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.
My only requirement is that the clock must be in good working order and have an appealing appearance.
19 wall clocks in my collection
My entire collection consists of 85 clocks. Many are on display in my home, and some are in the process of restoration or repair.
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 1941.
As regular readers know, I have been a passionate collector for 15 years, I take great joy in repairing and restoring old clocks. My collection has grown to 85 unique timepieces, each with its own story.
Background music and titles are provided only. If you have any questions about my Pequegnat collection or a specific clock, feel free to leave a comment.
For more about my journey and insights into clock collecting, explore my other blog articles.
I stumbled upon this Arthur Pequegnat Moncton in an antique store located in Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada during a visit in 2018. Certain wall clocks from the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Co., which operated in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, between 1904 and 1941, are rare finds, making this particular piece appealing. The company, initially founded as Saas & Ford in 1903, was later acquired by Arthur Pequegnat in the following year.
The most recent photo, Jan 2024
Arthur Pequegnat clocks are renowned among Canadian collectors for their sturdy construction, robust movements, conservative designs, and patriotic nomenclature, often named after towns and cities in Canada. The Moncton, named after a city in New Brunswick, Canada is a testament to this tradition. Pequegnat produced a variety of clocks, ranging from mantel and parlour clocks to Mission, kitchen, gingerbread, tambour, wall, and floor models. The wall and hall clocks are the most desirable.
Beat scale
This Moncton clock, the seventh in my collection, is in fine condition. It features a 12-inch Arabic dial with bold numbers, attractive pierced spade hands, and a fumed quarter-sawn oak case. The clock stands at 35 inches high, with a hinged 16-inch oak bezel door revealing the dial and a 14 ½-inch glazed drop door. The clock’s patriotic ties are evident in its association with the Canadian National Railway hub in Moncton and so, some of the specially designed Monctons found their way into rail stations across Canada.
Two mainsprings power the 15-day movement
Based on the design of the lower valance this clock is a series II Monction which was produced from 1917 to 1941.
Despite its age, the clock maintains its charm, with the original dial glass displaying the expected “waviness.” However, some elements, such as the lower glass and retaining rails, appear to have to have been replaced early in the clock’s life. Unfortunately, the original label is missing. Minor imperfections include a scratch on the dial face (not visible from a distance) and a screw hole on the back panel. Screw holes are fairly common, as many of these clocks were firmly affixed to walls to ensure they remained in beat and functioned accurately.
The train showing the deadbeat escapement
The Moncton is a 15-day time-only clock with a unique double spring time-only movement and a Graham deadbeat escapement, highlighting its accuracy. The second hand is a particularly attractive feature. The clock runs at 84 beats per minute or 5040 beats per hour.
The clock closely resembles the Seth Thomas #2 in size and shape, offering an alternative with a spring-driven mechanism and a longer running cycle.
Obtaining this Moncton clock marked the culmination of an extensive search, as these timepieces are progressively harder to come by. The seller, having possessed it for around 1 ½ years, had no insights into its history, yet my speculation is that it might have served as an office clock for a good portion of its life.
The lower valance
Although the clock ran well when I received it I serviced it as a precautionary measure.
The kitchen area of our home
This clock occupies a prominent spot in the kitchen area of our home, serving as a daily reminder of the grandeur of wall clocks of the 1920s era.
For visual learners, this YouTube video provides a helpful summary of this post.
We have been facing a challenging spring here in Nova Scotia, as the threat of wildfires has been looming over us.
In May 2023, our community in Nova Scotia has been devastated by the occurrence of two uncontrolled wildfires. The dire consequences of these fires include the evacuation of thousands of individuals and the tragic loss of hundreds of homes.
Residing in a rural area with our house nestled amidst beautiful trees, we can’t help but have a constant awareness of the potential for fire.
While it’s crucial to prioritize safety and well-being in emergency situations, it’s understandable that certain personal belongings/items hold significant value to us. They include ID, cell phones, credit cards, vehicle titles, keys, flashlights, passports, a portable hard drive containing all personal photos, and essential clothing but if I find myself with a moment to select just one antique clock during a speedy evacuation what would it be?
My wife prompted this discussion when she asked, “What clock would you take?
Selecting a specific antique clock to save from a “burning house” is a subjective decision based on personal preferences, sentimental value, and the uniqueness of each clock. However, here are a few factors I might consider when making my decision:
I might choose a clock that holds special meaning to me or my family. It could be a clock that has been passed down through generations or one that has sentimental value attached to it.
I would consider the rarity and historical significance of the clock in question. If a clock’s origins is significant or it is known for its craftsmanship or historical importance, I might prioritize saving such a clock.
If one clock is in better condition or has the potential for easier restoration, it might be a good choice to save.
Here are 5 clocks that would be high on my list and the reasons why. But in the end, I could only take one!
Pequegnat Canadian Time
Pequegnat Canadian Time
I have had this clock for a number of years, and have serviced it twice. The clock’s case, on the other hand, has remained untouched and remains in exceptional condition. This particular clock holds a special place in my collection as one of the earliest examples of the eight Pequegnat clocks I own. It spent its life in the waiting area of a train station located 1/2 drive from my home.
Sawin Banjo Clock
Sawin banjo clock
Dating back to the 1840s, this exceptional timepiece exemplifies the pinnacle of meticulous movement craftsmanship. While the case and movement do not bear any explicit “Sawin” markings, various indicators strongly suggest that it was crafted by John Sawin himself or one of his associates or apprentices. Notably, this clock stands out for its straightforward construction, lacking side rails or ornate embellishments such as painted tablets or gilt decorations. It is precisely this simplicity in design that captivates me, as it allows the clock’s elegance and craftsmanship to take center stage.
Junghans Crispis time and strike wall clock
Junghans Crispi
This clock underwent a comprehensive restoration process involving countless hours of work, including disassembling, creating new components, servicing the movement, and refinishing the case. The restoration required a significant amount of labor and attention to detail. The clock holds a captivating story as it was rescued from a house that endured severe destruction during the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
The sheer beauty of this clock makes it incredibly challenging to part with. Its design epitomizes the finest qualities of the 1880s Vienna style. Unlike the later Viennese clocks, which often leaned towards ornate and ostentatious features, the clocks from this particular period maintain their elegance and embrace a more refined and understated aesthetic. The clock’s classic, simple lines are a testament to the enduring allure of the Vienna style during that era.
Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time
Arthur Pequegnat Moncton
It is quite possible that this clock was located in a train station or some other commercial setting, given its robust construction and durability designed to withstand potential mistreatment. Additionally, its timeless design features are reminiscent of the classic lines commonly associated with the 1920s era. The clock’s sturdy build and elegant aesthetics perfectly capture the spirit of that period, adding to its overall charm and appeal.
E. Ingraham Huron
E Ingraham Huron
This clock resided in the charming vicinity of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. It came into our possession during a challenging period for a couple undergoing a difficult separation, as sentimental items often find their way to new homes in such circumstances. Among the clocks in my collection, this one stands out as one of the few that underwent professional servicing, ensuring its optimal functionality. Notably, this clock holds a relatively rare status, being produced by the E. Ingraham Clock Co. during the brief span of two years, between 1878 and 1880.
And now it boils down to the one to choose?
Although I hold great admiration for all of these clocks, if I were constrained by space and could only choose a single one to take with me, it would have to be the Junghans Crispi. As mentioned earlier, this clock embodies the qualities that I value, such as its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless appeal. Its unique design, combined with the renowned Junghans brand, makes it a standout choice in the collection. Given the limited space, the Junghans Crispi would be the clock I couldn’t bear to leave behind, as it represents the epitome of my preferences and holds a special place in my heart.
I love this clock. It is one of my favorites. Bought in the fall of 2018, it has been on the kitchen wall and running ever since. Arthur Pequegnat clocks have a solid construction, robust movements, conservative designs, are among the most dependable and reliable clocks in my collection. this model is called the Moncton.
The Moncton was a regular fixture in offices and was then considered a “high-end” office clock. Many also found their way to rail stations across Canada. There were two variations of the Moncton, a short and a long version.
Those made before 1917 were known as the First Issue and had a tapered bottom piece. The second issue had a rounded bottom with a middle cut-out.
They are attractive clocks inspired somewhat by the Seth Thomas #2 although the Moncton has a 15-day double spring driven movement instead of the single weight of the #2.
I knew it required servicing but with so many other clock projects in the way I never got around to it. In my last post I took the movement out of its case and discovered that there is not a lot wrong with it.
The time-only movement is stamped Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company
It was dirty as expected and long overdue for a cleaning.
The movement is pretty simple with 4 wheels and an escape wheel plus the motion works. The two springs apply power simultaneously but one side can be wound if the other spring fails though the clock will run but for a shorter period.
The mainsprings are not what I expected, They are half the width of a typical time-only American clock. There is a reason for this. The Graham deadbeat escapement requires between one fourth to one half the driving power than the same clock using a recoil escapement. Less drive power means less wear over time. Having very few gears and little friction in the gear train also improves efficiency and time-keeping.
The Movement
Seth Thomas Regulator #2
The movement is attached to a support frame bolted to the case.
There are two screws holding the movement on the bottom that must be loosened and two long screws that go through both plates that hold it on top, much like a Seth Thomas #2.
Once disassembled I inspected the movement for wear.
I discovered the lantern pinions and pivots to be in very good condition for the age of the clock.
Time-only movement
The movement might have been cleaned at one point but there is no evidence of past repairs. The bushing holes are a little worn but not enough to warrant bushing work at this time.
Consequently, cleaning parts in the ultrasonic, polishing the pivots, cleaning the mainsprings and pegging out the bushing holes was the extent of servicing.
The movement was assembled and mounted in the clock for testing.
Cleaned and returned to the case for testing; notice the two top mounting screws
It will run for a cycle or two before I re-attach the dial and hands.
A pretty simple servicing requiring less than half a day of my time.
Eight years ago I acquired my first Arthur Pequegnat clock. In the years following, I have added to my collection and now have a total of 8. Although my collection of Pequegnat clocks is very modest by comparison to a dedicated Pequegant collector it is a good start and I would certainly like to add to that number in the future.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company (1904–1941) is notable as the longest-lasting Canadian-based clock manufacturer. They made a wide variety of different styled clocks from 1904 through to 1941 from shelf and mantel clocks to wall clocks and floor models.
Nickle-plated steel or brass plates
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to date a Pequegnat clock, except for what is termed pre and post-Berlin, the location of the company’s manufacturing plant. Clocks made before 1917 were inscribed “Berlin, Canada” on the dial face. Kitchener, Ontario was known as Berlin prior to and during the first World War. It was the town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 then the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916.
Because the name Berlin was associated with the war against Germany the town fathers decided the name Kitchener was less offensive and the change was made midway through the First World War. Kitchener is the present seat of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Most Arthur Pequegant clock movements are stamped with the company name but there are no date marks on movements indicating when it was made. Clocks made after the First War wore the company name plus Canada under the number 6 on the dial face. For example, clocks such at the Canadian Time were made from 1904 to 1941 and are separated in age by the Berlin label consequently, my Canadian Time wall clock with the Canada label could be as old as 104 or as “new” as 80 years old.
One distinctive feature on many movements is the use of nickel plating for both brass and steel plates.
Arthur Pequegnat Company name
Many models continued in production right up to 1941. By 1941, the demands of World War II armament makers for brass, the essential ingredient in clock movements as well as the growing popularity of the electric clock, forced the Arthur Pequegnat company to cease production.
And now, beginning with the first clock acquired in 2013.
The Canadian Time
My first Pequegant, purchased in September 2013 hung in the Intercolonial Rail Station waiting room in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Canadian Time
The seller arranged the purchase of the clock just prior to the station’s decommissioning in 1993. It is in very good condition, missing its door clasp but otherwise intact. There are a few scratches and nicks consistent with its age but nothing objectionable.
The Brandon (2nd edititon)
I found this clock in an antique shop just outside Truro, Nova Scotia in 2014.
Arthur Pequegant Brandon II
The case is in excellent condition but the movement was quite worn. Had I known more about servicing clocks at the time of purchase I would not have sent it to a clock repair specialist. It is one of two in my Pequegant collection serviced by someone other than myself. This is the Brandon II. The Brandon 1, the first edition, was made prior to 1918, and had an ornate pressed wood bezel. This one is simpler in design.
The Maple Leaf “Fan-top”
Next came my first Maple Leaf kitchen clock, known for its unique lower tablet of scattered maple leaves and a distinctive maple leaf pendulum.
Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf kitchen clock
This clock, bought in 2015, was also serviced by a clock professional. The case was in very poor condition. Stripping a case is an absolute last resort as far as I’m concerned but the finish on this clock was pretty bad. I could not leave it as it was.
The finish on a Pequegnat fan-top clock
To Pequegnat collectors, it is known as the fan-top.
The Simcoe
Three years later, the Simcoe followed me home. It was bought at an antique shop in Victoria, British Columbia in 2018.
Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe mantel clock
It is not particularly attractive. It is the only mantel clock in my Pequegnat collection and it is from the “Berlin” period.
The Bedford
2018 was a good year because I acquired 4 Pequegnat clocks. This was number two of that year.
Bedford shelf clock
This clock was gifted to me by a reader. He asked if I wanted the clock but I had to pick it up in Quebec which was on our way to a summer cottage in central Canada. The movement was in very good condition but the case was damaged having taken a plunge off a high shelf.
The movement was serviced without issue but the case required extensive intervention.
The third purchase that year and the fifth in my collection is the Maple Leaf Pointed Top
The Maple Leaf “Pointed Top”
There are 4 Maple Leaf clocks made by Pequegnat. Any version of the Maple Leaf is sought after by Canadian collectors but this one has distinctive pointed side columns, hence the nickname.
Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf Pointed Top
Although termed a kitchen clock it could easily have been placed in a living room or parlour.
The Moncton
The last 2018 acquisition was a clock that I had in the back of my mind for quite some time and I was waiting for the right price. This is an excellent copy that is very presentable and looks great on our kitchen wall.
Arthur Pequegnat Moncton
It is a post-Berlin double spring time-only 15-day clock. Many were used in rail stations despite the fact that they were spring-driven. Weight-driven clocks were preferred for their accuracy but the Moncton was up to the task as a timekeeper.
And the last.
The Canuck
This is the only true Pequegant “gingerbread” clock in my view.
Canuck kitchen clock
The case was refreshed and the dial was redone. The movement was also serviced without issue.
Cleaned up more presentable
These are all keepers. Most Pequegants have kept their value over the years and in Canada, they are regarded as quality clocks for the masses. They were well built, well-designed movements with a distinctive Canadian charm as many were named after cities in Canada.
In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19
There are a fair number of Canadian clock enthusiasts that have various sized collections of Pequegnat clocks. Skip Kerr‘s extensive collection immediately comes to mind.
Although my collection is modest by comparison with just eight Arthur Pequegnat Canadian-made clocks they cover a range of models from kitchen to wall clocks.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company was in business in Berlin, later renamed, Kitchener, Ontario (Canada) from 1904 to about 1941. Pequegnat clocks are well known among Canadian Clock collectors. Many are still running today and they can be easily found on local and national online for-sale sites and you might even find them on the northern border states of the US.
Here they are; I will let the captioned photos speak for themselves.
Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf kitchen clock, otherwise known as the “Fan top”
Arthur Pequegnat Bedford mantel clock (variant with larger dial)
Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe mantel clock, Berlin period
Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time (time-only) wall clock
Arthur Pequegnat Brandon (second version)
Arthur Pequegnat Canuck kitchen clock (otherwise known as a gingerbread clock)
Arthur Pequegnat Kitchen clock, Maple Leaf, otherwise known among collectors as the “pointed top”
Arthur Pequegnat Moncton, double spring time-only 15-day clock, post-Berlin (after 1917)
My journey goes on as I continue to purchase Pequegnat clocks adding them to my collection. I have yet to secure a tambour style clock and a Regulator #1 is certainly on the top of my list.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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