Tag: time and strike

On My Workbench | Type 89 Movement by Seth Thomas and a Strike Side Issue

February 14, 2025

The Seth Thomas Type 89 movement is a robust and well-regarded mechanical clock movement widely used in many of Seth Thomas’ mantel and shelf clocks from the early 20th century to 1938. The movement was introduced in 1900 and became one of Seth Thomas’ most popular and enduring movements. There are several variants (89A, 89C, … More On My Workbench | Type 89 Movement by Seth Thomas and a Strike Side Issue

Restoring a Vintage Mauthe Clock | Evoking Family Memories | Part I

January 31, 2025

It’s been about two years since I last worked on a Mauthe time and strike movement. While Mauthe clocks are fairly common, my attention has been directed toward other types of clocks and clock projects in recent years. This is the first installment of a two-part series, offering initial impressions and background history of the … More Restoring a Vintage Mauthe Clock | Evoking Family Memories | Part I

Troubleshooting A Strike Issue on a HAC/HAU Movement

January 28, 2025

The maker of the movement is HAU or HAC. The familiar cross arrows trademark of the maker is stamped on the movement, in the middle of the backplate. HAC was formed in Germany in 1873 by Paul Landenberger and Phillipp Lang and was originally called Landenberger & Lang Uhrenfabrik. The company changed its name to … More Troubleshooting A Strike Issue on a HAC/HAU Movement

Why I Changed My Mind About the Dial Bezel on a Pequegnat Jewel Mantel Clock

January 17, 2025

After working on the dial of a Pequegnat Jewel mantel clock, I was very pleased with the results of the repaint. While the detailing may not withstand close scrutiny, the clock looks excellent from a comfortable distance. When I brought the clock home, it appeared that a previous owner, frustrated by the loss of some … More Why I Changed My Mind About the Dial Bezel on a Pequegnat Jewel Mantel Clock

Reflections on a Year of Clock Collecting and Less Time Repairing

January 14, 2025

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 … More Reflections on a Year of Clock Collecting and Less Time Repairing

Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part II

January 7, 2025

In Part I of this series, I shared my approach to restoring a clock dial through a process called inpainting. Inpainting is but one solution to the problem of a ruined dial. To restore a clock dial by bringing it back to its original state involves carefully mixing paint to match the original tones, gradually … More Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part II

Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part I

December 20, 2024

As I continue to build my Pequegnat clock collection, I always seize a good deal when I find one, and the Jewel was too good to pass up. You might be wondering, what exactly is a Pequegnat clock and where does the Jewel fit into their model lineup? A Pequegnat clock refers to clocks produced … More Pequegnat Jewel Dial Restoration | A Case For Inpainting | Part I

The Rare Brass Mainsprings of Elisha Manross Clocks

December 17, 2024

When discussing American clocks, the name Elisha Manross might not come to mind as readily as prominent makers like Seth Thomas, New Haven, or Waterbury. However, Elisha Manross (1792–1856) played a pivotal role as a pioneer in the development of Connecticut clockmaking. In 1812, at the age of 20, Elisha Manross, along with John Cowls, … More The Rare Brass Mainsprings of Elisha Manross Clocks

Relocating A Shelf Clock To A…Well, A shelf

December 6, 2024

For years, my Seth Thomas column and cornice clock rested atop an antique radio in our living room. However, after redecorating the space with hardwood flooring in place of the carpet, the radio and clock no longer suited the updated space. I did not want to relegate the clock to storage, so I opted to … More Relocating A Shelf Clock To A…Well, A shelf

Kienzle clock on display with Ingraham Huron

The Art of Minimal Invasive Clock Preservation

November 29, 2024

The term minimal invasive intervention refers to the delicate decision-making process regarding how much work should be done to repair, restore, or conserve a clock without significantly altering its original character. It encapsulates a challenge many collectors face: balancing preservation with functionality. Some argue that any work performed on an antique clock detracts from its value, much … More The Art of Minimal Invasive Clock Preservation

Why Nova Scotia Should Eliminate Daylight Saving Time

November 1, 2024

When local daylight time approaches Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour to 1:00 AM local standard time instead. As a result, on November 3, 2024, sunrise and sunset will occur approximately one hour earlier than the previous day. This change means there will be more daylight in … More Why Nova Scotia Should Eliminate Daylight Saving Time

Exploring a 30-hour Ogee clock from the Canada Clock Co. (Hamilton)

October 11, 2024

I recently had the opportunity to expand my collection with more Canadian-made clocks, including a 30-hour Ogee clock produced by the Canada Clock Co. at their Hamilton plant between 1880 and 1884. Canadian clock companies have historically struggled to survive due to fierce competition from American manufacturers. Companies like Westclox in Peterborough survived largely due … More Exploring a 30-hour Ogee clock from the Canada Clock Co. (Hamilton)

Dandy by Pequegant | An Affordable, Everyday Clock

October 8, 2024

I recently added two more Pequegnat clocks to my collection: the Hamilton Tall which you can read about here and the Danby model, which I will be profiling in this article. This brings my total to 12 Arthur Pequegnat clocks. Let’s start with some background on the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Co. and its significance in … More Dandy by Pequegant | An Affordable, Everyday Clock

Exploring the Iconic Hamilton Tall Clock by Pequegnat

October 4, 2024

I recently added two more Pequegnat clocks to my collection: the Dandy model and the Hamilton Tall, the latter of which I will be profiling in this article. I now have a total of 12 Arthur Pequegnat clocks in my possession. For those unfamiliar with the Pequegnat name, the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company is arguably … More Exploring the Iconic Hamilton Tall Clock by Pequegnat

Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part II

October 1, 2024

I am currently working on a mantel clock from the Hamburg American Clock Company. This is Part II in a two-part series. For Part I go here. The Hamburg American Clock Company is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. In … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part II

Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part I

September 27, 2024

Among clock collectors and admirers, the Hamburg American Clock Company is a well-known German company. It is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. About the Company The company was formed in Germany in 1873 by Paul Landenberger and Phillipp Lang. … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part I

Three Canadian Antique Clocks Won at Auction

September 13, 2024

About a year ago, I shifted my focus to collecting clocks made in Canada or those with a Canadian connection. Of course, there are exceptions if a particularly interesting clock comes along. In keeping with my goal, I won three Canadian clocks this week at auction: an Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton “Tall”, an Arthur Pequegant Dandy, … More Three Canadian Antique Clocks Won at Auction

Mechanical Clocks Guide | Tips for Selecting the Ideal Antique or Vintage Clock Gift

September 10, 2024

Are you searching for a unique gift for a friend or family member? Have you ever considered giving an antique or vintage clock? It is the perfect, memorable gift. Whether you’re familiar with antique and vintage clocks or completely new to the world of horology, you will need guidance in finding the right clock for … More Mechanical Clocks Guide | Tips for Selecting the Ideal Antique or Vintage Clock Gift

How to Determine the Age of an Antique Clock: Strategies and Tips

September 6, 2024

Determining the age of a clock can be challenging, especially since listings often don’t specify the exact year the clock was made. However, you might come across phrases like “mid-century”, antique, collectible, or vintage which can give you a general sense of its age. If the description is accurate, it provides a good starting point … More How to Determine the Age of an Antique Clock: Strategies and Tips

Broken mainspring for barrel

The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception

September 3, 2024

In the fascinating world of horology, many terms and expressions are often misunderstood or misused. A classic example is the frequent confusion between the words “mantel” and “mantle” to describe certain types of clocks. While “mantel” refers to a shelf over a fireplace, “mantle” is something you wear, like a cloak. Another pervasive myth is … More The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception

Tick Talk Tuesday

Tick talk Tuesday #55 | Mauthe wall clock runs fast

August 27, 2024

Tick-Talk Tuesday is a special time when I respond to readers’ letters and comments about clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks. When the comments and questions are especially complex, I consult with fellow clock enthusiasts within my circle to ensure I offer the most precise and helpful answers possible. RK writes: I am … More Tick talk Tuesday #55 | Mauthe wall clock runs fast

Thomas Tompion: The Father of English Clockmaking

August 13, 2024

Thomas Tompion (baptized July 25, 1639– died, November 20th, 1713) was an English clockmaker and watchmaker, often referred to as the “Father of English Clockmaking.” He is renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and significant contributions to the development of clockmaking during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In fact, Tompion is the most celebrated … More Thomas Tompion: The Father of English Clockmaking

Right to Repair: Countering our Throwaway Culture

August 6, 2024

Most mechanical clocks even those over a hundred years old or more are repairable. On rare occasions, a major part may be broken, but with the right tools and skills, it can still be fixed. With a bit of knowledge and a few basic tools, the family clock could be repaired without needing to send … More Right to Repair: Countering our Throwaway Culture

Optimizing Care for a Vintage Mauthe Clock: Inspection and Oiling

July 23, 2024

It’s time to inspect the movement on this mid-thirties German box clock. Purchased at an antique mall in Peterborough, Ontario, in May of 2017, it was serviced in 2020. This clock is part of a small collection at our family cottage and runs for about three months each year. However, the cottage environment can be … More Optimizing Care for a Vintage Mauthe Clock: Inspection and Oiling

How to Safely Operate and Maintain Mechanical Clocks: Tips and Hazards

July 16, 2024

Mechanical clocks, especially older or larger ones, can pose various dangers during operation and maintenance. In this post, we will cover some of the risks and hazards. Mainsprings Do not underestimate the power of a clock with mainsprings. Mechanical clocks often use powerful mainsprings to drive their mechanisms. If these components are mishandled, they can … More How to Safely Operate and Maintain Mechanical Clocks: Tips and Hazards