: An anticipated Arrival

May 12, 2023

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

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Why should I repair an antique clock if the repair exceeds its value?

April 25, 2023

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?

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Navigating the Perils of Antique Clock Repair on YouTube: Why Caution is Key

April 18, 2023

Antique clocks are a fascinating and cherished part of our cultural heritage, valued both for their historical significance and their intricate mechanical workings. However, the maintenance and repair of these clocks can be a daunting task, requiring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to ensure their preservation. YouTube has become a popular platform for … More Navigating the Perils of Antique Clock Repair on YouTube: Why Caution is Key

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Can I repair my antique clock with common household tools?

April 7, 2023

While it is possible to repair an antique clock with common tools, there are limitations to what can be achieved. That’s the short answer. Let’s explore this a little further. Repairing an antique clock with common household tools is possible, but it can be challenging, and it depends on the extent of the repairs needed … More Can I repair my antique clock with common household tools?

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Screw drivers, clock tools

More advanced clock repair tools for the budget minded and those of you who can afford the extra cost

March 17, 2023

Antique clocks are not only valuable as historical artifacts but also as complex machines that require precise repair and maintenance. To ensure their longevity and functionality, clock repairers need to have access to advanced tools that can help them diagnose and fix various issues. From ultrasonic cleaners to digital calipers, the modern clock repairer has … More More advanced clock repair tools for the budget minded and those of you who can afford the extra cost

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Restoring an Antique Sessions Schoolhouse Clock: Repairing Bushing Wear and Overcoming Common Issues

March 14, 2023

Bushing wear is a common issue that can occur on antique brass clock movements. A bushing is a small hole drilled into the plate that is used to support the pivots and reduce friction between the pivots and the clock’s plates. Over time, the bushings can become worn down or damaged due to friction, which … More Restoring an Antique Sessions Schoolhouse Clock: Repairing Bushing Wear and Overcoming Common Issues

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Time only movement for a wall clock

A diminutive schoolhouse clock by Sessions

March 7, 2023

The Sessions Clock Company of America was one of the leading clock manufacturers in the United States in the early 20th century. Founded in 1903 by William E. Sessions and Aaron Lufkin Dennison in Forestville, Connecticut, the company quickly gained a reputation for producing clocks that were both reliable and affordable. Over the years, the … More A diminutive schoolhouse clock by Sessions

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The year in review – antiquevintageclock.com

January 7, 2023

Thank you, subscribers and viewers. Whether you are a regular visitor, drop by occasionally, or are visiting for the first time, thank you. This has been the most exciting year yet for antiquevintageclock.com. The blog has done very well and naturally, it is always a thrill to reach the milestone of the most views in … More The year in review – antiquevintageclock.com

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Hamilton Clock Co. ogee – a dull and tired case needs help

December 23, 2022

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

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A very special Waterbury wall clock – my grandfather’s kitchen clock (a personal journey)

December 19, 2022

The Waterbury clock hanging in my office brings back memories of my grandfather, a man I wish I had known better. Call it one of life’s regrets. Now, I didn’t know my grandfather all that well and I’m not sure that many people did. He was shy and a man of few words. I don’t … More A very special Waterbury wall clock – my grandfather’s kitchen clock (a personal journey)

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Beyond the basics – more advanced tools for clock repair

December 13, 2022

Let’s assume you have decided to take the plunge and you are at the beginning stages of building an essential tools list for clock repair. Let me help you with your journey. In the fall of 2022, I wrote about the five essential tools for clock repair. The sidebar will bring you to that article. … More Beyond the basics – more advanced tools for clock repair

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Tick-Talk Tuesday

Tick Talk Tuesday #43 – Is this a Simon Willard banjo clock?

December 6, 2022

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer TM writes, “We have had … More Tick Talk Tuesday #43 – Is this a Simon Willard banjo clock?

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Olie Baker spring winder. Cleaning the strike side mainspring

Mainsprings – should they be replaced every time a clock is serviced?

December 2, 2022

A short while ago I received a letter from one of my readers. The writer asked if I knew the size of a Junghans B11 mantel clock spring. That was it. No mention that the spring was weak or broken, just one sentence with no explanation. My reply: “I do not have the mainspring size”. … More Mainsprings – should they be replaced every time a clock is serviced?

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Seth Thomas clock face

My first antique clock – a Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock

November 25, 2022

I have been collecting clocks for over twenty years and for the past 11 years I have been building my collection of vintage and antique clocks, repairing them, and restoring them. I often reflect back to that first “real” antique clock that my wife and I purchased at an antique store in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia … More My first antique clock – a Seth Thomas Adamantine mantel clock

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Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

November 11, 2022

This is the only mission-style clock in my collection. Made by the Sessions Clock Co. of America in or about the 1920s it reflects classic Mission design and is rather attractive. I was not searching for this clock but a $10 find in a Pembroke, Ontario thrift shop is hard to pass up. Though this … More Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

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A hobby takes second place during a weather emergency

October 14, 2022

Well, it has been hectic this past week or so (late September and early October 2022). Some of you were affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida (USA) which was incredibly devasting but we had a bit of weather here as well when Hurricane Fiona passed very slowly over Nova Scotia (Canada). It was largely a … More A hobby takes second place during a weather emergency

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Selling your antique clock – some simple and effective strategies

October 10, 2022

So, how to sell your antique clock? Unless a clock has a distinctive provenance or, is rare, it is difficult to make any sort of profit on an antique clock today. Some unique clocks, ones with a special history or, those made by famous clockmakers (those in the clock world know who they are) have … More Selling your antique clock – some simple and effective strategies

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Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

October 7, 2022

Between 1903 and 1933 the Sessions Clock Company of America produced 52 models of mechanical clocks ranging from simple mantel clocks and shelf clocks to wall or “regulator” clocks all designed for the home or small businesses. Found in many homes across America Sessions clocks were regarded as relatively inexpensive, simple in design, and decently … More Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

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Second gallery clock bought this year – this one has a fusee movement

September 16, 2022

Earlier this year I bid on an English-made Empire gallery clock at an online estate auction and won the bid. When I collected the clock I had hoped I had bought a clock with a fusee movement but it turned out to be one with a conventional spring-driven time-only movement. No matter, it was not … More Second gallery clock bought this year – this one has a fusee movement

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Ansonia cottage clock servicing but is the end near for this old clock?

September 9, 2022

It is a $10 cottage clock my sister picked up in a yard sale several years ago and gave to me after I serviced one of her ogee clocks. There is a label on the inside that says it is made by Ansonia Brass Co. and I would date it to around the early 1880s. … More Ansonia cottage clock servicing but is the end near for this old clock?

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Fleet Time movement

Mainspring barrel tooth damage – how does that happen?

July 25, 2022

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?

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