Insights Gained from Decade of Clock Tinkering, Maintenance, and Refurbishment
In the world of antique and vintage clock collecting, one dedicated enthusiast from the United Kingdom has carved out a niche for themselves, focusing on spring and weight-driven wall clocks from the 1860s and 1870s, primarily American and Canadian shelf clocks. With a collection of 80 clocks and counting, this individual has been immersed in the hobby for over a decade.
The collector's journey began over 10 years ago, with a keen interest in clock repair and restoration. They follow a few well-respected YouTube repairers for advice, but have found that not all online resources provide accurate information. This has led them to seek out more reliable sources, such as the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), of which they are a proud member.
The NAWCC offers a wealth of information, including online library resources and articles, as well as an active online forum presence that anyone can join for free. The collector's blog, which serves as a platform to document their hobby, also allows them to gauge their progress and marry their photography hobby with writing.
The collector follows a "one comes in, one goes out" rule to control the size of their collection and ensure that each clock receives the attention it deserves. They take their time with each project, investigating new techniques or waiting for tools that they feel would make the job simpler.
One of the collector's specialties is the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, for which they have written extensively. Their collection includes 11 Arthur Pequegnat clocks, including three beautiful wall clocks, and they even have a video on YouTube showcasing their collection.
However, the collector has walked away from more than a few clocks over the past 10 years due to high prices, suspicious repairs, or missing parts. They have also encountered many questionable repair advice on well-meaning YouTube channels, emphasizing the importance of continuous education in the hobby.
The collector is also a member of the Ottawa Valley Watch and Clock Collectors Club, chapter 111 of the NAWCC. Through their involvement in these communities, they have met many fascinating people and gained valuable insights into the world of clock collecting.
Despite the glut on the market, antique and vintage clocks can still be found cheaply, but their value has decreased due to the oversupply. The collector purchases tools as needed, spreading out the costs over time to make it financially feasible. They also caution against buying clocks online without careful inspection, as many antique clocks offered for sale are beyond repair or not antique as advertised.
The collector stores their clocks safely, especially those with radium-based luminescent paint, which emits low-level radiation. They also maintain proper servicing and lubrication, and organize and catalog their collection for easy management and informed buying or selling decisions.
By following these strategies, this dedicated collector has built a meaningful, well-cared-for collection that provides long-lasting satisfaction and value. Their story serves as a testament to the joy and fulfillment that can be found in the pursuit of a well-curated clock collection.
- The collector's clock collection focuses mainly on mechanical and antique clocks, including mantel clocks, wall clocks, and spring and weight-driven clocks from the 1860s and 1870s, particularly American and Canadian shelf clocks.
- Although they follow popular YouTube repairers for guidance, the collector values reliability and turns to sources like the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) for accurate information.
- Besides documenting their hobby through a blog, the collector takes part in the Ottawa Valley Watch and Clock Collectors Club, which helps them engage with the clock community for personal growth and knowledge sharing.
- To ensure each clock in their collection receives proper attention, the collector adheres to the "one comes in, one goes out" rule and invests in research or tools that will make the restoration process smoother.
- The collector's lifestyle intertwines clock collecting, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, as they continue to learn about various clock companies, such as the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, and seek out deals while being cautious about the price, repairs, and authenticity of antique clocks online.
