It is uncommon for a mechanical clock to run 25, 30 years or more with nothing more done to it other than the occasional oiling. I recently received a letter from someone who had taken his clock to a repair shop, where he was quoted a high price (in my view) for the repair and … More How to Prolong the Life of Your Mechanical Clock
The local environment is arguably the most influential factor in determining how long a mechanical clock will run smoothly between services. While mechanical wear and oil breakdown are inevitable over time, environmental conditions can either hasten or significantly slow down the aging process of a clock movement. Modern Homes: Controlled Yet Not Perfect In today’s … More How the Local Environment Affects the Longevity of a Mechanical Clock
A lot can happen to a mechanical clock over time. Even if your clock is primarily a decorative piece or a cherished family heirloom you’re hesitant to touch for fear of damaging it, it’s still wise to run it occasionally. Read on to learn why. An Unused Clock Surprisingly, it’s not regular operation that wears … More The Hidden Dangers of Idle Mechanical Clocks
I have never been completely happy with how the movement runs in this Junghans Crispi wall clock. When I got the clock in 2017, I jumped right into restoring the case because it was an interesting challenge to put the clock together from a bunch of parts. Now, eight years later, the clock continues to … More Crispi Wall Clock Movement by Junghans | My Nemesis
The other day, while teaching my criminal justice law class, I couldn’t help but notice how distracted the students were. Instead of participating in the discussion, they were glued to their phones. Admittedly, the material was a bit dry that day, but it got me thinking about a book I’ve been reading recently, Stolen Focus … More Regaining Focus in a Distracted World
A German-made Mauthe time-and-strike wall clock, likely from the late 1940s, was gifted to my father-in-law—a physician in a small Nova Scotia town—by a grateful secretary, likely in the mid-to-late 1960s. It hung in the family home until 1997 when it was packed away during a move and eventually passed to the user’s brother-in-law. The … More Servcing a Family Heirloom – Refreshing the Clock Case
Many years ago, my father-in-law received a gift from his secretary. As a physician in a small town in Nova Scotia, it was once common practice to accept small tokens of appreciation from fellow employees. The gift was a German-made Mauthe time-and-strike wall clock, often referred to today as a “box clock” and made sometime … More Servicing a Family Heirloom – A Sentimental Journey
I receive a number of letters each day from clock enthusiasts, first-time buyers, and people who have inherited family clocks, among others. Typically, I share these letters—while keeping the writer’s identity and location confidential. However, in this case, I’ve chosen not to publish the letter, as doing so would reveal both the sender’s identity and … More Tick Talk Tuesday | What is This Clock Worth?
Sometimes, demonstrating a task is easier than explaining it. This 14-minute beginner’s guide covers the basics of winding a mechanical clock, which is perfect for those who have just purchased their first one and need guidance. The video explains how to wind different types of antique and vintage clocks, including shelf clocks, tall case clocks, … More A Beginner’s Guide to Winding a Mechanical Clock
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
Wells Cathedral, located 31 kilometers south of Bristol in Somerset, England, is a masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it is renowned for its striking west front adorned with hundreds of medieval statues, its impressive scissor arches supporting the central tower, its beautifully preserved Chapter House, and its … More Wells Cathedral Clock Movement at the British Science Museum
I generally do not reveal the names of those who write to me when sharing their comments. I attempted to reach out to the author, but after several months without a response, I believe quoting their letter does not breach confidence, especially as I have also safeguarded their location. It’s a sincere message, so here … More Tick Talk Tuesday | Jauch Clocks of Germany
Have you ever come across the term FrankenClock in the world of clock collecting? If not, let me explain. Imagine purchasing a clock, hoping that every mechanical component, finial, and piece of trim is original, only to later discover—through experience, research, or sheer luck—that it isn’t. How would that make you feel? Disappointed? Cheated? Many … More Is Your Clock a FrankenClock? Key Insights for Collectors
Allow me to take 5 minutes of your time to watch my video of 19 wall clocks in my collection. Each wall clock is identified by its maker, where known. The video features background music throughout, with a brief segment of sound highlighting the winding of a Mauthe wall clock. Otherwise, there is no dialog. … More My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour
Reaching one million views on a blog is an achievement that any writer, content creator, or blogger should be proud of. It represents dedication, consistency, and the ability to engage an audience over time. For me, this milestone is particularly meaningful, as it reflects years of sharing my passion for clocks, restoration, and horological history … More One Million Views: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
When it comes to mechanical clocks, accuracy is the ultimate measure of their performance. Whether it’s the steady tick of a wall clock or the rhythmic chime of a grandfather, several factors play a crucial role in determining how well a clock keeps time. From the quality and condition of the movement to environmental influences … More The factors that influence accuracy in a mechanical clock
There are thousands of clock photos on the internet, ranging from stunningly detailed images to blurry, poorly lit snapshots. As an amateur photographer, I appreciate the effort some put into capturing high-quality images, but it’s frustrating to see clocks photographed in poor light, out of focus, or with distracting backgrounds. Whether you are showcasing a … More How to Photograph Clocks Like a Pro: 7 Essential Tips
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
One of life’s unavoidable inconveniences is the act of adjusting our clocks either forward or backward in November and March. It is called Daylight Savings Time or DST. The goal of DST is to make better use of daylight by prolonging the amount of time we can spend outside during daylight hours. The argument for … More Daylight Saving Time: Why It’s Time To End This Unpopular Inconvenience
Idioms are fixed phrases or expressions whose meanings can’t be understood just by interpreting the individual words. Their meanings are figurative and widely recognized within a particular culture or language. Every language has its own idioms. In horology, we have quite a few, and it’s fascinating how the word “clock” plays such a prominent role … More Idioms and Expressions with the word “Clock” in Them | 2025 edition
I occasionally browse online sites in search of a rare gem—a clock with history, character, and craftsmanship that stands out from the crowd. But more often than not, my searches lead me to an assortment of clocks that are less than inspiring. The worst offenders tend to be battery-operated models that, quite frankly, have little … More When a Clock Listing Misses the Mark Completely
I enjoy writing about the clocks in my collection, but I often receive emails from fellow clock enthusiasts who have invested time and energy into their own collection. I’m sure they would love to showcase their clocks, but lack the necessary platform. Here is my offer to you. If you have a clock in your … More Showcase Your Treasured Clock or Clocks: Submit Your Story
I have a collection of 11 Arthur Pequegnat clocks, including three beautiful wall clocks which you can view on this 5-minute YouTube video. I have written extensively about the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, but to summarize: the company was founded in Berlin, Ontario (renamed Kitchener in 1917) in 1904 and produced its final clock in … More Watch My Short Video on all the Arthur Pequegnat Clocks in My Collection
It’s the little things that count in life. While this expression holds true in many aspects of our lives, it is equally true when it comes to antique and vintage clock repair. This article highlights tools that can be invaluable for clock repair. Though not strictly essential, once you start using them, you’ll likely wonder … More Compact Tools to Assist in Clock Repair
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
Collecting, Repairing and Restoring Antique & Vintage Clocks
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.