John Plewes and clock repair – a must have reference for Canadian collectors

Although there are two dozen clock books in my collection I am always on the look out for more. Some of my books profile various types and styles of clocks, some explore the history of horology while others are concerned with clock repair and case restoration. Part of every vacation or daily outing in my … More John Plewes and clock repair – a must have reference for Canadian collectors

Spring ahead – Daylight Savings Time – set your clocks!

On March 10th Daylight Savings Time began at 3:00am in Canada. Over 100 years ago on July 1, 1908, the residents of Port Arthur, Ontario, today’s Thunder Bay, turned their clocks forward by 1 hour to start the world’s first DST period. Spring ahead, Fall behind In Canada we refer to it as Daylight Saving … More Spring ahead – Daylight Savings Time – set your clocks!

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.

FMS Mauthe “Horse Crown” wall clock – servicing the movement

Most refer to the name “Horse Crown” when describing this clock and it is easy to see why. Many would also consider it a Vienna Regulator style of clock. I have been putting off servicing this movement for a while and a long time has passed since it was properly serviced. So, let’s get started. … More FMS Mauthe “Horse Crown” wall clock – servicing the movement

Crazy Clock Ads – would you buy this clock?

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

Sometimes working on clocks can be a pain – literally!

I had just completed servicing this German Mauthe time and strike wall clock and everything seemed to be going well. It was keeping good time,striking on the half hour as it should and maintaining a consistent an 8-day cycle. During my regular Saturday clock winding ritual, I decided to begin with this clock. I inserted … More Sometimes working on clocks can be a pain – literally!

Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time

Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time. Sir Sanford Fleming (January 7, 1827 – July 22, 1915) was Canada’s foremost railway surveyor and construction engineer of the 19th century and a distinguished inventor and scientist. Sir Sanford Fleming played a crucial role in developing a global system for setting time. Fleming advocated … More Happy Birthday Sir Sanford Fleming, the inventor of Standard Time

Christmas time for clock lovers

My kids stress every year over what to get dad for Christmas. They know that I am an avid antique clock collector and they know that I love to restore and repair antique and vintage clocks. They always ask, “Is there anything he needs”. I have all the tools I need and certainly all the … More Christmas time for clock lovers

Making a drop door for an Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock

Regular viewers may recall this post in September 2018. Added are new photos and additional information on this project. I wrote about this Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock barn find in a previous article. It has been a test bed for case restoration techniques I have never attempted before. A barn find clock in pieces … More Making a drop door for an Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock

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

Mauthe (FMS) wall clock restoration – Part III – the case

This is Part III, the last of a three-part series on restoring this beautiful German FMS Mauthe wall clock. Part I can be found here. Part two can be found here. This antique Victorian style German time and strike FMS Mauthe wall clock was purchased from a family living in Truro Nova Scotia that once resided … More Mauthe (FMS) wall clock restoration – Part III – the case

Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock

I discovered this Arthur Pequegnat Moncton in an antique store in Bloomfield, Ontario. I had my eye on it during a visit to the antique shop this past summer (2018), thought about it before taking the plunge later in the fall to buy it. These clocks do not come up very often and the price … More Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock

Mauthe (FMS) wall clock restoration – Part I – assessment and first steps

This is Part I of a three part series on restoring this beautiful 1900s Mauthe wall clock. This Victorian style German wall clock was purchased locally from a family that once lived in the town of Parrsboro over 100 years ago. I found the clock on a local online for-sale site. It looked interesting but … More Mauthe (FMS) wall clock restoration – Part I – assessment and first steps

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 … More It’s time to change your clocks

The first cuckoo clock in my collection – thank you Uncle Dave

When people ask about my clock collection their first comment is, “Do you have a cuckoo clock”. No, I say and their reply typically would be “You should have one!” I often wonder why folks think I should have one. I suppose many collectors have at least one in their collection. Now when they ask … More The first cuckoo clock in my collection – thank you Uncle Dave

Grandfathers old clock – now what do I do with it? Part II

  I posted Part I of a four-part article on this curious schoolhouse clock recently. In this, Part II I discuss the what I like and what frustrates me about this project. I have a vivid memory of this Waterbury octagon short drop schoolhouse clock that hung in my grandparent’s kitchen when I was a … More Grandfathers old clock – now what do I do with it? Part II

Grandfathers old clock – I asked for it, now what do I do? Part I

  I’ve thought about this clock, dreamt about it, wondering where it was all these years…….and now I have it. Now, what do I do? I have a vivid memory of this Waterbury octagon short drop schoolhouse clock that hung in my grandparent’s kitchen when I was a young boy. After church on Sundays, my … More Grandfathers old clock – I asked for it, now what do I do? Part I

Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition I am selling my wife’s grandmother clock because it does not suit the decor of our new home. She has treasured this antique for years and doesn’t want to part with it. Please make my execution as painless as possible and buy this clock quickly. Keeps perfect time and … More Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

Tick-Talk Tuesday #17 – Can you tell me something about my Mauthe wall clock

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, questions about its origin, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments … More Tick-Talk Tuesday #17 – Can you tell me something about my Mauthe wall clock

Tick Talk Tuesday #16 – I would like to sell my clock

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #16 – I would like to sell my clock

Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company

Now for a little tongue in cheek. The Tempus Fugit Clock Company must be doing exceptionally well. Tempus Fugit clocks are everywhere, online for-sale sites, eBay, Kijiji and the like. Type “Tempus Fugit” in the eBay search box and dozens of wall clocks, grandfather clocks and mantel clocks will pop up. Not only can the … More Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company

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

Tick Talk Tuesday #15 -what size clock key do I need?

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #15 -what size clock key do I need?

Featured article on Chelsea Clock blog about my blog

The following is an article that was featured on the Chelsea Clock blog I have always had a fascination with clocks. As a young boy I can remember the schoolhouse clock in my grandparents’ kitchen and the ticking sound it would make that echoed through the entire house. We all have busy lives and despite my … More Featured article on Chelsea Clock blog about my blog