When people living in the Yukon Territory, Canada switch their clocks forward to Daylight Saving Time Sunday March 8th, it will be for the last time. The government announced March 4th, that the territory will keep the time change permanent, after hearing an overwhelming majority of residents said they would rather remain an hour ahead than switch back in November.
Continue reading “Day light savings time – time to see it end”
My clock hobby has evolved to the point that I am constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and adapt space to suit my needs. What began as an upstairs bedroom has become my office/shop for the past 6 years.
The acquisition of new tools and equipment means more space and, of course, more room for clocks.
This is how my office looked in 2014.
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 the 7 steps that I typically follow when servicing an antique or vintage clock movement. A common American 8-day time and strike, pendulum-driven movement is used as an example.
Continue reading “Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement”
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.
Continue reading “Seth Thomas round top in for servicing-Part II”
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 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of 2019.
Continue reading “Seth Thomas round top in for servicing -Part I”
I was working on a E. N. Welch (ca. 1875) mantel clock movement in the late fall of 2019, giving it a thorough cleaning during which I installed 6 bushings.
Continue reading “Pendulum bob weight – should it make a difference?”
This clock was advertised on a local online for-sale site. It is a Vienna Regulator-styled wall clock that is an obvious marriage. The ornate dial certainly does not belong to this style of case, the pendulum is unusually short and it is missing its bottom finials.
By way of comparison, this is how a movement should look like in a similar case.
It annoys me when I see things like this and I have little sympathy for people who fall for this kind of deception. Do your research!
What is most amusing is the description which says “There is a name on it I believe it says JEMLAUS FUOITE. I did try to take a picture of the name.” It actually says Tempus Fugit or Time Flies but I had to laugh.
During our recent trip to the southern part of Ireland including the capital city of Dublin, I expected to see antique mechanical clocks in some of the pubs and I was not disappointed. I tried to visit as many pubs as possible to search for clocks, of course, and while there I sampled the local ales and lagers though no Irish visit is complete without a pint or two of Guinness stout.
Let me begin by saying that I love antique stores and I spend a considerable amount of time in them. While I don’t always buy, if I see something I try to get a fair price. Browsing through the aisles looking for that unique, one of a kind item can be a very satisfying experience.
I was in a local antique shop the other day and I was impressed at the number of antique clocks offered for sale but the prices were, in my view, way out of line.
For example, a Gilbert Admiral time-only wall clock, that I bought in the fall of 2019 for a fraction of the $300 the store wanted was missing its decorative pendulum and was not running. $150 is a fair price with the original pendulum but at $300 it will stay on the wall of this shop for a long time. So, naturally, I passed on it.
This rather plain, box-like 8-day hour strike Rosewood veneered shelf clock is up for servicing. This is Part II of a two-part series. Go to Part I to read my notes and observations while disassembling the movement and the initial steps required to bring the clock to running condition.
The movement is in reasonably good condition but not without issues. It was running prior to cleaning (though not a full 8-day cycle) so I did not expect any further running issues after servicing and my principal goal was that it would run the full 8-day cycle.
I always take a number of photographs when I disassemble a movement. It is much easier than making diagrams and notes and best for future reference particularly when photos are archived.
Continue reading “E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part II – cleaning, bushing and testing”
This rather plain, box-like 8-day hour strike shelf clock is up for servicing. I wrote about first impressions in Sept 2019 and said at that time that the clock is in reasonably good condition, runs well, but needs a good cleaning.
Continue reading “E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part 1 – assessment”
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 Thomas time and hour strike large round top (model name or number unknown) made in the 1870s. For first impressions of this clock, go here.
This shelf clock was purchased at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of 2019.
The clock case is in such remarkable condition it would be a shame to ignore that one small blemish and once you see the missing veneer the eye is always drawn to it
The clock measures 15 inches in height, 10 inches wide at the base and 4 inches deep. The attractive Rosewood veneered case has a mirrored rectangular lower tablet. The grain of the Brazilian Rosewood is bold and nicely textured. However, a sliver of the veneer is missing between the 9 and 12 o’clock position of the dial bezel which, in my view, is repairable. My wife did not notice this until I pointed it out.
A previous owner attempted to hide the missing veneer by tinting the exposed area.
Continue reading “A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock”
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.
After months of planning and discussions in preparation for the inaugural 2-day meeting the response from all present was very positive.
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.
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.
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.
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 but 10 clocks are driven by weights and they represent the broad period from 1835 to 1996.
here are some interesting facts about my ten weight driven clocks:
Rather than describe each one I will let the photos (with captions) speak for themselves.
About three years ago I wrote a piece on clock prices. At that time antique and vintage clock prices had taken a tumble. Where are we now? Have things changed in 2020? Are antique and vintage clock prices going up or down? Is this the time to buy or sell?
Let me come quickly to the point. Anyone who shops today for an antique or vintage clock is well aware that the clock market has been depressed for quite some time and continues on a downward spiral.
Follow me as I explore how clock prices are set, factors that affect the sale of a clock and the reasons why prices are dropping.
Informed buyers always make much better choices
Pricing is as volatile as it was three years ago. The pricing of a clock on an online site or a paper ad is just as murky and as confusing as ever. There is no true “standard” pricing for any vintage or antique clock. As with most objects, there is a price range that most would consider reasonable.
How are prices set?
Sellers use a number of metrics to set prices;
Continue reading “Will antique clock prices go up or down in 2020?”
This blog is intended for those who have an interest in horology and more specifically, antique and vintage mechanical clocks, both collecting and repair.
For some reason the translate widget was dropped when I migrated to a new template this past year, so here it is again. It is the very first widget on the right of the page.
My blog reaches over 100 countries in the world. In many of those countries English is not the main language.
In an effort to continue to reach a wider audience I have re-installed the widget that will permit you, the reader, to read my blog articles in the language of your choice.
En un esfuerzo por llegar a un público más amplio, instalé un nuevo widget que le permitirá a usted, el lector, leer los artículos de mi blog en el idioma que elija
Afin de toucher un public plus large, j’ai installé un nouveau widget qui vous permettra, en tant que lecteur, de lire les articles de mon blog dans la langue de votre choix
Um ein breiteres Publikum zu erreichen, habe ich ein neues Widget installiert, mit dem Sie als Leser meine Blog-Artikel in der Sprache Ihrer Wahl lesen können
Click “Translate My Blog” on the upper right side of each page.
Every now and then a clock is temperamental. I am not talking about the signs of wear that will certainly stop a clock but occasionally it is serviced, everything looks good but it is downright cantankerous. Anyone who has 400-day anniversary clocks knows exactly what I mean. Are clocks moody?
I relocated my unmarked Vienna Regulator one-weight (time-only) wall clock from one room to another and it decided to stop, just like that! A push of the pendulum and 10 minutes or two hours later, it stops. Normally when a clock is moved and level is confirmed (and the movement in beat) it happily ticks along but not this time. Is my Vienna Regulator moody?
It is one of my favourite clocks and I wanted it to run.
Some might call it a mini Vienna Regulator others might call it just small. It is 34 inches long 4.75 inches deep and 11 inches at the widest point and 8.5 inches at the waist. Time-only Vienna Regulators are my absolute favourite. They are simple and usually very reliable.
Continue reading “Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?”
Though my collection consists of mechanical clocks exclusively, now there is an exception, a vintage Sessions electric table clock, model 3W with sweep second hand, made, of course, by the Sessions Clock Co. Forestville, Connecticut in 1936 and sold in Canada (a Canadian Standards Approval sticker is on the back).
Also on the back, it states that it consumes 2.5 watts, They couldn’t call it model 2.5! It was probably a very affordable clock in its day and available almost anywhere.
At 4 1/2 inches tall and 8 1/4 inches wide, it would fit on any countertop, bookcase etc. although because it lacks an alarm it would not be a bedside table clock. There is only one control in the rear, a push-and-twist-in knob that sets the time. Pretty simple!
It arrived with a missing plug, a detached minute hand and a finish that was almost completely worn off but the convex glass, face, brass bezel and motor are all in very good condition.
Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with 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
DW writes, “Hello, my name Is DW I need to know where I can purchase some parts for my Daniel Dakota Grandfather Clock. If you know of any store or hardware place please let me know. Thanks in advance”.
My reply, “Hi DW and thanks for writing. There are a number of clock suppliers in Canada and the US but unfortunately none carry parts for Daniel Dakota clocks. The reason is that these clocks have a limited life and once they stop they are often discarded. They are also difficult to repair because no replacement parts are available and few clock repairers will accept them for servicing.
You may find someone in your area that will fix your clock but if not you have three other options. Option one is to find a replacement movement. Option two is to attempt the repair yourself and option three is to convert your clock to a quartz movement.”
This interesting Rosewood veneered round top, mirrored tablet shelf clock appears to be a Jerome in name only. It is not a fake or marriage but a curious product of early to mid-1870s marketing.
But first, a little Jerome history.
One might be tempted to assume that this clock is associated with Chauncey Jerome, one of America’s most noted clockmakers who died in 1868.
Chauncey was well out of the clock business at the time of his death which poses two possibilities; 1) the Jerome in this instance may be Samuel B. Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut or 2) it is the New Haven Clock Company that was selling clocks using the trade name Jerome & Co. It would seem that New Haven and S.B. Jerome would be in conflict with each other. It’s all a bit confusing and perhaps more research is need to find those answers. In any event the Jerome name had strong marketing power.
Continue reading “Is it a Jerome & Co. clock or something else entirely?”
Every day, it seems, I am involved in the pursuit of learning more and more about the world of horology.
If I am not actually working on an antique or vintage clock I am researching information about a clock issue, taking photos/videos of clocks, online shopping for clocks or writing for my blog. But I also know that at certain times of the year I must put down my tools, close my books, step away from the keyboard and spend precious time with friends and family. Christmas is important to me.
Remember the simpler things in life
Gift-giving? My kids stress every year over what to get dad for Christmas. However, it is the little things I always appreciate in my Christmas stocking. Kids, if you want to stuff my stocking, a new pair of cloth gloves, a box of toothpicks, cotton swabs, or an artist paintbrush will do just fine.
Christmas is a time of joy, not of giving, unless the giving is in the form of love and appreciation for friends, family and colleagues.
So, if you are looking for that special gift for the clock lover in your family remember the simpler things in life.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.
Your first thought might be the Blackforest region of Germany and there is, indeed, a close relationship to that region to a small clock company that operated many years ago in Toronto, Ontario (Canada).
Blackforest is (or was) a well-known Canadian clock company. The Blackforest Clock Company of Toronto, Ontario was founded by Leopold and Sara Stossel in 1928. Both clock movements and complete clocks were imported from Germany and sold through department and jewelry stores across Canada.
Their son Ed Stossel started working part time with his parents’ company in the 1930s, and later became a full-time employee in the late 1940s.
Some assembly work was carried out in their Wellington Street East factory (Toronto). Initially, imported mantel clock and grandfather clock movements were installed in cases made in Kitchener, but later the complete mantel clocks were imported from Germany.
It is a one train time-only movement with tiny wheels and a unique twisting pendulum rate adjustment
The arrangement with suppliers was interrupted by the Second World War, which also led to a name change to the Forestville Clock Company in 1941. During the war years this company imported its clock movements from England, the United States, and even France. However, beginning in the 1950s German factories again became the source of movements, with Mauthe being a major supplier. Sadly, the company did not survive much past the late 1970s.
Continue reading “Blackforest clocks – I must be a sucker for these things”
How you ever wondered what keeps antique mechanical clocks going? It’s a miracle they work at all when they are as worn as this one.
Most old clocks I come across have common issues, dirty, oily movements and worn pivot holes here and there. Generally, all they need is a bushing or two and a good cleaning to put right.
Last week I wrote about a Jerome & Co. time and strike mantel clock I bought in Springfield Mass. during the annual convention of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors in June 2019. However, no amount of encouragement would make it run reliably.
Continue reading “Jerome and Co. mantel clock – success at last”
How you ever wondered what keeps mechanical clocks going? It’s a miracle they work at all when they are so worn as this one.
Most old clocks I come across have common issues, dirty, oily movements such as worn pivot holes here and there. Generally all they need is a good cleaning to put right.
I bought this Jerome & Co. time and strike mantel clock in Springfield Mass. during the annual convention of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors in June 2019 and I have only just got around to having a good look at it. It was purchased as part of a small package deal with other mantel clocks. All the clocks had very good cases but movement maintenance was largely ignored by the previous owner.
While the Jerome & Co mantel clock case was in exceptional condition, the movement was in pretty bad shape. No amount of encouraging would make it run.
In terms of style it is referred to as a round top, from the mid to late 1870s
Chauncey Jerome along with his brother Noble introduced the first mass-produced brass movement in 1839 two years after the depression of 1837 knocked out 90% of factories in the Northeast (New England States). The 30-hour brass movement was rugged, cheap to repair and not subject to swelling found in wood movement clocks. Despite business ups and downs Chauncey able was able to maintain a viable clock business until 1868 but later died penniless. This 8-day clock was made well after Chauncey’s death under the New Haven banner.
Continue reading “Jerome & Co. mantel clock – many issues, it wants to run but not today”
This attractive parlour clock, a Waterbury York, circa 1900, was bought at auction in the spring of 2019. Though inexpensive it is certainly worth servicing which is the subject of this article.
The time side was running but the strike side did not function at all. Usually these sorts of problems amount to simple lever adjustment issues but there were other surprises awaiting me.
The Waterbury Clock Company was incorporated in the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, on March 5, 1857. Until the Great Depression, Waterbury had been quite prosperous, but like so many companies, most of the profits lined the pockets of its Directors instead of being reinvested in new equipment and updated facilities. In 1932 the company was bought and re-organized under the name Ingersoll-Waterbury.and in later years the company morphed into the Timex Corporation. If you peruse the Timex site today you will see a line of Timex watches called the Waterbury collection.
Collecting, Repairing and Restoring Antique/Vintage Clocks
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.