Canadian clock collectors should find John Plewes' reference essential
In the world of antique pendulum clock repair, a classic guide that continues to stand out is "Repairing and Restoring Pendulum Clocks" by John Plewes, first published in 1984. This comprehensive book, now over 30 years old, remains a valuable resource for both amateur and expert repair persons.
The book offers a wealth of information, covering clocks from Britain, Canada, the US, France, and Germany. It provides step-by-step instructions for overhauling and repairing various pendulum clock movements, as well as the repair and restoration of dials and cases. Chapter 4, in particular, delves into the Pequegnat Regulator #1 8-day movement, a topic that has drawn the attention of many horologists.
One of the book's most notable discussions revolves around the Pequegnat Regulator #1, a clock manufactured by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, which was founded in Berlin, Ontario (renamed Kitchener in 1917) in 1904. John Plewes criticizes the design of the clock for having hands that are too heavy, which affects the force applied to the train and the pendulum arc. He also discusses the difficulty in finding a replacement weight for the clock, suggesting a lighter Seth Thomas weight as a substitute.
The video footage of an antique and vintage wall clock collection, including several Arthur Pequegnat clocks, uploaded on YouTube in January 2019, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of these clocks. In fact, the first-ever Arthur Pequegnat clock discovery was mentioned in a 2015 blog post, which also highlighted the Arthur Pequegnat Brandon II.
Besides Plewes' work, several other valuable titles and resources are available for those interested in antique pendulum clock repair and restoration. Notable mentions include "The Repair and Restoration of Clocks" by Laurie Penman, "Clock Repairing as a Hobby" by Arthur C. Eggert, "Practical Clock Repairing" by Donald de Carle, and "Pendulum Clocks, Third Edition" by Francis M. O'Reilly.
For those seeking a more interactive learning experience, specialty horology websites and restoration blogs, such as the Antique Vintage Clock blog, offer hands-on insights, particularly about dial restoration and mechanical servicing. Additionally, joining communities like the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) offers real-time advice and troubleshooting from experienced clock repairers.
In conclusion, if you can find a copy of John Plewes' "Repairing and Restoring Pendulum Clocks" and are interested in clock repair from a Canadian perspective, it is well worth the cost. These books and online communities provide detailed technical guidance, from mechanical movement repairs to cosmetic dial and case restoration, paralleling the practical depth of Plewes' work. For those seeking more specialized or advanced knowledge, looking for publications by Horological Institutes or antique clock makers’ manuals will complement these general repair guides.
The comprehensive book "Repairing and Restoring Pendulum Clocks" by John Plewes, even though it's over 30 years old, remains a valuable resource for those interested in vintage wall clocks, particularly those made by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company. For a more hands-on learning experience, specialty horology websites and restoration blogs, such as the Antique Vintage Clock blog, offer insights about dial restoration and mechanical servicing. Furthermore, for those seeking a well-rounded understanding of clock repair and restoration, joining communities like the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) provides real-time advice and troubleshooting from experienced clock repairers.
