Tag: gustav becker

A Return to the Bench: Wear-Related Strike Problems in a Gustav Becker P27

March 2, 2026

I wrote recently about a two-weight Gustav Becker regulator wall clock that my wife bought for me in 2016. It was sold as a “project clock.” While the case presented its own challenges, the real difficulties lay in the movement. At the time, I was unfamiliar with Gustav Becker movements and only gradually realized that … More A Return to the Bench: Wear-Related Strike Problems in a Gustav Becker P27

Gustav Becker 2 weight clock

Ten Years Later: An Odd Strike Issue in a Gustav Becker P27 Movement

February 9, 2026

In 2016, my wife gifted me a two-weight Gustav Becker regulator wall clock. It was a much-appreciated gift, and I spent many hours restoring it, as it had been sold as a “project clock.” The case certainly had its issues, but the most challenging problems lay in the movement itself. At the time, I was … More Ten Years Later: An Odd Strike Issue in a Gustav Becker P27 Movement

How to Arrange Antique Clocks for Maximum Impact

April 8, 2025

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

Is Your Clock a FrankenClock? Key Insights for Collectors

March 28, 2025

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

My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour

March 25, 2025

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

Assessing Antique and Vintage Clock Values: Key Factors

October 18, 2024

Every clock owner wants to know what their clock is worth, and every seller hopes to sell for as much as possible. This guide offers a framework to evaluate antique and vintage clocks for both buyers and sellers, starting with insights into the unpredictable clock market. The Unpredictable Clock Market Determining the value of a … More Assessing Antique and Vintage Clock Values: Key Factors

Prolonging the Life of your antique or vintage clock

October 17, 2023

New owners of an antique or vintage clock might find it surprising that their recent purchase requires periodic maintenance. This realization often dawns upon them only when the clock stops, and they struggle to get it running again. In this discussion, we explore regular clock maintenance, underscoring the importance of continuous inspection to ensure your … More Prolonging the Life of your antique or vintage clock

Pendulum clocks and Temperature compensation

June 20, 2023

In this post I will acquaint the reader with temperature compensation and what it means for maintaining the accuracy of a mechanical clock. Almost all materials expand noticeably with heat and contract when cooled. Temperature compensation is a critical factor to consider when it comes to the maintenance and repair of antique mechanical clocks. Clocks … More Pendulum clocks and Temperature compensation

Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later

October 31, 2022

One of my retirement gifts in 2016 was a 2-weight time and strike Gustav Becker wall clock. My wife had thoroughly searched eBay and picked what she determined to be the best gift for me considering a Gustav Becker wall clock had always been on my wish list. It was everything I had hoped for … More Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later

George H Clark 30-hour ogee clock

Dating an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part II

April 26, 2022

Honestly, an entire book could be devoted to the topic of dating clocks. Some time ago, I published an article titled “How to Date an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part I,” in which I used specific examples from my own collection. I’d like to explore this topic further, and this post will discuss additional … More Dating an Antique or Vintage Clock – Part II

Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator wall clock – 3 years later

July 17, 2019

Clock collectors usually pride themselves in having at least one Gustav Becker (GB) clock in their collection. I have just one but I am always on the lookout for another. Becker clocks are not difficult to identify and date. Along with a maker’s stamp, serial numbers on the clock movements identify the year of manufacture. … More Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator wall clock – 3 years later

one-weight Vienna wall clock

Antique and vintage wall clock collection

February 8, 2019

It has taken me 6 years to assemble my collection of antique and vintage clocks. Although I have many clocks, wall clocks are my particular favorites. Check out my collection of antique and vintage wall clocks in this YouTube video I made in January 2019. Feel free to comment.

Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe mantel clock

My antique clock stopped, what do I do?

August 4, 2018

An antique clock stopping unexpectedly can be frustrating, especially if it has been running smoothly for years. However, a stopped clock doesn’t always signal a major problem. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and basic maintenance. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a recent addition to your collection, … More My antique clock stopped, what do I do?

Wall stabilzers

What is this thing for? #1 – The clock case stabilizer

July 12, 2018

My Gustav Becker Vienna Regulator wall clock is 51 inches in length. It is a 2-weight regulator that runs on an eight day cycle. In order to bring the weights up I must open the access door and insert the winding crank into the arbours on the clock face. I then raise the weights to … More What is this thing for? #1 – The clock case stabilizer

Westclox display at the Candian Clock Museum

What style of clock do I have?

January 27, 2018

Clocks have been more than just timekeepers throughout history; they are reflections of art, culture, and technological innovation. Whether for practical use or decorative appeal, clock styles have evolved to match the tastes, craftsmanship, and technologies of their times. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic and varied clock styles. The clock is … More What style of clock do I have?

NAWCC museum, Columbia Penn.

Visit to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors museum

September 13, 2017

We were making our way to Missouri after beginning our journey in Maine in early May (2017). We only had one very important stop along the way because for the past 5 years I have always wanted to see the NAWCC clock museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania. Ever since I seriously wrapped my head around clock … More Visit to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors museum

Gustav Becker weights

My Gustav Becker – one year later

April 1, 2017

It has been one year since my wife presented me with a Vienna Regulator wall clock as a retirement gift. I was in heaven! I always wanted a Gustav Becker clock. I thought it was the holy grail of clocks. As I delve more deeply into this hobby and have the benefit of a greater knowledge … More My Gustav Becker – one year later

Gustav Becker 2 weight clock

Why a Vienna Regulator clock is not a regulator

February 20, 2017

This article will explore the notion that a Vienna Regulator clock is not a true regulator. I realize that any discussion of regulator clocks produces a wide variety of conflicting opinions, nevertheless, here is my take subject of the Vienna Regulator and why it is not a true regulator. The word “regulator” is  loosely defined … More Why a Vienna Regulator clock is not a regulator

Westclox display at the Candian Clock Museum

9 reasons why you should buy a mechanical clock

December 22, 2016

The world is changing and sadly, we are living in an increasingly throw-away society. We are taught at an early age that not many things are meant to last and using a throw-away product “guarantees” that the new product will function much better, but does it? I read a news article recently that Norway plans … More 9 reasons why you should buy a mechanical clock

Clock movement

Is my clock worth fixing?

December 8, 2016

It is a question many clock owners face when confronted with a nonfunctional antique or vintage clock. Whether it’s a handed-down family heirloom, a vintage find from a flea market, or a sentimental gift, deciding whether to invest in repairs can feel daunting. Beyond its monetary value, a clock’s worth often lies in its history, … More Is my clock worth fixing?

A Pig in a Poke

October 5, 2016

“A pig in a poke” is an old expression but it still has relevance in the clock world today. What does it mean? It means something that is bought or accepted without knowing its value or seeing it first. Or, another way of putting it, a deal that is foolishly accepted without being examined first. If you have been … More A Pig in a Poke

Front room collection

Clocks in their natural surroundings

June 13, 2016

I noticed this topic in a well frequented clock forum site and it prompted me to write this article. Many clock collectors realize that presentation is everything. I have about 25 clocks on display in my home and in each case I try as much as possible to situate the clock so that it catches the eye, enhances … More Clocks in their natural surroundings

one-weight Vienna wall clock

What is my clock worth?

May 24, 2016

Every clock owner wants to know what their clock is worth and every clock seller wants to know what price they can ask for. This article will provide a guide to buying or selling an antique or vintage clock. I will attempt to answer the following questions beginning with comments about the unpredictable clock market. … More What is my clock worth?

Gustav Becker 2 weight clock

How many marriages have you performed?

May 17, 2016

I do not mean marriage in the traditional sense. In the clock world a marriage is defined as a bringing together of parts to make a complete functioning clock. Among clock circles it is generally accepted that if a clock has significant parts from another source, such as a movement, pendulum, weights, put into a different though correct case it is … More How many marriages have you performed?

Is Your Clock a FrankenClock? Key Insights for Collectors

April 7, 2016

This article is about a curious term that you might have heard concerning clocks and clock collecting. The term is FrankenClock. Let me explain. Have you ever bought a clock and as much as you hoped that every mechanical part, finial and piece of trim is original and you later found out through experience, research or knowledge … More Is Your Clock a FrankenClock? Key Insights for Collectors