Re-Bushing, Reassembly & Testing of a Gustav Becker Regulator

This two-weightGustav Becker regulator wall clock, purchased in 2016 as a “project clock,” proved early on to be more challenging than I thought. This is the third and final post in this series. For the story behind this clock and an analysis of the steps taken so far, the first and the second posts can … More Re-Bushing, Reassembly & Testing of a Gustav Becker Regulator

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

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

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

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

A.G.U. Lenzkirch: Rare Opportunity to Own a Historic Clock Trademark

Over the years, I’ve explored countless stories tied to the world of horology, but few carry the prestige, legacy, and craftsmanship of A.G.U. Lenzkirch, one of the oldest and most respected German clockmaking brands. While there is much more to say about this iconic name, I’ve prepared a brief summary—based on information provided by brand … More A.G.U. Lenzkirch: Rare Opportunity to Own a Historic Clock Trademark

My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour

Allow me to take 5 minutes of your time to watch my video of 19 wall clocks in my collection. Each wall clock is identified by its maker, where known. The video features background music throughout, with a brief segment of sound highlighting the winding of a Mauthe wall clock. Otherwise, there is no dialog. … More My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour

The Quirky Charm of a Vienna Regulator Clock

In this post, I describe an unusual issue when relocating my mini Vienna Regulator clock. Out of all my clocks, this one tends to be the most sensitive when I move it to a different location in my home. I’ve previously shared my experiences with this clock because it’s not the first time I’ve encountered … More The Quirky Charm of a Vienna Regulator Clock

German Box Clocks: A Journey into Clockmaking History

The popularity of Vienna Regulator clocks began to wane towards the early part of the 20th century. The more modern and less ornate design of the box clock appealed to changing tastes and preferences after World War I, leading to the gradual replacement of Vienna Regulators with box clocks. The box clock design stood the … More German Box Clocks: A Journey into Clockmaking History

If I had to take one antique clock from a “burning house” which one would it be

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 … More If I had to take one antique clock from a “burning house” which one would it be

An unusual issue with a Vienna Regulator time-only clock

In this post, I describe an unusual issue when relocating my mini Vienna Regulator clock. But first some background information on Vienna Regulators. The Vienna Regulator clock, also known as the Vienna wall clock, is a type of precision pendulum clock that originated in Vienna, Austria, in the late 18th century. The development of the … More An unusual issue with a Vienna Regulator time-only clock

The State of the Antique and Vintage Clock Market: Buy or Sell in 2023?

will antique and vintage clock prices go up or down in 2023? Is this the time to buy or sell? Allow me to share my insights and observations. According to the United States Government, the term “antique” is reserved for items that are over a century old. Webster’s dictionary defines an antique as a work of art, … More The State of the Antique and Vintage Clock Market: Buy or Sell in 2023?

Understanding the Function and Importance of Beat Scales in Clocks

If you’ve ever examined a pendulum-driven wall clock, you might have noticed a small plaque affixed to the back panel just below the pendulum. This plaque is commonly known as a beat plaque or beat scale indicator. Although the presence of a beat scale on a clock does not always indicate its value, it does … More Understanding the Function and Importance of Beat Scales in Clocks

Vienna Regulator – the pinnacle of clock artistry

Vienna regulator weight-driven wall clocks are a type of mechanical clock that originated in Austria in the mid-19th century. These clocks are named after the city of Vienna, where they were first produced and gained popularity throughout Europe. They are known for their unique design, which features a long, slender case with a glass door … More Vienna Regulator – the pinnacle of clock artistry

The time-only clock – simplicity without the noise

People often tell me that they could never have an old-fashioned antique clock in their home because of the noise. And by noise, they are not so much disturbed by the ticking sound as they are about the sound a clock makes on the quarter, half, or on the hour, in other words, a striking … More The time-only clock – simplicity without the noise

Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later

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

The thin line between restoring a clock to its former glory and ruining it

There is a thin line between restoring a clock case to its former glory and ruining it forever. While the intent is to make them look like the day they were made, many clocks get stripped and poorly refinished and the results are beyond sad. Although there is much debate in the world of antique … More The thin line between restoring a clock to its former glory and ruining it

Variables that affect antique and vintage clock prices?

  There are many types and styles of clocks and dozens of manufacturers. If you are a collector you know exactly what you are looking for and have a good idea of its approximate value. If you are not an “expert”, selecting an antique clock can be a daunting task. But this article is not … More Variables that affect antique and vintage clock prices?

Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?

Every now and then a clock is temperamental. I am not talking about the signs of wear that will certainly stop a clock but occasionally it is serviced, everything looks good but it is downright cantankerous. Anyone who has 400-day anniversary clocks knows exactly what I mean. Are clocks moody? I relocated my unmarked Vienna … More Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?

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

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

Appreciating simplicity – the mechanical clock

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

A new & exciting direction in clock collecting & repair

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

In clock restoration circles small details can make a big difference

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

Antique and vintage wall clock collection

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

Seth Thomas Regulator #2 wall clock

During my travels through Ontario, I acquired a Seth Thomas Regulator #2, one of my newest additions. I discovered this clock in Bloomfield, a quaint village just minutes from Picton, a major hub in Prince Edward County renowned for its many wineries. I first spotted the clock during a summer visit to the local antique … More Seth Thomas Regulator #2 wall clock

My antique clock stopped, what do I do?

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

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

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