This is very good news for clock lovers in Canada.
I have not ordered clock supplies in some months and reported in an earlier post that W. H. Perrin and company had ceased operations as a clock parts supplier to Canadians. The company has been reborn as Perrin Supply Ltd (new owners). Instead of Toronto as a longtime base, they will move to Vancouver, BC (Canada), and resume operations on July 1, 2024.
They intend to carry out the same level of service and delivery of products as the old company.
Steady rest clock tool, available at a clock supply store
This is certainly good news to myself and clock enthusiasts and repair specialists across Canada. Given that they are now on the west coast of Canada the only difference I can foresee is slightly higher delivery costs and perhaps price increases on selected products otherwise it should be business as usual.
Clock supply services provide replacement mainsprings
Although they are in the process of moving online servicesare unaffected and should you have any clock and watch supply needs they are there to help.
As I opened the package from the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) and found the enclosed lapel pin it dawned on me that I’d been a member of the organization for a whole decade.
Letter from NAWCC
Being a member of NAWCC has proven to be an excellent choice for me, and I believe other enthusiasts of watches and clocks would also benefit greatly from joining. Here are some reasons why.
By joining NAWCC, or any clock and watch association/club for that matter, you become part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for watches and clocks. Networking with fellow collectors can provide valuable insights and advice. The organization often hosts events, meetings, and conventions where you can connect with others who share your interests.
A museum collection of mantel clocks
NAWCC offers a wealth of educational resources for members. This includes access to publications, online forums, workshops, and seminars covering various aspects of horology, from history to repair and maintenance techniques. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned collector, there’s always something new to learn, and NAWCC provides the resources to expand your knowledge and skills.
In fact, nearly every day, I receive mail and sometimes the questions initially stump me, prompting me to delve into specific areas using the resources only available to NAWCC members and I usually gather enough information for an informed reply.
While joining the NAWCC is complimentary, and participation on the message board or forum is also free, members can tap into further advantages, including monthly newsletters/bulletins and research resources, through an annual subscription fee.
Within NAWCC, one has access to a network of experts and professionals in the field of horology. Whether you need advice on authenticating an antique clock or watch, restoring a family treasure, or understanding the intricacies of a specific movement, you can tap into the collective expertise of the organization’s members through the Forum site.
NAWCC forum site, registration is free
Many organizations like NAWCC partner with suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers in the horology industry to offer exclusive discounts and special offers to their members. These discounts may apply to purchases of watches, clocks, tools, books, and other related products and services. By joining NAWCC, you can take advantage of these benefits to save money on your collecting pursuits.
NAWCC sponsored clock mart, clocks and watches for sale plus access to suppliers
NAWCC plays a vital role in documenting, conserving, and sharing knowledge about the history, and craftsmanship of clocks and watches. NAWCC helps ensure that future generations continue to appreciate and understand the cultural and technological importance of watches and clocks.
NAWCC museum, Columbia Penn.
It might sound like a commercial promotion for NAWCC but for me, NAWCC offers not only personal benefits in terms of community, education, and resources but also contributes to the broader mission of preserving and celebrating the art and science of horology.
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 dials but had there been alarm clocks, wristwatches, and even antique compasses on display her concerns would have been justified.
Westclox LaSalle non-luminous alarm clock
As a matter of fact, it reminded me of the number of times I have been in antique and junk stores and have seen clocks with luminous dials and the danger I might have faced during a brief exposure, say within a meter or so and the more serious danger of being irradiated had I purchased and serviced them.
German musical alarm clock or Joker
As a clock collector, I have a limited number of alarm clocks none of which have luminous dials. I understand the potential danger of radium and that is why I confine my collecting to alarm clocks with non-luminous dials only.
Even a clock that has lost its luminescence may still have traces of radium on its dial or particulate matter that has fallen from the clock face which makes them equally as dangerous.
Antique “alarm” clock mechanism from around 1900
Since radium has a half-life of hundreds of years even old radium dials are very hazardous. If working on a clock with a radium dial care should be taken to prevent the inhalation or ingestion of flakes or dust which may contain radioactive materials. My advice is to not work on them at all.
In the past several years radium dials have largely been replaced by phosphorescent – or occasionally tritium-based light sources. Therefore clocks produced after the 1970s had safer luminous material applied to the dials but modern alarm clocks are not nearly as attractive as antique clocks from the 1920s or so.
Clocks with luminous radium dials are certainly a danger to avoid and as far as I am concerned, not worth the risk.
On November 2-3, 2019 the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock Collectors held its first meeting. Members came together from various parts of the Maritimes to meet in Prince Edward Island (Canada) to form a club of like-minded individuals.
A educational component of the meeting, a lesson in bushing
Unfortunately the pandemic scuttled all plans for a subsequent meeting but the climate is right for another face-to-face meeting shortly. In the meantime the group has stayed connected through email.
The goal of this group is to gather individuals of every skill level from across the Maritime provinces (PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) to share experiences, mentor each other, learn new techniques, provide opportunities to acquire clocks/watches and foster social interaction.
Inspecting an antique pocket watch
We chose the name MAWCC, the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock collectors. We agreed to no less than 2 meetings per year but that sub-groups would meet more frequently.
At this point in time we are not affiliated with the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) an American-based clock and watch group.
Demonstration of the cleaning of a mainspring
If you are from the Maritime region of Canada (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and you have a keen interest in advancing your skills in horology or just beginning your journey into clock and watch repair and would like to connect with like-minded individuals, contact Wendell Feener at wcfeener@eastlink.ca
If you live in the Maritimes provinces of Canada and are keenly interested in vintage and antique clock and watch collecting and repair this will be of interest to you.
On November 2-3, 2019 the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock Collectors held its inaugural meeting. Five members came together from various parts of the Maritimes to meet in Prince Edward Island (Canada) to form a club of like-minded individuals.
After months of planning and discussions in preparation for the inaugural 2-day meeting the response from all present was very positive
Although the skill level varied among participants, all who attended have a keen interest in horology and are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others.
A educational component of the meeting, a lesson in bushing
After months of planning and discussions in preparation for the inaugural 2-day meeting the response from all present was very positive.
Demonstration of the cleaning of a mainspring
The goal of this new group is to gather individuals from across the Maritime provinces (PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) to share experiences, mentor each other, learn new techniques, provide opportunities to acquire clocks and watches and foster social interaction.
Inspecting an antique pocket watch
During our first meeting we discussed the name of the new association. We also discussed the format of our meetings, the venue, whether it be in one location or throughout the Maritimes, the frequency of meetings, outreach through social media, resource books, the training component within our meetings and what we can offer to each other both inside and outside our regular meetings.
A collection of clock movements in need of repair
We agreed that the new organization should be called MAWCC, the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock collectors. We agreed to no less than 2 meetings per year but that sub-groups would meet more frequently. At this point in time we are not affiliated with the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors).
If you are from the Maritime region of Canada (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and you have a keen interest or wish to advance your skills in horology and would like to connect with like-minded individuals feel free to email me at ronjoiner@gmail.com.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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