frankenclock – Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

There is a curious term you might have heard in relation to clocks and clock collecting. The term is FrankenClock.

Have you ever bought a clock and, as much as you hoped that every mechanical part, finial, and piece of trim was original, later found out through experience, research, or knowledge that it was not? How did you feel about your purchase? You might have felt disappointed, maybe even a little cheated. So, if a clock has parts that are not original, what would it be called? Some collectors call it a FrankenClock.

The term, of course, comes from the Frankenstein story by Mary Shelley — something assembled from parts taken from different sources. In Shelley’s world, a creature is formed from various body parts and brought to life.

In the clock world, a FrankenClock is typically a clock made up of mismatched parts: a movement from one clock, a case from another, replacement trim, incorrect hands, different weights, replacement glass, or reproduction parts.

In fact, after the Second World War, stories began circulating within clock-collecting circles that a large number of incomplete Vienna regulator–style clocks were sent to America—far more than had been seen before the war. There was a significant trade in parts, as dealers brought in crates of movements, boxes of weights, pendulums, hands, and other components.

These items were often mixed and matched, then reassembled into complete clocks and sold as original clocks in the United States and Canada.

This is an important point for collectors, because finding a completely original Vienna regulator is actually quite rare. I have heard this story often enough that I believe there is a great deal of truth to it.

Is a Frankenclock a bad clock?

Now, not all FrankenClocks are bad clocks. In fact, many are excellent timekeepers and display very well. The issue is usually not function — it is originality and value.

Over the years, clocks have often been repaired using whatever parts are available at the time. A broken glass panel gets replaced. A missing weight gets substituted with something close.

A damaged/broken movement gets replaced with a similar one. Hands get changed. Bezels get replaced. Trim pieces get lost and later substituted. After 100 or 150 years, it is actually quite amazing when you find a clock that is completely original.

This is especially true with:

Vienna regulators (as mentioned above)
Gingerbread clocks
Mantel clocks
Shelf clocks
Longcase clocks

Many of these clocks have lived long lives and have been repaired many times by many different people.

Look closely if you are shopping for a clock

When buying a clock, it is important to look closely at:

Glass thickness and mounting
Matching weights and pulleys
Correct hands for the model
Proper movement for the case
Dial and bezel fit
Trim pieces and finials
Signs of filled holes where trim used to be
Extra screw holes inside the case
Movement seat board modifications

These are often clues that parts have been changed over the years.

However, here is an important point that is sometimes overlooked: If you know a clock is made up of mixed parts, and you still like it, and the price reflects that, and you are happy with it, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with owning a FrankenClock.

Many collectors own them — sometimes knowingly, sometimes not. They can still be beautiful clocks, excellent timekeepers, and enjoyable pieces to own and display.

The problem only arises when a clock is represented as completely original when it is not, or when a buyer does not do enough research before purchasing.

There is a very appropriate expression for this situation:

Caveat Emptor — Let the buyer beware

The principle means that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality, authenticity, and suitability of goods before making a purchase. Reputable auction houses and dealers will usually disclose replaced parts or restorations, but this is not always the case with private sales, flea markets, antique malls, or online auctions.

When buying clocks, knowledge and careful inspection are your best protection. This is why buying a clock from eBay or a distant online seller is often too risky—you simply cannot perform the detailed visual inspection that is so important.

In the end, whether a clock is completely original or a bit of a FrankenClock, the most important question may simply be:

Do you like the clock?

If the answer is yes, and you understand what you are buying, then that may be all that really matters. Not every clock needs to be perfectly original or museum quality. Many clocks have lived long lives, been repaired, rebuilt, and cared for by generations of owners. Part of the charm of antique clocks is that they have stories, and sometimes those stories include a few replacement parts along the way.

Author’s note

None of the three clocks in this article is completely original. One has undergone extensive modification, while the other two have simply had smaller parts replaced during their long lives. I will leave it to the reader to decide which is which.

The ship of Theseus: Is an object like a clock that has had all of its components replaced, and remains fundamentally the same object?

How much can you change a clock before it loses its identity: One might argue that a clock ceases to be fundamentally the same if too much is replaced, even when new parts are made with the same materials.

How to display a clock in your home: Make your antique clock the star of the show by displaying it in a prominent location where it can take center stage.

Why you should avoid buying Chinese clocks: The most common criticism of Chinese-made mechanical clocks lies in their construction. Many are made using low-grade materials—cheap metals for gears, soft brass for plates, and low-tolerance machining.

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 collectors have faced this reality. A clock with non-original or mismatched parts is often referred to as a FrankenClock.

A Case in Point -A Gustav Becker Two-Weight Vienna Regulator

To illustrate, let me share the story of my own Vienna regulator clock that I purchased in 2016. At a glance, it presents very well, keeps excellent time, and has undergone necessary restoration, thorough cleaning, oiling, and case repairs. But is it original in every way? No, not by a long shot.

When I purchased this clock, it was sold as a “project clock,” with the seller making no claims about its originality—a fair and transparent transaction reflected in what I determined to be a fair price in 2016. Over time, I uncovered several details that revealed its true history.

The following is what I now know concerning my Gustav Becker 8-day time and strike wall clock

The Glass Panels

When the clock arrived, I had no way of knowing whether the glass panels—the front door glass and side lights—were original. It became a moot point when they shattered during shipping. The case also sustained damage, though not severe enough to require new parts—mostly just glue failing and pieces coming loose. When I took the case to a glass installer, they asked two key questions: Why is the side glass thicker than the front glass? And why were finishing nails used to secure the panels? These details cast doubt on whether the glass that came with the clock was original. In any event, the panels were replaced with new glass.

What I had assumed to be original was, in fact, another chapter in the clock’s long journey.

The Weights

At first glance, the clock’s two weights appeared identical. However, closer inspection revealed a subtle difference in their hook designs. Given Gustav Becker’s reputation for precision, it seems unlikely that the factory would have issued mismatched weights. This suggests that at least one weight is a replacement (and probably both, for that matter).

The Movement

The movement appears appropriate for the period and case, but is it original? The seller had disclosed missing parts, including the star wheel/snail, strike hammer, and rod. Additionally, the gathering pallet was bent, preventing the strike side from functioning. It was evidently harvested for parts.

Determined to restore the clock, I sourced what I thought was an exact donor movement from Poland—specifically from Gustav Becker’s Braunau factory (as opposed to the Silesia factory). However, despite being only 16 years newer, the donor movement had subtle differences: thinner plates, redesigned lever springs, a slightly thicker minute arbour shaft, and incompatible strike components. Unfortunately, the replacement parts were not interchangeable with the original movement.

Though disappointed, I decided to swap the entire movement, though I kept the original movement for transparency. If I ever sell the clock, I will disclose this change along with all other modifications.

It gets better (or worse).

Gustav Becker 2 weight clock — _{Replacement hands and brass bezel}

Other Replacements and Repairs

The spun brass dial bezel is a period-correct replacement which I sourced because the original was bent during shipment.
Some trim pieces, such as the bottom finials may have been added later, though their exact origin remains uncertain.
The bottom center finial is a replacement. Interestingly, it has wormwood holes, whereas the case itself has no traces of worm damage.
The clock originally had Ogee clock hands rather than Vienna regulator hands. Ogee clock hands are not correct for this clock. After an extensive search through suppliers in Canada, the U.S., and Britain, I was surprised by the limited availability of Vienna regulator hands. Eventually, I sourced a set from Poland. Although they are not historically accurate and not the design that might have been on the clock face at the time, I eventually settled on sleeker hands that look appropriate and will suffice for now.

Lessons Learned

I hesitate to dig any deeper into this clock, fearing I will uncover even more shortcomings.

Despite its mix of original and replacement parts, this clock remains a valuable learning experience.

Many collectors unknowingly own FrankenClocks—clocks that have been altered with non-original or mismatched parts. While reputable auction houses often disclose repairs, replacements, or questionable components, online listings are far less reliable. Sellers on popular online marketplaces may not always be aware of a clock’s history or may choose to omit important details.

When buying a clock, especially online, approach with caution. Examine all available photos carefully, looking for inconsistencies in the case, dial, hands, movement, and other components. Ask the seller direct questions about originality, repairs, or missing parts, and request additional photos if something seems unclear. If possible, compare the clock to known examples from reference books, collector forums, online image searches, or auction archives.

Be particularly wary of listings that provide vague descriptions, low-quality images, or no mention of service history. A clock that looks pristine may have been heavily restored, while one advertised as “original” may contain replacement parts that significantly affect its value. If purchasing in person, inspect the clock thoroughly—check for signs of “over-restoration”, mismatched components, or modern hardware securing old parts. If I see a Robertson or Phillips screws on a 100+-year-old clock I immediately back away.

Ultimately, knowledge is your best defense. The more informed you are about a particular clock model, the better equipped you’ll be to recognize potential red flags before making a purchase.

Tag: frankenclock