Antiquevintageclock.com's annual discovery
In the world of clock collecting, 2020 presented its own set of challenges, yet some enthusiasts managed to make significant finds. Despite the pandemic-induced slowdown in acquisitions, a few remarkable clocks found their way into collections.
One of the year's most admired pieces is the McLachlan tall case clock, a conversation starter with its impressive condition and age. This majestic clock, standing tall and stately, is made of mahogany and weighs a hefty 13 pounds due to its heavy weights. The McLachlan tall case clock, assembled by William McLachlan of Newton, Steward, was bought at a live auction in February 2020 and underwent a full restoration, including dial, movement, and case repairs.
Another notable find is the Arthur Pequegnat Canuck time and strike gingerbread or kitchen clock, purchased for $50. This clock required case refreshing, dial inpainting, and movement refurbishment to bring it back to its former glory.
The year also saw the acquisition of a Solar time and strike mantel clock, originally sold by Eatons Department store in Canada during the 1960s and 70s. This clock features a Hermle type 141 movement and strikes the half-hour on a bell.
In the realm of electric clocks, a Sessions 3W electric clock was added to a collection, with a Synchron motor and a simple repair to replace the plug.
A Fleet Westminster chime mantel clock from the late 1930s was also purchased, made by the Fleet Time Company of Montreal and requiring case refurbishment and mainspring replacement.
Meanwhile, a Junghans bracket clock was bought for $40, requiring servicing, refreshing, and polishing.
However, the most significant "clock find" of 2020 wasn't a physical timekeeping device but a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of precision timekeeping. Earth's rotation speed has been increasing, leading to the frequency of extremely fast days since 2020. This phenomenon affects atomic clocks and global timekeeping systems, potentially requiring a "negative leap second" (subtracting a second) for the first time in history to keep Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) synchronized with Earth's actual rotation. This could happen around 2029.
This finding is crucial, as atomic clocks, GPS, satellite navigation, and telecommunications depend on extremely accurate time measurements. Variations in Earth's rotation speed, though only by milliseconds, disrupt these systems’ synchronization. The traditional addition of leap seconds compensates for Earth's slowing rotation, but with the rotation now speeding up, the leap second might have to be removed—a novel adjustment in timekeeping history.
Despite the challenges of 2020, clock collectors remained optimistic, looking forward to better times in 2021 for their hobby. For those who enjoy the sound of antique bell strike clocks echoing through a stately manor, the fascination with clocks continues to tick along.
In a separate note, a video titled "My Antique Wall Clock Collection: A Quick YouTube Tour" features a collection of 19 wall clocks, each identified by its maker, where known. The video offers a glimpse into the world of clock collecting, showcasing the diversity and beauty of these timekeeping pieces.
- The acquisition of the McLachlan tall case clock, a vintage masterpiece restored to its original glory, highlights the ongoing passion for clock collection despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020.
- The addition of the fashionable Fleet Westminster chime mantel clock to a collection underscores the intertwining of clock collecting and lifestyle, as the hobby extends beyond dwellings into the realm of home-and-garden decor.
- The discovery of a YouTube video showcasing a diverse set of wall clocks in a collection is a testament to the growing fascination with clock collecting as a distinctive niche within the broader world of fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts.
