Reflections on a Year of Clock Collecting and Less Time Repairing

As we enter a new year it is time to look back on the adventures and milestones I’ve experienced in the world of antique and vintage clock collecting and repair in the past year. 2024 has been one of discovery, growth, and deepening appreciation for the art of horology.

Over the past year, I have been shifting the focus of my collection. While I have acquired clocks from various countries, my interest has increasingly centered on Canadian clocks and those with a Canadian connection. This focus is evident in my acquisitions of the following clocks this year.

Adding to the Collection

My collection of Arthur Pequegnat clocks grew significantly this year with the addition of some standout pieces.

The Dandy and Hamilton Tall models were particular highlights, each offering unique insights into the craftsmanship and history of the Pequegnat Clock Company.

I also came across a rare find — a 30-hour Ogee clock by the Canada Clock Co., a true testament to Canadian clockmaking heritage. An interesting feature of this clock is the faux grain finish on the wood case, which was evidently a cost-saving measure by the company to make their prices competitive with American manufacturers at the time.

One of my most memorable acquisitions was an Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe clock (not pictured), purchased in 2018 from a shop in Victoria, British Columbia, for close to $200. This year, I added the Jewel model to my collection after spotting it on a high shelf at a local antique shop. Its price was surprisingly modest, coming in at less than a quarter the cost of the Simcoe making the find all the more satisfying. The addition of legs and side handles distinguishes it from the Simcoe.

My most interesting acquisition was not a Canadian clock but a German-made Kienzle wall clock, which was given to me by a gentleman in Ontario (Canada).

The clock had been passed down from his grandfather, and the seller hoped to find someone who would truly appreciate it. He contacted me for advice and asked about its value. I offered some insights and mentioned that if he was unable to sell it, I would be happy to take it off his hands. Honestly, I never expected to hear back from him after that.

Several months later, he reached out to tell me that he would be gifting it to me. We arranged a hand-off in a small village in Quebec, and it has since become part of my collection. It is a handsome clock with a resonant two-tone strike that is one of the most “complete” clocks in my collection (for more on this clock go here).

Repairing and Restoring

In 2024, I spent less time repairing and servicing clock movements, instead focusing on my blog, researching clocks and clock companies and their histories, and maintaining my collection.

On the repair front, I tackled several challenging yet rewarding projects, including a Seth Thomas Type 89 time and strike and a HAC/HAU time and strike movement. These were standard servicing tasks that presented minimal issues.

Generally, my servicing philosophy is to avoid replacing original components as much as possible but I always test and ensure they meet the clock’s functional requirements. This year reinforced my belief that preserving original parts is vital to maintaining a clock’s authenticity.

_{HAC (Hamburg American Clock Co.) movement with plate removed}

Among the repairs waiting their turn is the Danby model by Arthur Pequegnat which has been placed on the back burner due to other priorities. With three other movements to finish first, the servicing of those clocks plus the Danby will be projects for later in 2025.

Another project I’ll be tackling in 2025 is a family clock. This past year, I received my father-in-law’s clock for repair. It was passed down to my wife’s brother and has been out of service for over 25 years. I plan to return it fully serviced, and I hope that this stately Mauthe wall clock will take a prominent place in my brother-in-law’s home as a sentimental reminder of my wife’s father.

Sharing the Passion

This year celebrates seven years of blogging about clock collecting, repairs, and restoration. My blog has become a platform to share knowledge and stories, blending my love of writing, photography, and horology. Though I took a break for the holiday season, I look forward to returning this year with fresh content and inspiration.

One of the goals of this blog is to introduce antique and vintage clocks to younger generations and inspire an appreciation for these remarkable mechanical devices from the past. In today’s modern age of a throw-away culture, how many items can you think of that still function flawlessly after more than a century? It is a short list indeed!

A Special Milestone

In 2025, I will celebrate the remarkable milestone of reaching 1 million views, and I’ll be publishing a special article to mark the occasion. This achievement highlights the significant impact and reach of my content, demonstrating that my blog has resonated with a broad audience and built a dedicated following over time. Reaching this level of engagement is a testament to the value and quality of the information I share, making it an incredibly rewarding accomplishment as a creator.

A Broader Perspective

My collecting journey has always been intertwined with a sense of history and nostalgia. Yet, I’ve also faced the reality that interest in antique clocks is waning among younger generations. While my children may not share my passion, I find joy in preserving my clocks for future collectors or enthusiasts who might rediscover their charm. I hope that a younger generation will emerge and find value in collecting these old treasures.

My tastes and collecting habits are evolving, and I am increasingly focusing on Canadian-made clocks or those with a significant Canadian connection. This year, I may sell some of my more common clocks, which will reduce my collection to a more manageable size while still preserving my collection of 15 Canadian-made clocks.

Looking Ahead

As the New Year is upon us, I’m excited about the possibilities. My trip to the UK in 2024 provided opportunities to explore horological treasures, visit museums, and reconnect with my British heritage. Whether acquiring new clocks or deepening my understanding of their history, I’m eager to see where future journeys take me.

To all fellow enthusiasts and readers of my blog: thank you for your support and shared passion for these timeless pieces of history. Here’s to another year of celebrating the art and craft of clocks!

January 14, 2025 5

A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge

My collection of clocks is divided between my home in Nova Scotia and our cottage in Central Canada. Part of my collection is there because I am not the type of person who abandons a hobby; I make it a part of my everyday life.

Although not an even split, about 15% of the collection is at our summer cottage in central Canada. The clocks at the cottage, though not particularly special, add a charming ambiance to the space. They often serve as great conversation starters when guests are over, contributing to the cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Let’s begin in the sunroom, the focal centre of our cottage. In this room are two German box clocks, a Mauthe and a Kienzle, which has been a recent acquisition. Joining the two box clocks is a 30-hour Ansonia cottage clock.

_{Mauthe time and strike box clock} _{(the wall to the left is under construction)}

Check out this recently posted article for more information on the Kienzle clock.

Inside the main part of the cottage which comprises the kitchen, dining, and living area are 3 clocks, a Hemle time and strike weight-driven wall clock, passed on by my wife’s uncle, known as a wag-on-a-wall clock, an Empire time-only gallery-style clock from England, and a 30-hour New Haven miniature ogee.

This New Haven clock might look good from a distance, but closer inspection reveals that the front veneer has been stripped, likely due to significant loss or damage. This condition is not common with old veneered cases but unfortunately, it is what it is.

In our bedroom is one clock, and one clock only, and it is placed there for a reason. It is a time-only GIlbert gallery clock. Gallery clocks, in other parts of the world, may be known pub-clocks, canteen clocks, or office clocks.

This time-only gallery-style clock made by the Gilbert Company of USA is nondescript and quite ordinary looking. There is nothing special or distinctive about it but it is in excellent condition.

Check out this article on how having a clock in the bedroom can aid in getting a restful night’s sleep. The article describes how providing a gentle reminder of the time helps regulate your sleep patterns and creates a more restful environment.

So, there you have it—time flies at my summer cottage with these clocks. They may not be particularly special, but they surely tick all the boxes to enhance my summer experience!

July 12, 2024

1930 Kienzle Box Clock | A Heartfelt Gift and Memorable Encounter

Occasionally I have clocks gifted to me as in the case of this lovely Art Deco-style German round-top wall clock made by Kienzle. The gift was greatly appreciated, although there was a small condition attached, which I will explain later.

There are times when people consider gifting me a clock but hesitate because of the high shipping expenses. When I tell them I’m willing to accept the clock, they often balk upon discovering how much it would cost to send it to me. Consequently, I have missed out on some interesting clocks due to shipping constraints.

Earlier this year, DN from central Canada was researching his grandfather’s vintage clock online and found a similar one, which led him to my blog. We exchanged emails about the history and condition of his grandfather’s clock and he asked about its resale potential. Based on the current market, I provided him with an estimated value.

I suggested several methods for selling the clock and offered to consider purchasing it myself if he could not find a buyer. Unaware that I would hear from DN again, it was four months later when he reached out and offered to gift me the clock, confident it would be cherished by a collector like myself. The condition was that I make a donation to a charity.

While traveling to central Canada to spend the summer, I had the opportunity to meet DN. With military precision, we arranged to meet in a small village 1/2 hour from our summer cottage. The well-packaged clock went from one car to the next. Afterward, we talked on the roadside, discussing the clock and, of course, sharing our cottage experiences. I said my thanks and drove off.

I know more about this clock than almost anything in my collection thanks to DN and the well-preserved clock owned by his grandfather and carefully stored for approximately 25 years following his passing. DN‘s grandfather, an engineer, appreciated the intricacy of the German-made clock and kept all the documentation. Nothing is missing from the clock; all the parts are intact.

There is a “certificate of guarantee” from the Franco-American Supply Co. with a purchase date of May 18, 1930. The Franco-American Clock Co. became the Franco-American Supply Co. in 1918/1919. Their business eventually expanded to musical instruments, including gramophones. They operated as a distributor rather than a manufacturer, specializing in supplying clocks at a mid-level scale to retailers.

In addition, there is a factory control slip and instructions for the gong protector. There are two stand-offs (upper right, photo below), but I could not find the screw holes in the back of the case to accommodate them. Perhaps they were offered as optional at the time, otherwise, why were they kept? And of course, the original key.

_{It is rare to buy a clock with any documentation}

Overall, it is in exceptional condition for a 96-year-old clock. I could not see any tell-tale signs that the movement had been worked on, and in its assembled state, I did not observe any appreciable wear. Of course, once disassembled and cleaned, I will have a clearer understanding of any wear issues.

My immediate task is to determine if the clock can run and strike as it should. I removed the movement from its case, applied a drop of oil to the pivots, reinstalled the movement, and gave the pendulum a push. It runs well. Next, I will prioritize thorough cleaning and attend to any signs of wear.

Finally, I am making my donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in memory of my mother-in-law, who passed away this spring. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay “Catholic organization whose mission is to help shape a more just and compassionate society by providing food assistance, material help for the needy, emergency relief, and addressing housing challenges across Canada”.

July 9, 2024

Troubleshooting a Time-Side Mainspring Issue in a Kienzle Wall Clock

Kienzle might not ring a bell for many clock enthusiasts, but it was a major German producer of clocks for the general public.

Kienzle Uhren GmbH, was founded in 1822 by Johannes Schlenker in Schwenningen, in Black Forest region. Jakob Kienzle joined the family by marriage in 1883 and became the sole owner in 1897. He revolutionized clock production through mass production, leading to significant expansion. By 1939, the company employed over 3,500 people and produced around 5 million clocks annually. Kienzle eventually transitioned to wristwatch production and continues to operate as a watchmaker.

This Kienzle wall clock was bought at auction in 2021. It was my second Kienzle, the first, an attractive desk clock from the early 1950s. But in general, I was unfamiliar with the maker. I later learned that the clock was missing some details: a case decoration above the number 12, both standoffs and the pendulum rod retainer was broken. However, the case itself is in relatively good condition.

The time and strike movement in this round top box clock is compact, with a 43 cm pendulum length and a beat rate of 104 per minute.

I serviced this movement in 2021 shortly after acquiring it. At the time I found It exhibited typical wear for its age, with the time side running relatively freely and the strike side being somewhat sluggish. After disassembly, an assessment revealed that the movement required 10 bushings: 6 on the backplate and 4 on the front. The work was completed without issues, the movement was reassembled and tested and the clock ran reliably until this year.

Now it has stopped. In short, I’m not entirely sure what caused it to stop.

Suspecting a power issue, I removed the movement from its case and took off the hands and dial face. I also let the mainsprings down but left enough tension to supply power. I unscrewed the crutch bridge to remove the pallets which allowed the escape wheel to run freely. So, not a power issue. I continued to inspect the wheels and pinions and found nothing amiss. While out of the case, I re-oiled the movement.

The issue seems to be with the time-side mainspring. Looking back at my notes, I serviced both mainsprings in 2021 and didn’t observe anything unusual about them at the time.
However, I’ve noticed that if I fully wind the time side, the clock is reluctant to start. This issue has happened more than once. Releasing the tension of the time-side mainspring with a wind-down key allows the movement to start running again. If I don’t wind the time side mainspring completely, the clock seems to run without any problems.

I can only conclude that I did not clean the mainsprings as thoroughly as I should have. Residual dirt and grime on the inner part of the coil seem to cause the spring to seize when wound tightly. In the meantime, the solution is not to wind the time-side mainspring fully.

Unfortunately, the mainspring barrels cannot be removed separately as in the case of some German movements, necessitating the complete disassembly of the movement to replace/inspect the mainsprings in case of an issue. If it were feasible to remove the mainspring barrel independently, I would have taken the opportunity to remove the mainspring from the barrel and clean it more thoroughly.

Testing the Kienzle movement on a makeshift test stand — _{Kienzle movement on the test stand}

I am not about to disassemble the clock again as I have more pressing projects on the go but in the meantime, it will run as long as I do not wind the time-side spring too tightly.

June 18, 2024

Kienzle World Time desk clock

This clock stands out as one of the most distinctive pieces in my collection. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary desk clock, but it has a fascinating history behind its production. I can easily picture it sitting on the desk of an import-export executive in the 1950s.

The first Kienzle World Time clock was given to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday in 1939 by the government of Württemberg. The clock featured a classic design with a world map in the “Mercator” cylindrical map projection style and a rotating scale displaying the time in various cities. It was designed by Heinrich Johannes Möller, a renowned designer working for Kienzle from 1931 to 1970. Möller was hired at the age of 27 and became the principal designer at Kienzle.

The original clock had a bulky base and was adorned with a controversial pattern around the bezel. I have a photo of the original clock, but I chose not to share it due to the presence of swastika symbols on the clock. The swastika is now widely associated with hate and discrimination.

After the war, the design was updated: the decorations were removed, and the base was reduced in size, while the overall layout of the dial remained consistent across different versions of the clock. These versions ranged from early mechanical models to electro-mechanical versions and, eventually, quartz movements in the 1980s.

An interesting aspect of the clock is that it originally positioned Germany at the center of the world. In its update, the area around the center cannon shows North Africa.

The World Time Clock, also known as the Weltzeituhr model, was a long-running product available for purchase until Kienzle’s bankruptcy in 1996. When the World Time Clock was first introduced in 1939, Kienzle employed over 6,500 people and produced 5 million clocks annually.

Back of Kienzle clock — _{Kienzle clock} _{showing the winding key and setting knob in the rear}

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Kienzle clocks shifted away from their original stylistic prominence and began to follow contemporary international design trends. Despite this shift, Heinrich Johannes Möller continued to play a key role, influencing not only the design of Kienzle clocks but also the broader world of clock design.

Mechanical clocks are highly valued and sought after by collectors due to their craftsmanship and traditional design. These versions are typically considered more valuable than modern electromechanical and quartz alternatives.

May 10, 2024

Kienzle time and strike movement servicing

I have just one other Kienzle clock in my collection and it is a rather unusual one, the World Time desk clock from the 1940s. I do not come across Kienzle clocks very often. They are no lessor quality than most German clocks, I just don’t see many around this region.

The latest is a German styled round top box clock. It was a an auction buy. I knew it was German at the time but did not know the maker. After a little research I discovered that it is made by Kienzle Uhren.

Kienzle Uhren GmbH is a well-respected German clock company that has a long history.

The company was founded in Schwenningen in southern Germany, in the Black Forest, by Johannes Schlenker, in 1822. In 1883, Jakob Kienzle became part of the family by marriage, and took control of the company, becoming its sole owner in 1897.

Jacob revolutionized production by mass-producing individual components and then assembling them. This modern manufacturing approach led to a massive expansion, and by 1939, Kienzle had over 3,500 employees and was making about 5 million wall-clocks and table clocks per year.

The company continued on through the years, changing hands a few times and gradually shifted production to wristwatches. It continues in business to this day as a watch maker.

The movement

In many respects it is a typical well-engineered German movement from the 1930s. The movement is compact in design and anyone who has worked on German movements will feel right at home. It has a 43 cm pendulum length and runs at 104 beats per minute as per the stamping on the back plate.

Kienzle movement, back showing pendulum leader and strike hammers

Front plate showing rack and snail mechanism

Unfortunately, the spring barrels cannot be removed separately, the movement must be completely taken apart to replace the mainsprings if they break.

The 4 hammer strike assembly can be taken apart separately. One advantage is that once the plates are back together the strike paddle can be easily positioned on the star wheel. The strike has a repeater function which is handy.

With top plate off and showing the placement of the wheels

All parts are hand-cleaned before putting them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Taking excess oil and grime off the movement prior to cleaning ensures a longer life for the cleaning solution. When the solution gets dirty enough I discard it.

The movement has a combination of leaf and lantern pinions, leaf pinions on the second wheels and lantern pinions up both trains. I expect the ultrasonic will do a great job cleaning the lantern pinions.

Taking the mainsprings out of their barrels

The mainsprings must be taken out to be cleaned and the barrels cleaned in the ultrasonic. The springs are quite powerful and mainspring troubles account for many problems with German clocks.

When the mainspring breaks movement damage can result. Teeth are torn form the barrel and the first leaf/lantern pinion is destroyed or the second arbor is bent. I have had movements go both ways from severe damage to simply a broken mainspring (which is easily replaced).

Cleaning of springs and barrels is therefore essential not only to ensure they are free from old oil and dirt but to inspect them for cracks, breaks, and tears. These mainsprings appear to be in very good condition.

I typically preheat the Polychem Deox 007 solution and run parts for 20 to 30 minutes in the ultrasonic, switching off the heat midway through the cycle. I dry all the parts by hand and for the lantern pinions and some parts that seem to hide water, I use a hairdryer to ensure that everything is free of any potential rust build-up.

The mainsprings, which are cleaned of old oil are done separately in the ultrasonic cleaner.

All parts except mainsprings are placed in the ultrasonic cleaner

The next step is putting the re-oiled mainsprings back into their barrels and for that a spring winder is a must. Polishing the pivots come after that.

Olie Baker spring winder. Cleaning the strike side mainspring

Bushing work

This movement might have been cleaned at one point in its life based on pivot scratches on the inside of the plates and worn screws on the back cock but it has never been bushed. When I tested the wheels in the movement I found the time side ran relatively freely while the strike side seemed stiff and sluggish. So, the movement is worn but the wear would be no more than typical for its age.

Following my first assessment I have determined that the movement requires as many as 10 bushings, 6 on the backplate and 4 on the front or, 5 on the strike side, and 5 on the time side. As expected there is more wear lower in the trains.

On the front plate are:

The second wheel time side, third and fourth wheel on the time side and the verge.

On the rear plate are:

Second wheel on the time side, second and third wheel on the strike side, third and fourth wheel on the strike side and the verge.

I always like to start with the most difficult, the pivot hole on the back cock which supports the suspension spring, crutch and pendulum.

In total 12 bushings were required, including the escape wheel. The escape wheel was pretty sloppy both front and back, and better to do those while the movement is apart. 12 is probably the most I have installed in a German clock in quite a long time.

Reassembly and testing

I generally perform a power test prior to the final assembly of the verge, rack and snail, and all outside pieces. It is a good check against my bushing work and if anything is tight or stiff I can address it without taking everything apart. Everything looked good at that point.

Both trains are moving and being tested before the other parts go on

However, with verge installed, pendulum leader, crutch and pendulum, the movement consistently stopped after a few minutes. I took it apart and discovered that the 4th wheel on the time side was moving stiffly. As that wheel had a new bushing installed all it took was reaming out the pivot hole to free it up. Now the movement is running well.

Onward to the strike side and attaching the levers, snail and rack. The levers, rack and snail and gears are attached and finally the strike hammers are installed. The strike hammer posts must be bolted in from the inside of the back plate, something to remember when reassembling the movement.

When I got the clock only one strike hammer functioned but with all hammers repositioned all 4 strike hammers are doing their job and producing a melodic bim-bam strike.

The case does not require much attention other than a cleaning with soap and water.

There is absolutely nothing on the movement, gong block or case that tells me who the maker is though I now know it is definitely a Kienzle.

September 22, 2021

Pursuing a clock on an online auction

I have a growing collection of clocks with upwards of 85 in my collection. My focus is on clocks made in Canada that are entirely manufactured in this country or companies such as Fleet and Forestville, that assembled clocks with foreign/domestic cases and movements. In addition, I have many other clocks that were made in France, Briton, Germany, Austria and so on.

In terms of style, my particular interest is wall clocks. Within my collection, I have 21 wall clocks, the oldest around 1870, and the newest is from the 1930s.

I would like to add one more to my collection but it is sitting in an auction house awaiting my bid. This post will describe my experience bidding on a clock at an online auction. Did I win the clock? Read on and the answer will be revealed at the end of the post.

During pandemic times it is probably safer purchasing a clock online. There remains a risk however. Unknowns are the condition of the case, who the maker is, the state of the movement and what time and money it will take to service it. At this point I only have photos to go on. This is an estate auction and the auction house is located 1 1/2 hours drive from my home.

The clock appears to be a vintage oak-cased German time and strike from about the 1930s. I am guessing Mauthe as the maker since there is no indication from the auction information as to who made the clock. Many German makes have the company name or logo on the dial face; there is nothing on this one. Nevertheless, It looks like a good prospect and I will chance it.

Box clocks were all the fashion in the 1920s and 1930s but those with round tops were less common. Many German tall case or hall clocks of that era had round tops so it is unusual to see a round top on a wall clock. Nevertheless, it is a very attractive clock with simple lines in the Art Deco style.

The three tall panes of beveled glass look good. There appears to be a scratch or a crack on the right hand section of the door about halfway up, but nothing is showing on the inside of the door in that area.

There are no pictures of the movement but one can see the movement seat board thumb screws and the winding arbours in the next shot. The rod gong is visible behind the pendulum rod and it looks like a rod lock at the midway point.

The item description does not say it is running and it does not come with a key. The pendulum is crooked on the auction photo which might mean the connecting hook is broken or it is hooked incorrectly.

This is an online auction called a “Lockdown Live Auction” that, as of this writing, closes in one day.

I have a good feeling about winning this item for four reasons.

One, it is the only clock offered which means that clock collectors will not be drawn to this auction,
There is no reserve bid, the opening bid is $5.00 A reserve is off-putting because auction houses that seldom have clocks for offer, price them higher than they are worth,
There has been no pre-bidding yet and,
It is offered without a key which means that it may or may not be running and might or might not need adjustment or repair. The casual collector might avoid this one.

The auction house allows all bidders to set up a “watch list” and I will be monitoring the bids on this item until the item hits the “auction floor” tomorrow.

A Google search reveals that this style of clock is uncommon but I found one that sold at auction for $100. It was described as an unknown German wall clock.

What would I bid? I am going no higher than $75 but winning it for less would be nice. The final price includes a buyers premium of 15%, 15% sales tax and shipping.

The next day

At 10:30 AM there have been a couple of pre-bids and the clock is now at $12.50. I held off bidding until 8 minutes before it came up for sale at 8:00 PM. At the 8 minute-to point the bidding was $22.50. I placed a “high bid” of $60 which means paying only a small amount more than the next highest bid. Not wanting to get caught up in last second bidding, I walked away from the computer. I was prepared to let it go if I lost the bid.

I returned later to discover that I had won the item for $52.50. With buyers premium, tax, and delivery the final cost is $73.43.

Who is the maker?

The clock arrived. There is no trademark name on the dial face, and nothing on the outside of the case to identify the maker.

The movement sits on a seat board, typical of most German clocks. I released two thumbscrews at the bottom of the seat board and slid the movement out for further inspection. There is no maker’s mark on either the movement or the iron block of the 4-rod gong.

These two shots are the front and back of the rack and snail time and strike movement.

There are two numbers on the bottom right of the rear plate, 43 (length of pendulum rod) and 104, (beats per minute). Using those two numbers and the search terms “German”, “wall clock” and “round top” I conducted a search on the internet and found a matching clock. I compared the design of the plates on mine with the clock I found and it is a Kienzle from the early 1930s or late 1920s.

Who is Kienzle?

Kienzle is a well-respected German clock company that has a long history.

He revolutionized production by mass-producing individual components and then assembling them. This modern manufacturing approach led to a massive expansion, and by 1939, Kienzle had over 3,500 employees and was making about 5 million wall-clocks and table clocks per year.

The company continued on through the years, changing hands a couple of times and gradually shifted production to wristwatches. It still exits today.

The most distinctive feature of this clock is the 4-rod bim-bam strike. Probably the nicest sound of any striking clock that I have.

I wound both sides and it runs well but the movement is dirty and requires a servicing. Stay tuned for that.

August 24, 2021

Tick Talk Tuesday #23 – Forestville clock with electromechanical movement

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. I offer 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

Not the most attractive clock in the world but a curiosity nonetheless. It is a mechanical clock but it is not wound in the conventional manner.

Continue reading “Tick Talk Tuesday #23 – Forestville clock with electromechanical movement” →

November 26, 2019

It’s time to change your clocks

At 2:00am Sunday morning, the 4th of November, set your clock one hour behind. That is, if you live in Canada. Your time change date may vary according to the country you live in. Consider yourself lucky if your your country does not observe this archaic convention.

If your country uses Daylight Saving Time (DST), you must change your clocks twice a year.

“Spring Forward – Fall Back” is a phrase most often heard in the USA and Canada. In North America the word “fall” is used to denote the season, while other English-speaking countries call it autumn. Set your clocks forward 1 hour in the spring at the start of DST (Daylight Saving Time), and 1 hour back in the fall when DST ends.

Records show that the phrase “spring forward, fall back” has been in use at least as far back as the early 20th century. It is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months so that evening daylight lasts longer, while sacrificing normal sunrise times.

Don’t like DST. Read this.

So…Fall behind!

November 3, 2018

A tale of two similar but very different carriage clocks

At first I thought they were identical

While at an antique store in Kazabazua, Quebec my wife made an offer on one of these two carriage clocks. The other clock was found at an antique barn just outside of Campbell’s Bay, Quebec, literally an hour’s drive apart and about a week between the two purchases.

I was surprised to find two seemingly identical clocks not far from each other. At first I thought they were identical.

Italian made versus German made carriage clock — German versus Italian made carriage clocks

The one immediate difference is readily apparent. The dial on the left has Arabic numerals whereas the one on the right has Roman Numerals. They have similar dimensions but if you look closely the bases are not the same height. Both are alarm clocks. Both have a “second” hand at the top and a set-time indicator at the bottom section of the dial. Both have seemingly identical carriage style cases made of very similar materials. Both I believe, are 30 hour clocks. There is an access panel on the back of each clock for winding and adjusting. However, that is where their similarities end.

Musical alarm on the left and bell strike on the right

I would estimate that they were both made sometime after the First War

The one on the right is made by Junghans or Kienzle, both German clock companies with long and illustrious histories. I tried comparing the plate design and dimensions to a database found here and the closest I could find was Kienzle. However, it is also very similar to Junghans “Joker” style clocks that I have seen for sale on EBay. At one time (around 1905) Junghans had a branch in Venice (Italy) likely a delivery depot for clocks made in Germany. But it is also possible that some assembly may have been done there hence, no definitive markings. I would estimate that they were both made sometime after the First War.

The one on the right is made by an Italian maker, Fratelli Borletti. Fratelli Borletti was the only clock factory in Italy prior to WWI and produced only alarm clocks. Fratelli Borletti was later renamed “Veglia Borletti” and produced many car instruments for Fiat, Lancia, Daimler and so on. Today, Veglia Borletti belongs to Magneti Marelli.

The Junghans or Kienzle clock is a musical alarm clock while the Fratelli Borletti clock has a bell type alarm with a striker, though the striker on this particular clock is missing.

One (the musical alarm clock) is working and remarkably clean, the other needs a lot of work. Two very unusual clocks found not far from each other.

September 17, 2017

Tick-Talk Tuesday #7 – SP’s thoughts on dating a Kienzle Weltzeituhr clock

Hitler's clock — Kienzle Weltzeituhr clock presented to Adolf Hitler in 1939

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clocks, issues you might have had and challenges you face and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern(s). For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer.

On display in an antique store in Quebec Canada

Weltzeituhr is German for “World clock”.

The first Kienzle World Time clock was presented to Adolf Hitler on his 50th birthday in 1939 by the government of Würthemberg. The classical design with the world map in the “Mercator” style (cylindrical map projection presented by Gerardus Mercator in 1569) and the moving narrow scale with the time in the denoted cities came from the Heinrich Johannes Möller hired at age 27 and Kienzle’s principle designer from 1931 til about 1970.

The original clock had a bulky “foot” or base (first photo) and was decorated with swastika patterns on the edge. After the war, the decoration was necessarily altered, the base became smaller but the general layout of the dial was preserved through all permutations of the clock, from the early mechanical versions to the electro-mechanical versions and finally the quartz movements in the 80s. A unique feature of this clock is that it shows Germany to be the centre of the world.

SP writes, “One way to narrow down date of one of these clocks is to look at the names of the cities. For example, mine has Jakarta, Indonesia as ‘Batavia’ which was the name given by the Dutch who ruled until the Japanese took over in WWII. The name was officially changed Dec. 27, 1949.”

Side view of World Time Clock showing substantial brass surround

Your clock says ‘Germany’ and has ‘Djakarta’. It could have been made between 1942 and 1949

SP wrote further, “I got to thinking and I suspect that further sleuthing may be in order. If you go to the Wikipedia article on ‘Batavia’, you’ll see that the name was changed when the Japanese took over in 1942. It also says that the name change from ‘Batavia’ to ‘Djakarta’ was ‘internationally recognized’ on Dec. 27, 1949 so that there was a seven year period when it was called ‘Djakarta’ by part of the world and ‘Batavia’ by another (Keep in mind that the Germans, allies with Japan, would have been partial to seeing things the Japanese way). Then, at the ‘West Germany’ Wikipedia, I see that ‘West Germany’ was declared on May 23, 1949. Your clock says ‘Germany’ and has ‘Djakarta’. It could have been made between 1942 and 1949 if the names on the dial were determined by Kienzle in strict conformity with official names. Of course, whether or not they were strict in that way would be hard to pin down but it seems to me that an earlier date for your clock’s manufacture seems just as plausible as a later one. It does seem to me, however, that, if it was made in 1950 or later, it would very likely say ‘West Germany’ given the 7-month lead time and the earth-shaking importance of the name change at the time.

Is it a clock or a work of art? Both it would seem

I replied that the clock was likely not produced during the war years when many German plants turned their attention to the war effort. My clock was either made in 1942 or close to 1949.

SP wrote back some time later and shared this with me, “I was also thinking that the war years are unlikely for the same reason. I was just doing a little exercise in marking rough parameters. Another rough parameter: mine has no country of origin as in ‘Made in Germany’ or ‘Made in West Germany’ — perhaps an indicator that it was made for the domestic market. I came here originally to learn how to calibrate the ‘world time zone’ scale. Then I took the clock to my local clock maker to have it serviced and he explained that, on my model at least, you have to take the back cover off and manipulate the metal disk inside with your finger. I see that some clocks, including yours, have a little button or knob on the back half-way down from the center knob that controls the hands and I assume that it controls the time zone scale. Anyway, if you are a visitor to this site looking for the same information, now you have my report.”

On my clock the tiny knob controls both the hands and the zone scale. As I rotate the knob the zone advances incrementally.

I am certainly on the lookout for more Art Deco styled Heinrich Johannes Möller clocks to add to my collection and when I come across another I will be sure to write about it.

Thank you, SP, for sharing your knowledge and experiences concerning this wonderful clock.

So, it seems that my Kienzle was made between 1942 and 1949.

Is it a clock or a work of art? The latter I would submit. Thanks to Heinrich Johannes Möller and his ability to turn a timepiece into a true work of art.

May 16, 2017

Idioms and expressions with the word “clock” in them

In Maritime Canada, this weekend marks the time to turn the clocks back. We have a saying, “Spring forward, fall behind,” which refers to the switch from Atlantic Daylight Savings Time (DST) to Standard Time on November 6th, moving the clocks back by one hour. As a result, we gain “an extra hour of daylight” in the morning, which is beneficial for farmers, I suppose. In the spring, the clocks are moved ahead again. However, not all regions in Canada observe DST.

Not many people realize that Sir Sandford Fleming, a Canadian engineer and inventor, proposed Standard time and world wide time zones. Although he was born in Scotland he immigrated to Canada at the age of 14. In his later years he was employed by the Grand Trunk Railway which led him on the path to standardized time zones for the railway.

I decided to dedicate this blog to Standard Time and the many idioms and expressions with the word “clock” in them.

The clock is ticking
Beat the clock
Turn the clock back
Wind back the clock
Run out (or down) the clock
A stopped clock is correct twice a day
Clean (someone’s) clock
On the clock
Biological clock is ticking
Watch the clock
He’s (she’s) a clock watcher
Punch the clock
Around the clock
Stop the clock!
Race against the clock
As regular as clockwork (or, running like clockwork)
Face that could stop a clock
Five o’clock shadow
Hickory dickory dock the mouse went up the clock
One, two, three o’clock four o’clock rock
Rock around the clock

Let me know if I missed anything, and I’ll be happy to make adjustments.

For an updated list, please visit here.

November 4, 2016

A Pig in a Poke

“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 to a live auction you might have experienced winning a bid on that seemingly expensive hall table, for example, only to find it was made in Indonesia.

My own personal example. I bought an antique wall clock (100+ years old) on EBay a year ago and from the write-up it looked great. I was eager to see it. When it arrived I began to notice a few things right away and little details later on despite the description that it was “all original”. The glass on all three sides was said to be original, clearly it was not. The clock hands were off of an Ogee clock and poorly attached, The movement was made during the same period the clock was made however the pendulum sits very low in the case leading me to believe that it (the movement) may not be original. The rod gong was probably added later. Normally the gong is in back of the pendulum. There are two different styles of weights though the differences are almost imperceptible. I could go on but the point is this: do not trust any seller absolutely in your online dealings. Luckily for me the clock works and shows well.

Gustav Becker two weight regulator — Gustav Becker two weight “Vienna Regulator”

Typically sellers will describe just about everything they feel the buyer needs to know but leave out essential details. This is called omission. It means that something in the description is deliberately left out for whatever reason. Is it unethical? Perhaps. However, sellers do not have an obligation to tell you everything about an item you are interested in since there are no disclosure laws in online dealing. That is why it is important to ask questions, lots of questions prior to any purchase.

The other day I followed postings on Facebook regarding a clock purchase. The person was quite proud of the fact that he had an attractive Art Deco clock coming in the mail. He provided only one photo of the clock showing its face and base. The style was similar to this clock.

It was the only photo provided by the seller and with good reason. It was advertised as an 8-day clock because that is what it said on the clock face. It arrived several days later. This individual thought he was getting a mechanical clock but discovered when it arrived that the original movement had been taken out and replaced with a cheap quartz movement. Naturally he was dismayed. Caveat Emptor some would say but in this case the seller could have been more forthright. However, let me reiterate, the time to ask key questions is before the purchase.

The other day, again on Facebook, a fellow had bought a German box clock very similar to this one from my collection. When it arrived he proudly showed off his new acquisition.

after a good cleaning (4) — U M Muller German “box clock”, time and strike

The clock was keeping great time though the pendulum was very high up in the box and could barely be seen through the front glazing. It looked very odd. When he presented a photo of the inside of the clock it was clear that the seat board was handmade and it was obvious that the movement was originally mounted within a much smaller case.

Some weeks ago I was looking for banjo clock and I saw a couple on a local for-sale site. One was very intriguing. The only photo was of the outside of the clock; nothing showing the movement. I thought if it is weight driven it would be an excellent deal. I contacted the seller by email and I asked if it were weight driven and he said he thought so but he also mentioned that it came with a winding key for the spring. Thanks I said.

Let the buyer beware. If you buy something you take responsibility to make sure it is what you intended to buy. Ask enough questions so that you are absolutely satisfied you know what you are getting otherwise you may be getting a pig in a poke.

Let me know if you have had similar experiences.

October 5, 2016

Kienzle World Time clock – a second look

I put a quick article together on my newly acquired modern Art Deco brass Kienzle World desk clock in August and with only one photo in my post I really did not do this fine looking timepiece any justice. I hope the following photos will show that this clock really impresses. As I mentioned in my last post regarding this clock, this is one of many clocks conceived by renounced German designer Heinrich Moeller. Moeller, who was trained as a cabinet maker, began working with Kienzle as chief designer in 1931 and through to about 1970.

This vintage clock is from the period 1950 to 1960 judging from the many offerings on EBay. I noticed that this style is occasionally advertised as a 1960s clock but judging from others I have seen I am fairly confident that this is from 1950 give or take a year. This style seems to be the most desirable of the series. Later ones had quartz movements and were in less demand, judging from the lower prices. The weight is very substantial and it measures 13 and 3/4″H X 10″W X, 2 and 1/2″D.

This clock is in excellent condition with minimal wear and tarnish. In fact, observe the front and side views for an appreciation of the pristine condition of this clock. The case was grimy as one might expect and a little polish brought up the finish very nicely.

Quite often small parts are missing in clocks such as this, for example, the time adjustment knob or the cover for the speed control needle. In this case everything is completely intact. It is in very good working order and will run for a full 8 days.

Will I service it? I am not sure. According to comments on the NAWCC message board some members have not had much luck working with this clock. Given that it seems to have had minimal wear and tear it may not have had a lot of use over the years so it might be wise to leave well enough alone, for now. I would like to oil it, however!

I am very pleased with this acquisition. The clock is certainly a singular work of elegance, magnificence, style and a stand-out in any room.

September 25, 2016

Adding to the Collection

Repairing and Restoring

Sharing the Passion

A Special Milestone

A Broader Perspective

Looking Ahead

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At first I thought they were identical

I would estimate that they were both made sometime after the First War

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Your clock says ‘Germany’ and has ‘Djakarta’. It could have been made between 1942 and 1949

Is it a clock or a work of art? Both it would seem

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