This clock wasn’t one I set out to find. My wife and I were wandering through a sprawling antique shop in Almonte, Ontario—the kind of place where time itself seems to stand still. She drifted upstairs while I lingered below, each of us lost in our own quiet hunt. A few minutes later, she appeared … More The Clock That Wasn’t Complete: My Waterbury Suffolk Discovery
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
While working on my Pequegnat Bedford mantel clock recently, I made an unexpected discovery about the dial and bezel. I had always assumed the six-inch dial was original to the clock, believing it to be an anomaly or a one-off, as every other Bedford I’ve seen features a five-inch dial. Adding to the intrigue, I … More Repairing The Dial bezel Hinge On A Pequegnat Bedford
The Seth Thomas Type 89 movement is a robust and well-regarded mechanical clock movement widely used in many of Seth Thomas’ mantel and shelf clocks from the early 20th century to 1938. The movement was introduced in 1900 and became one of Seth Thomas’ most popular and enduring movements. There are several variants (89A, 89C, … More On My Workbench | Type 89 Movement by Seth Thomas and a Strike Side Issue
For years, my Seth Thomas column and cornice clock rested atop an antique radio in our living room. However, after redecorating the space with hardwood flooring in place of the carpet, the radio and clock no longer suited the updated space. I did not want to relegate the clock to storage, so I opted to … More Relocating A Shelf Clock To A…Well, A shelf
The term minimal invasive intervention refers to the delicate decision-making process regarding how much work should be done to repair, restore, or conserve a clock without significantly altering its original character. It encapsulates a challenge many collectors face: balancing preservation with functionality. Some argue that any work performed on an antique clock detracts from its value, much … More The Art of Minimal Invasive Clock Preservation
I often wonder about the stories behind my clocks. Antique and vintage clocks evoke a time when life seemed simpler, a stark contrast to today’s frenetic pace. Old clocks serve as living memories, cherished relics of people and places that are long gone but not forgotten. Ideally, they should be passed down through generations. Yet, … More The Stories Behind My Antique and Vintage Clocks
About a year ago, I shifted my focus to collecting clocks made in Canada or those with a Canadian connection. Of course, there are exceptions if a particularly interesting clock comes along. In keeping with my goal, I won three Canadian clocks this week at auction: an Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton “Tall”, an Arthur Pequegant Dandy, … More Three Canadian Antique Clocks Won at Auction
The Science Museum in London, England, is one of the city’s most iconic and popular museums, dedicated to inspiring a passion for science in visitors of all ages. Located in the South Kensington area, it is part of the Science Museum Group, which also includes other major museums in the UK. The museum was founded … More Discover the Wonders of Horology at the Science Museum in London
This clock stands out as one of the most distinctive pieces in my collection. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary desk clock, but it has a fascinating history behind its production. I can easily picture it sitting on the desk of an import-export executive in the 1950s. The first Kienzle World Time … More Kienzle World Time desk clock
Seth Thomas is a well-known American clock manufacturer with a long history, and they produced a variety of clock movements over the years. The Type 89 movement is one of the many clock movements produced by Seth Thomas between 1900 and 1938. The mantel clock in question features the Type 89 movement. Acquired in the … More Wrapping up the servicing of a Seth Thomas type 89 movement
Seth Thomas is a well-known American clock manufacturer with a long history, and they produced a variety of clock movements over the years. The Type 89 movement is one of the many clock movements produced by Seth Thomas over the years. This type was made between 1900 and 1938. I acquired this mantel clock during … More Seth Thomas type 89 movement servicing
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
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
Here are three commonly cited reasons for eliminating the cursed Daylight Savings Time convention: One of the main arguments against daylight saving time is its impact on human health. The abrupt shift in the clock can disrupt people’s sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and increased stress. Studies have shown a rise in heart attacks, … More Three arguments for eliminating Daylight Savings Time
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. SS writes Hi Ron. My name is SS I’m … More Tick Talk Tuesday #51 – My Arthur Pequegnat clock
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. DS writes Morning, Ron – I’ve wanted to let … More Tick Talk Tuesday #49 – a well-preserved column and cornice clock
I am not a huge fan of gingerbread clocks which were very popular in America at the turn of the 20th century. Every major manufacturer made them and they sold like hotcakes. Thousands have survived and a quick perusal of online auction sites any day of the week will reveal dozens if not hundreds of … More Sessions Grand Assortment – finally completed!
I received an email from a blog fan this week who posed an interesting question. She was concerned that a number of clocks offered for sale at a local antique store had radium dials. I assured her that I know of no maker of mantel, shelf, or long case clocks that used radium on their … More Clocks with luminous dials – the danger within
It is always challenging to find time to work on projects when life is busy. I picked up some part-time work this winter, teaching at a community college so between that my clock hobby teaching has taken precedence, for now. Since the post on extreme restoration a week or so ago, I have continued planning … More Jerome cottage clock – progress so far
Ah, the days when clock companies put a little time and effort into their designs. The Seth Thomas company, in its heyday, produced many attractive clocks and this eight-day shelf clock is one of the finest examples of the 1870s. It is a rather large round top shelf clock measuring 15 inches in height, 10 … More Seth Thomas round top shelf clock – simplicity is its strongest suit
Won at auction this spring is a Daniel Pratt Jr. reverse ogee with splat although this one is missing the splat, the decorative piece on top of the case. According to the label it was made in or after 1843. It was also missing the suspension spring and pendulum rod and the wire with regulating … More A woodworks movement by Daniel Pratt Jr. and it actually works
Can this gingerbread clock made by E. Ingraham be saved? Possibly, but this clock is destined to become a parts clock and I will explain why in this post. In the spring of this year (2022) 4 clocks were bought at auction. I can save three of them but not this one. Gingerbread clocks often … More An obituary for an E. Ingraham gingerbread clock – the case that is!
I acquired a number of clocks at auction this past winter (2022). All were antiques and all were in poor to fair condition but each one had potential. The auction notes simply said the movements were untested which can mean just about anything from a failed, irreparable movement to something that might have been serviced … More Ansonia 30-hour parlour clock with a very worn movement
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
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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