Using a paint roller to revive a clock dial

It might sound a little strange to use a paint roller on a clock dial. This is not just any paint roller but one specifically designed for the purpose. The candidate is a embossed dial pan for a Waterbury Wren shelf clock C.1895. Most of the paint has been rubbed off the dial over the … More Using a paint roller to revive a clock dial

Tips on selling (or buying) an antique or vintage clock

If you are a collector or simply have a general interest in mechanical clocks and wish to sell antique and/or vintage clocks then, read on. I am not a seller but I purchase clocks to build my collection. I occasionally sell clocks locally as a way to manage my collection. Most of the clocks I’ve … More Tips on selling (or buying) an antique or vintage clock

Servicing a Seth Thomas 8-day movement

I was attracted to the style of this clock but disappointed when I learned that it was a marriage of a Waterbury case with a Seth Thomas movement. Briefly, a marriage is when parts from two different makers come together. Buying a clock from a flea market, antique mall, a shop or what have you … More Servicing a Seth Thomas 8-day movement

Servicing clocks and dealing with clock suppliers

I want to share my experiences dealing with clock suppliers and let me begin by saying that my experiences have been largely positive. I have been repairing and restoring clocks for the past 10 years and since I live in Canada I generally deal with one mechanical clock parts supplier out of Toronto, Ontario, Perrin. … More Servicing clocks and dealing with clock suppliers

A marriage of two makers, Waterbury and Seth Thomas

This clock is an antique store find not too far from where I live. It was high on a shelf and the price was not visible. I asked the shopkeeper to take it down so that I could check the price ($40) and verify that it had a mechanical movement. I opened the back panel, … More A marriage of two makers, Waterbury and Seth Thomas

Seth Thomas #2 has stopped – cleaning and bushing work should put it right

Perhaps recognizable as one of the most common regulator clocks in America, the Seth Thomas Regulator #2 was found in many railway stations, offices. libraries and other public places across America during the last century, a testament to its accuracy and dependability. It is a robust, accurate, well-engineered, and dependable timepiece that was made by … More Seth Thomas #2 has stopped – cleaning and bushing work should put it right

Replacing a suspension spring on a Seth Thomas #2 Regulator

It should have been an easy fix but often when working with clock movements unexpected issues occasionally crop up. The clock was purchased in the fall of 2018. This Seth Thomas #2 Regulator has had little done to it except oiling the movement and cleaning up the case. It is one of the most accurate … More Replacing a suspension spring on a Seth Thomas #2 Regulator

Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement

Why does a mechanical clock movement require servicing? The answer is fairly straight forward. Keeping your clock in good running condition requires maintaining the movement’s working parts and maintaining the working parts reduces wear. Ideally, most clocks should be serviced every three to five years to maximize longevity and ensure proper functioning. This article describes … More Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement

Seth Thomas round top in for servicing-Part II

In this, Part II of my Seth Thomas time and strike shelf clock servicing I discuss bushing work, cleaning, final assembly and testing. In Part I, my observations (and preliminary repairs) concerning my Seth Thomas round top shelf clock were as follows.

Seth Thomas round top in for servicing -Part I

This is a Seth Thomas round top mantel clock in for servicing. This is Part I of two parts. Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. My collection consists of six Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles made between 1865 and 1930. I purchased this particular mantel clock at the … More Seth Thomas round top in for servicing -Part I

A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock

Among the most respected and prolific American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. of America. Every collector I know has at least one Seth Thomas clock in their collection. My modest collection consists of six Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles, all unique and from the period 1865 to 1930. This is a Seth … More A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock

10 weight driven clocks in my collection

I am a big fan of weight driven clocks and will add them to my collection when time, opportunity and finances allow. There are generally 2 categories of motive power for mechanical clocks. The energy required to run a clock is provided either by a spring or a weight. Most of my collection is spring-driven … More 10 weight driven clocks in my collection

A simple Seth Thomas round top alarm repair

A distinctive feature of this Seth Thomas round top is the lyre shaped 8-day Plymouth time and strike spring-driven movement with a hour strike on an iron bell. Not all of these models have the alarm but this one does. The movement is die-stamped “S. Thomas, Plymouth Conn.” and fitted with Geneva stops (stop-works) to … More A simple Seth Thomas round top alarm repair

Destroying the past is not something new

“I have a sterling silver collection”, she said, “that my son will melt down and sell for cash” once I am gone My sister, who is a couple of years younger and “was” an avid antique collector, remarked the other day that she has stopped collecting antiques. Why, I asked. There is no one to … More Destroying the past is not something new

Seth Thomas round top cottage clock

Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. In my collection are 6 Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles all of which are unique representing the period between 1865 and 1930. I acquired this clock at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of … More Seth Thomas round top cottage clock

Seth Thomas Regulator #2 wall clock

During my travels through Ontario, I acquired a Seth Thomas Regulator #2, one of my newest additions. I discovered this clock in Bloomfield, a quaint village just minutes from Picton, a major hub in Prince Edward County renowned for its many wineries. I first spotted the clock during a summer visit to the local antique … More Seth Thomas Regulator #2 wall clock