Q |
When was the first clock made? |
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A |
No one knows for sure. Before
the advent of the mechanical clock, there were, of course, sundials, but
there were also clocks that measured time by burning candles or dripping
water. The latter, called "Clepsydra" or water-clock, was fairly widespread,
although few examples exist today. |
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Q |
Why is the Roman numeral "IV" written "IIII" on clock dials? |
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A |
"IIII" is a valid way to write 4 in Roman numerals, but the tradition of its use on clock dials has mostly to do with visual balance. If it were written as "IV", you would have IV and V on the lower right side of the dial and VII and VIII on the lower left. Visually, it would look like the dial wanted to roll to the left -- it would be lopsided. The IIII helps maintain balance. Some clocks do use IV -- The most famous is the clock in London's Palace of Westminster, often referred to as "Big Ben" (although that moniker rightly refers to the largest bell in the clock tower). |
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Q |
My clock stops after running a short time. What's wrong with it? |
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A |
It is very important that clocks with mechanical movements be cleaned and oiled regularly! If you're using the clock on a daily basis, it should be serviced every few years. What happens is that the oil in the movement becomes gummy. When this happens, in addition to causing additional drag on the gear train, the oil holds dirt and metal shavings that act as an abrasive on the brass plates of the movement. Eventually, this causes the bearing holes to become worn and out-of-round. That's when the clock stops -- but by that time, the damage has been done. Such damage is repaired by inserting a new bushing into the worn bearing hole. So, take your clock to a qualified repair person and have it serviced. With proper care, clocks such as the ones you see on this site will be in service for decades to come. For additional troubleshooting tips, see Prestige Clock Repair's troubleshooting guide. |
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Q |
Is the Ansonia Clock Company still in business? |
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A |
The Ansonia Clock Company that
made all the wonderful old clocks you see on this web site went out of
business in 1929. Here's a brief history:
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Q |
What about my (insert name here) clock? When was it made? |
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A |
Here is what I know about the
dates of operation of other major American clock manufacturers of that
period: |
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Q |
What about my French/German/Swiss/English/Electric clock? |
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A |
Soon after I started collecting, I made a decision to specialize in American spring- and weight-driven clocks. There is just too much to know to be a generalist unless you make a living in the clock business. I'm afraid you'll have to keep surfing. The single most comprehensive index to horology on the web is Horology - The Index. |
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Q |
What can you tell me about the American Clock that I just inherited? |
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A |
There was a time when I had the time to look up people's clocks in my many reference books. Unfortunately, that time is past. The demands of running my own business, being on the board of directors, webmaster, and newsletter editor of the local chapter of the NAWCC (Chapter 69), being on the national Membership and Publicity Committee for the NAWCC, being on the board of directors of the Orange County Guitar Circle, and just living my life have made it impossible for me to give up anything more. The best advice I can offer now is to check your local library, check with the booksellers below, or get in touch with someone from your local chapter of NAWCC. |
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Q |
Where can I get reference books on clocks? |
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A |
Call or write either of these
sources and ask for a catalog of their books on clocks: |
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Q |
Where can I get replacement parts like pendulum bobs or springs for old clocks? |
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A |
Call or write either of these
sources and ask for a catalog of clock parts: |