Collecting, Repairing and Restoring Antique/Vintage Clocks
The Collection
I am a devoted clock enthusiast with a deep passion for collecting and restoring antique and vintage timepieces. While I don’t run a repair business or sell clocks commercially, I’ve thoughtfully curated a modest yet meaningful collection over the years. Like any collection, mine continues to evolve—some clocks have been gifted or sold (always noted)—but each one holds a unique story and a special place in my journey.
As my collection has grown, my focus has sharpened, and my wish list has gradually narrowed. I now concentrate on clocks made in Canada or those with a Canadian connection. I continue to explore online marketplaces, auctions, and antique shops in search of rare and distinctive pieces that may not necessarily be Canadian.
The collection is current as of January 2025, with the exception of acquisitions from 2024 which will be added soon. Clocks marked as sold were sold locally to help manage my collection and allow me to focus on other pieces.
Each clock in my collection carries its own story, though some histories have been lost over time as they’ve changed hands. Not every clock is currently in working condition—some require significant repairs and are undergoing restoration, while others will be preserved in their original state.
Contact me at ronjoiner@antiquevintageclock.com with any questions you may have about any clock in my collection or a personal clock repair issue of yours.
Ron, I had the intentions of quickly viewing your page, but quickly became intrigued with your collection of clocks, and your passion for collecting, knowledge and memories. My favorites are your grandfather clock, and the one at 0:41 seconds (I can’t make out the name), but it is simply beautiful. It looks like it has so many stories to tell that live on through each strike.
Great page, and love how you share your hobby & knowledge with others. It’s wonderful how we find something that brings us such happiness in the world around us, something that we often overlooked at a previous chapter in our life. Although I do not share relatively the same passion for horology that you do, I love the beauty of clocks – something so practical, overlooked, and aged, yet the importance it offers us in everyday life, the beauty we often fail to see and the stories that it tells.
Great collection Ron, very much like mine in ways, nice collection of Pequegnat clocks. I like the web page great idea, i have a Facebook page. Thanks for sharing.
excellent ⲣoints altogether, yоu just received ɑ new reader.
Ꮃhat maʏ yoᥙ suggᥱst in regfards tօ your submit that yoou made a few dɑys
in thᥱ past? Any sure?
Hi Ronald. This is off topic, but since I cannot find any article on your blog about it, I hope you don’t mind my asking you here, out of curiosity, ok?
In “Dans la ville blanche” (a 1983 Switzerland/Portugal/UK movie by Alain Tanner), I saw a backward clock. Here’s the screenshot, just in case:
Is that really a purpose or some story behind that kind of clock? Thanks
(PS: It’s ticking, and it’s not a CGI-oriented movie, so I vouch the clock is for real)
Thanks for coming to my blog. Backward running clocks were popular in American barber shops. The customer could easily read the correct time in the mirror while he was being given a haircut or a shave.
I have a 400 day anniversary clock that I had repaired. The man who repaired it said it belonged in a museum. It has Master written on the front of the clock. It has a pendulum with 4 balls that rotate back and forth as time passes. I have been unable to find any information on the clock. Can you or have you ever heard of this clock. It belonged to my father who has passed away. Thank
Master clocks were made by the Nisshindo Watch Co.of Japan after the Second World War. They are called 400 day clocks because that have a running time of up to 400 days and need only be wound once a year, however, you can improve the accuracy of the clock by winding it every 90 days. If you can provide me with some photos I might be able to narrow down the date of manufacture. I am not sure of the value but the comment that the repair person made probably refereed to the excellent condition for the age of the clock.
Hi Ron, have just purchased a french carriage clock with the same features on the movement as yours, so possibly the same. The case is also simular but the handle is different, it isn’t operating at the moment, will keep you posted. Great blog by the way…
Cheers Evan
Thanks for dropping by. Many of these movements were unmarked. Mine was made for the English market as it has “S” and “F” rather than “A”and “R” (speed regulator) as carriage clocks would have had had they been made for the French market. I did not service the platform escapement as I have no experience with jewels and left it as is. The clock works very well although I do not run it regularly. Let me know how you make out with yours.
Ron, I very much enjoyed reading your blog! I have a small collection of clocks of various ages and chimes because I love their beauty and representation of times gone by. I recently received a Waterbury self clock as a gift from a friend that recently passed. It is very special to me. I was told it worked well before prepared to move. I do not know how to set it up properly with the weights. Do you have any recommendations on where I can find information on how to set up? Thank you!
Hi Ron ,Have lived and worked in Chelsea Ma. for my 62 years.Like yourself I started collecting in my fifties and have about 40 piece’s. Will send you send some pictures soon,lived in very close proximity of factory and walked through two days prior to demolition.If you don’t have a copy of” Chelsea clock the first hundred years”I highly recommend it ! You have a great collection.I also have extended family in Woods Harbour . Regards,Richie Smith E mail Rsmith@chelseama.gov
Thanks Richie. The history of Chelsea looks interesting. I will try to seek out a copy of the book but will try to find one at a better price. I would love to see your clocks.
Hello Ron
I recently purchased a slate and marble mantel clock from an auction. when I picked it up from the auctioneer 2 cogs fell out the back !!! it had clearly been dropped.
It was also missing the pendulum.
I have been in engineering in the past and got it home to see what can be done.
Most of the movement seems in tact now I have mounted the main top plate back where it should be. The 2 cogs have their pins top and bottom broken along with a few of the tiny pins in the cog .
I would love to restore this clock Ron, what would you suggest. find somebody to repair or supply other cogs ? Where would I get the correct pendulum ? I am not the richest of men ! could you please advise me
Kind regards
Mike Bronze
Great clocks! I have the Sessions Westminster clock without the silent chime. I am looking for the key for the top and button winders. It keeps gaining time. Do you know anywhere I could find one? Also I have either a William Gilbert or Seth Thomas mantel clock that has the dial for the top winders. Which way do I turn it to make it faster as it loses time. Thank you.
Hi Ronnie, great collection! I’m also a NAWCC member and I stumbled on your site while looking for the suspension spring for my Ansonia Octagon wall clock. Have always enjoyed your posts and have benefited from them many times. Thanks for all you do.
Great site and articles, and local to me. I was searching for information on a recent yard sale find of a Mauthe Buffet clock, and was pleased to find your site. Inspires me to dig out some of my older clocks in storage and display them again. Keep up the good work!
I have a wag clock with exposed weights and pendulum. Started with my Grandfather Edinburgh late 1800’s. It stopped wagging today. Does anyone know a repair person in the area of Toronto, Canada?
Gordon, there is a Toronto chapter of the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. They are a group of volunteer collectors and clock repairers of different skill levels. If you contact them through the address on the website below I am sure that someone can connect you to a clock repair service in the Toronto area. https://chapter33toronto.wixsite.com/website
Check out their website for more information.
Really enjoyed your collection! Recently picked up a kundo just like yours – needs a new suspension spring but I’ve got it working with the old one for now. I’m really enjoying learning about them!
Hi Ron, I really enjoyed looking through your collection. I started collecting as a retirement distraction and now have amassed better than 100 clocks in various conditions. I have been trying to keep them earlier than 1930. Yours are immaculate. I’m learning repair and restoration as I go. You are an inspiration.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Sounds like you’ve built up a fantastic collection already. Keeping to pre-1930 clocks is a great focus—they have so much character and variety. Learning repair and restoration as you go is half the fun (and sometimes half the challenge too!). I’m glad my collection could give you some inspiration, and I’d love to hear more about some of your favorite pieces. Perhaps you have a favorite clock I can profile on my blog?
Thank you for your interest. I will have to give it some thought. I like the banjo clocks for their form, and there are so many varieties of mantle, kitchen, parlor and cottage clocks where can one start. I have acquired a couple of Chancey Jerome weight driven Ogee clocks that are missing some bits, one with a wooden movement that I am fascinated by that will be fun restorations. Learning the history of the various clockmakers and being a detective trying to identify a clock has also been an adventure. My biggest challenge is I think I need a new shed for a better workspace and to store all these works in progress.
It’s amazing how quickly a few restorations can fill a shed. It sounds like you’re having a great time exploring both the mechanical and historical sides of clock collecting.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
Ron, I had the intentions of quickly viewing your page, but quickly became intrigued with your collection of clocks, and your passion for collecting, knowledge and memories. My favorites are your grandfather clock, and the one at 0:41 seconds (I can’t make out the name), but it is simply beautiful. It looks like it has so many stories to tell that live on through each strike.
Great page, and love how you share your hobby & knowledge with others. It’s wonderful how we find something that brings us such happiness in the world around us, something that we often overlooked at a previous chapter in our life. Although I do not share relatively the same passion for horology that you do, I love the beauty of clocks – something so practical, overlooked, and aged, yet the importance it offers us in everyday life, the beauty we often fail to see and the stories that it tells.
Awesome!
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Thanks Stephanie. It is a hobby that I can take into retirement. Makes for a noisy home though.
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Great collection Ron, very much like mine in ways, nice collection of Pequegnat clocks. I like the web page great idea, i have a Facebook page. Thanks for sharing.
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Evening, Ron –
I just happened to spy a rather nice Ithaca double-dial calendar clock on Merritt’s website, in case your still on the hunt for one…
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Among the styles I am missing in my collection is the Ithaca calendar clock. I’ll take a look at Merritt’s site. thanks.
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excellent ⲣoints altogether, yоu just received ɑ new reader.
Ꮃhat maʏ yoᥙ suggᥱst in regfards tօ your submit that yoou made a few dɑys
in thᥱ past? Any sure?
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Thx
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Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my website?
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Which part?
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Hi Ronald. This is off topic, but since I cannot find any article on your blog about it, I hope you don’t mind my asking you here, out of curiosity, ok?
In “Dans la ville blanche” (a 1983 Switzerland/Portugal/UK movie by Alain Tanner), I saw a backward clock. Here’s the screenshot, just in case:
Is that really a purpose or some story behind that kind of clock? Thanks
(PS: It’s ticking, and it’s not a CGI-oriented movie, so I vouch the clock is for real)
LikeLike
Thanks for coming to my blog. Backward running clocks were popular in American barber shops. The customer could easily read the correct time in the mirror while he was being given a haircut or a shave.
Ron
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Ah, never crossed my mind. In the movie, the clock was in a bar so it just beats me. 🙂 Now the mystery solved. Thanks again. 🍸
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I’ve also a backward running watch but I never realized before why a reverse dial, now I got the answer.
I thank you very much
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Yes, very unusual but practical. Thanks for dropping by.
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Very interesting. Many backwards clocks were used in barber shops in America. You don’t see many of them.
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But the numbers are not reversed. If the clock must be seen through a mirror, then the font must be left -right reversed printed…
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Then why are the numbers not reversed printed? To appear correctly when viewed in a mirror, the numbers must be right-left reversed printed…
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I have a 400 day anniversary clock that I had repaired. The man who repaired it said it belonged in a museum. It has Master written on the front of the clock. It has a pendulum with 4 balls that rotate back and forth as time passes. I have been unable to find any information on the clock. Can you or have you ever heard of this clock. It belonged to my father who has passed away. Thank
LikeLiked by 1 person
Master clocks were made by the Nisshindo Watch Co.of Japan after the Second World War. They are called 400 day clocks because that have a running time of up to 400 days and need only be wound once a year, however, you can improve the accuracy of the clock by winding it every 90 days. If you can provide me with some photos I might be able to narrow down the date of manufacture. I am not sure of the value but the comment that the repair person made probably refereed to the excellent condition for the age of the clock.
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Amazing !!! This is an excellent
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Thanks for dropping by.
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Thanks for discussing your tale.
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Thanks for coming to my blog.
Ron
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Hey we’re do you live
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I live near Truro Nova Scotia (Canada) and you?
Ron
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Hi Ron, have just purchased a french carriage clock with the same features on the movement as yours, so possibly the same. The case is also simular but the handle is different, it isn’t operating at the moment, will keep you posted. Great blog by the way…
Cheers Evan
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Thanks for dropping by. Many of these movements were unmarked. Mine was made for the English market as it has “S” and “F” rather than “A”and “R” (speed regulator) as carriage clocks would have had had they been made for the French market. I did not service the platform escapement as I have no experience with jewels and left it as is. The clock works very well although I do not run it regularly. Let me know how you make out with yours.
Ron
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Ron, I very much enjoyed reading your blog! I have a small collection of clocks of various ages and chimes because I love their beauty and representation of times gone by. I recently received a Waterbury self clock as a gift from a friend that recently passed. It is very special to me. I was told it worked well before prepared to move. I do not know how to set it up properly with the weights. Do you have any recommendations on where I can find information on how to set up? Thank you!
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Thanks. Send me a photo. It sounds like a weight driven clock but it could be something else. A photo would certainly help.
Ron
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Hi Ron ,Have lived and worked in Chelsea Ma. for my 62 years.Like yourself I started collecting in my fifties and have about 40 piece’s. Will send you send some pictures soon,lived in very close proximity of factory and walked through two days prior to demolition.If you don’t have a copy of” Chelsea clock the first hundred years”I highly recommend it ! You have a great collection.I also have extended family in Woods Harbour . Regards,Richie Smith E mail Rsmith@chelseama.gov
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Thanks Richie. The history of Chelsea looks interesting. I will try to seek out a copy of the book but will try to find one at a better price. I would love to see your clocks.
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I love my new clock,!Mauthe Westminster chime mantel clock! Thank you Ron
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Hello Ron
I recently purchased a slate and marble mantel clock from an auction. when I picked it up from the auctioneer 2 cogs fell out the back !!! it had clearly been dropped.
It was also missing the pendulum.
I have been in engineering in the past and got it home to see what can be done.
Most of the movement seems in tact now I have mounted the main top plate back where it should be. The 2 cogs have their pins top and bottom broken along with a few of the tiny pins in the cog .
I would love to restore this clock Ron, what would you suggest. find somebody to repair or supply other cogs ? Where would I get the correct pendulum ? I am not the richest of men ! could you please advise me
Kind regards
Mike Bronze
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By the way the movement is by Gustav Becker
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I feel your pain having been in your situation.Could you send me some photos from different angles. Please send them to ronjoiner@gmail.com.
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Great clocks! I have the Sessions Westminster clock without the silent chime. I am looking for the key for the top and button winders. It keeps gaining time. Do you know anywhere I could find one? Also I have either a William Gilbert or Seth Thomas mantel clock that has the dial for the top winders. Which way do I turn it to make it faster as it loses time. Thank you.
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Thanks for dropping by.
https://ronaldjoiner.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7165&action=edit&classic-editor
Check out this article to adjust your clock. Go to timesavers.com or Perrins in Canada for keys.
Ron
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Thank you Ron.
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Any time.
Ron
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Hi Ronnie, great collection! I’m also a NAWCC member and I stumbled on your site while looking for the suspension spring for my Ansonia Octagon wall clock. Have always enjoyed your posts and have benefited from them many times. Thanks for all you do.
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Thank you. It is a labour of love.
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Great site and articles, and local to me. I was searching for information on a recent yard sale find of a Mauthe Buffet clock, and was pleased to find your site. Inspires me to dig out some of my older clocks in storage and display them again. Keep up the good work!
LikeLike
Thanks. If you are ever interested in joining a clock club, please let me know.
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I have a wag clock with exposed weights and pendulum. Started with my Grandfather Edinburgh late 1800’s. It stopped wagging today. Does anyone know a repair person in the area of Toronto, Canada?
LikeLike
Gordon, there is a Toronto chapter of the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. They are a group of volunteer collectors and clock repairers of different skill levels. If you contact them through the address on the website below I am sure that someone can connect you to a clock repair service in the Toronto area.
https://chapter33toronto.wixsite.com/website
Check out their website for more information.
Ron
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Really enjoyed your collection! Recently picked up a kundo just like yours – needs a new suspension spring but I’ve got it working with the old one for now. I’m really enjoying learning about them!
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I do as well.
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Hi Ron, I really enjoyed looking through your collection. I started collecting as a retirement distraction and now have amassed better than 100 clocks in various conditions. I have been trying to keep them earlier than 1930. Yours are immaculate. I’m learning repair and restoration as I go. You are an inspiration.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the kind words! Sounds like you’ve built up a fantastic collection already. Keeping to pre-1930 clocks is a great focus—they have so much character and variety. Learning repair and restoration as you go is half the fun (and sometimes half the challenge too!). I’m glad my collection could give you some inspiration, and I’d love to hear more about some of your favorite pieces. Perhaps you have a favorite clock I can profile on my blog?
LikeLike
Thank you for your interest. I will have to give it some thought. I like the banjo clocks for their form, and there are so many varieties of mantle, kitchen, parlor and cottage clocks where can one start. I have acquired a couple of Chancey Jerome weight driven Ogee clocks that are missing some bits, one with a wooden movement that I am fascinated by that will be fun restorations. Learning the history of the various clockmakers and being a detective trying to identify a clock has also been an adventure. My biggest challenge is I think I need a new shed for a better workspace and to store all these works in progress.
LikeLike
It’s amazing how quickly a few restorations can fill a shed. It sounds like you’re having a great time exploring both the mechanical and historical sides of clock collecting.
LikeLike