Tag: hobby

The Therapeutic Art of Clock Repair in Retirement

August 15, 2023

Engaging in a fulfilling hobby like clock repair and restoration can offer immense benefits for the soul, especially during retirement. Horology provides a respite from life’s pressures and allows individuals to use their time constructively. Here are several compelling reasons why having a hobby like clock-making is invaluable for retirees and those approaching retirement. Boosts … More The Therapeutic Art of Clock Repair in Retirement

7 reasons why a hobby such as clockmaking gives respite during a pandemic

June 4, 2021

7 reasons why a hobby such as clockmaking gives respite during a pandemic. Builds self-esteem. Developing and maintaining a hobby is important because the small successes from day to day are enough to sustain oneself amid other pressures in life and it is the one solid thing to feel good about. It gives renewed energy … More 7 reasons why a hobby such as clockmaking gives respite during a pandemic

Smiths Enfield mantel clock

First blog post – 6 years ago

May 13, 2021

Clock collecting from a beginner’s perspective. That was the subject of my first blog post six years ago. Since then I have seen a lot of excellent and not-so-good blogs come and go but I wanted to give it my best shot and after 6 years, well, I am still here. I started with a … More First blog post – 6 years ago

Macro photography images and clock repair

November 25, 2020

How do you get those wonderful macro shots, a reader asked. Photography easily becomes part of almost any hobby and in my view, a camera is essential for clock repair. Describing a process on paper is one thing but it cannot replace a well-crafted video or a series of detailed still images. A picture is … More Macro photography images and clock repair

Dial face Kundo Clock

Horolovar guide and how to determine the correct suspension spring for a 400-day clock

October 1, 2020

A 400-day clock, also known as a torsion clock, is a type of mechanical clock designed to run for about a year (400 days) on a single winding. It features a unique suspension system, where a rotating pendulum or torsion spring controls the movement. The clock’s long-running time is achieved through a very slow, consistent … More Horolovar guide and how to determine the correct suspension spring for a 400-day clock

Search for my past clock articles using keywords

May 19, 2020

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19 I receive letters from all over the world asking my advice on a number of clock issues such as how a particular component of a mechanical clock should work, a clock repair challenge, … More Search for my past clock articles using keywords

Pequegnat dial touch up

7 reasons why a hobby is your oasis for the coming dark days

March 25, 2020

Amid the health crisis ensnaring the world today finding escape is good for the soul. Social distancing, self-isolation, and sheltered-in-place are terms representing new realities. However, we must all use our time at home constructively engaged in meaningful activities and mine is the repair and restoration of old clocks. Horology allows me to drift into … More 7 reasons why a hobby is your oasis for the coming dark days

Clock collecting and repair as a hobby – Part 1

June 21, 2019

This is Part I of a two part series. In Part I, I will discuss why I collect, repair and restore clocks. In Part II are 9 reasons why clock collecting and repair is a great hobby for just about anyone.

Arthur Pequegant Brandon II

Appreciating simplicity – the mechanical clock

April 14, 2019

What other machine have you acquired that has worked continuously since it was made 150 plus years ago and still does the job it was intended for? Mechanical clocks revolutionized people’s perception of time by displaying neutral, uniform units that showed the passage of time. Though not as accurate as the modern electronic timekeeper the … More Appreciating simplicity – the mechanical clock

George H. Clark 30 hour movement

George H Clark Ogee clock – movement and dial work

April 10, 2019

One cannot deny the classic style of an American Ogee clock. This one is in great shape and required almost nothing to get it to top form. 30-hour shelf clocks are abundant but not many cases survive years of wear and tear. This George H. Clark 30-hour shelf clock is a very good example of … More George H Clark Ogee clock – movement and dial work

Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator – a reader’s clock

April 7, 2019

I asked reader and fellow horologist Bob G. if he could kindly give me permission to profile one of his favorite clocks, an Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator circa 1904. This is a very impressive clock that showcases the best of Victorian style at the turn of the twentieth century. The photos are Bob’s and I … More Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator – a reader’s clock

At least orient the clock photo!

April 1, 2019

For sale Gilbert antique mantel clock If you are going to sell a clock tell me more about it and why is it sideways? It does not take much to orient a photo! Very annoying. Is it mechanical or electric? Looks like it is key wound from the rear.  

Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

March 28, 2019

This Gilbert tambour style mantel clock is model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert called a Normandy chime. The model number along with the words “Normandy Chime” are stamped on the bottom of the case. Gilbert called this the “Normandy Chime” as it was reminiscent of the old bells of Normandy (Corneville) in … More Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

Junghans Crispi wall clock

Junghans wall clock – Sometimes a small thing can be a pain in the, well, you know

March 24, 2019

The problem; a run-on strike. The solution; remove the movement, poke around looking for the cause, find it almost immediately and apply a quick fix. The story My winter (2017) project was an antique German Junghans Crispi time and strike spring driven wall clock made in the style of a Vienna Regulator. It was manufactured … More Junghans wall clock – Sometimes a small thing can be a pain in the, well, you know

Spring comes early this year but not by much! Adjust your clocks

March 20, 2019

The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox (sometimes also referred to as the spring equinox or March equinox) and it is almost always either March 20 or March 21 though it will fall on March 20 for the next two years in a row. The first day of the spring season is … More Spring comes early this year but not by much! Adjust your clocks

Schatz W3 – Installing an 8-rod chime block in a custom made clock case

March 5, 2019

Some time ago I bought this movement without a case. Having a movement without a case is like a car engine without the body I discovered this Aug Schatz & Sohne W3 (circa 1960) movement at a local antique store for under CAN$20. My wife said, “You should buy that, maybe you can make a … More Schatz W3 – Installing an 8-rod chime block in a custom made clock case

Lessons learned restoring grandfather’s old clock

March 1, 2019

I’ve thought about this clock, dreamt about it, wondered where it was all these years……and now I have it. I was confident that I could do something with this clock since I had just finished a major restoration project. I had no idea that the clock I was getting was a movement in a homemade … More Lessons learned restoring grandfather’s old clock

Smith Enfield time and strike

A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

February 26, 2019

Smiths Enfield mantel clocks are highly regarded by beginning clock collectors due to their popularity, abundance, and durable movements. For amateur clock repairers, they offer relatively few challenges. I acquired my Smiths Enfield time-and-strike clock in 2013 from a young clock tinkerer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but it was never a reliable runner. It would … More A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

Front room collection

A new & exciting direction in clock collecting & repair

February 22, 2019

I have been collecting clocks for over 8 years. In that time I have enjoyed my hobby immensely and I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting acquisitions. It is more like a daily passion. However, I now realize that as my collection steadily grows I have more than I need or want. … More A new & exciting direction in clock collecting & repair

My workshop

100,000 clock blog views – onward and upward

February 20, 2019

100,000 views, Wow! In the late spring of 2015 I attended a workshop on WordPress blogging at the local community college. I was impressed with the power of blogging. I had already begun collecting antique and vintage clocks and so, it was a good time to begin a blog and share my horological interests and … More 100,000 clock blog views – onward and upward

In clock restoration circles small details can make a big difference

February 16, 2019

Small details added during clock restoration projects can change the appearance of clock in a positive way. In this article I will describe how adding a piece (actually two), that should have there in the first place, will make all the difference. During the fall (2018) I spent a considerable amount of time restoring a … More In clock restoration circles small details can make a big difference

Crazy Clock ad – do you know what you are selling?

February 14, 2019

Okay, here’s the description. Carved pine antique mantle Grandmother clock circa 1900 “Pine”, “1900” and “antique” might be correct but what style is this clock? It is not a Grandmother clock but commonly known as a kitchen clock or a Gingerbread clock. It is not carved but steam pressed and tens of thousands of these … More Crazy Clock ad – do you know what you are selling?

Tick-Talk Tuesday

Tick Talk Tuesday #20 Pequegnat Classic mantel clock $6 online purchase

February 12, 2019

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 … More Tick Talk Tuesday #20 Pequegnat Classic mantel clock $6 online purchase

Crazy Clock Ads – would you buy this clock?

January 30, 2019

If you are going to sell a clock this is certainly not how to do it. The image (and there is only one image) is blurry and the person holding the clock looks like they are in their Pajamas. Plus, there are absolutely no details about this clock in the ad, just the price. Great … More Crazy Clock Ads – would you buy this clock?

George H. Clark 30 hour Ogee

George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock – in very nice shape

January 27, 2019

This George H. Clark 30-hour shelf clock is a very good example of Connecticut form. The case form is called and “og” or “ogee”. a mathematical term that describes the “S” curve shape in the primary molding that surrounds the door. The clock has a brass time, strike, weight driven movement with original printed paper … More George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock – in very nice shape