Revamped HAC/HAU Clock Exhibits Quality but Requires Dial Adjustments
In the world of antique clocks, each piece tells a story and holds a unique charm. For one clock owner, this story began when they purchased a Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC) clock at an online estate auction in February 2021. The clock, now the first HAC in their collection, was in need of some tender love and care.
The dial, once proudly displaying cream-colored numbers and a chapter ring, was worn away and tarnished, with a blackish-grey tinge caused by a century's worth of built-up oil, grease, and grime. Drastic measures were needed to clean the dial, but replacing it would be expensive, as similar dials are going for more than the price paid for the clock.
The owner, however, opted for a more cost-effective and preservation-friendly approach. Approximately 50 Q-tips and a cleaning solution were used to remove the grime from the dial. The dial came out marginally better, and the original patina has been somewhat retained. The owner filled in the numbers on the dial using water-based acrylic black paint, a fine-tipped artist's brush, and a fine-tipped .6mm permanent marker for the chapter ring.
This careful, delicate work is typical of HAC clock restorations. General expert guidance on clock dial restoration offers useful principles. Initial cleaning involves gently cleaning the dial surface using very mild cleaners and soft materials such as a cotton swab or a microfiber cloth slightly dampened. If the dial shows tarnishing, discoloration, or paint loss, a restoration method called *inpainting* can be employed. This involves carefully mixing paints to match the original dial colors and applying paint only where needed to restore areas without covering the entire dial.
Because HAC clocks are vintage and may have delicate components, if the dial is heavily tarnished or damaged, consulting a professional clock restoration expert or dial painter is advisable to avoid irreversible damage.
The next step for this particular HAC clock is to refresh the case. The owner is pleased with the result but will not make further restorations. From a distance, the cleaned dial is presentable and less distracting. This approach balances cleaning and preservation to maintain the clock’s historical and aesthetic value without harsh interventions.
The Hamburg American Clock Company, incorporated in 1876, is renowned for its "crossed arrows" symbol found on the movement plate and the coil gong. The company was later acquired by Junghans in 1926. Restoring this vintage clock is not just about the timekeeping function, but also about preserving a piece of history and maintaining its charm for future generations.
Vintage clocks serve as intriguing additions to interior-design planning, particularly in the context of home-and-garden lifestyle. The delicate restoration process performed on the vintage HAC clock not only enhances its functionality, but also its historical value, ensuring it remains visually appealing as a charming piece of interior-design over time.
