Vintage Clock Parts Guide

Repairing Sessions Clock Pendulum Regulator (Fast/Slow) Mechanism
Repairing Sessions Clock Pendulum Regulator (Fast/Slow) Mechanism
This article focuses on repairing non-functioning dial-mounted rate adjusters on Sessions clocks (Puritan model circa 1910-1920s) achieving proper gear engagement, covering understanding that Sessions dial regulators use two small gears... Read more...
Faded Clock Case Restoration Without Full Refinishing
Faded Clock Case Restoration Without Full Refinishing
Severely faded clock cases are often the result of long-term sunlight exposure rather than neglect. Before committing to a full refinish, there are several conservative methods that can improve appearance... Read more...
Cleaning Rusted Clock Dials and Bezel Glass Without Damaging Original Finishes
Cleaning Rusted Clock Dials and Bezel Glass Without Damaging Original Finishes
Light surface rust on antique clock dials and bezel assemblies is a common problem, especially on schoolhouse, regulator, and French mantel clocks. When handled carefully, mild chemical methods can significantly... Read more...
Restoring a Rare 1840s Ogee Clock Case: Veneer Repair, Shellac Finishing, and Dial Challenges
Restoring a Rare 1840s Ogee Clock Case: Veneer Repair, Shellac Finishing, and Dial Challenges
This article focuses on practical, hands-on methods for cutting large round glass for antique clock bezels. Working with old glass can be frustrating, especially when attempting precise circular cuts, but... Read more...
How to Cut Round Bezel Glass for Antique Clocks Without Breaking It
How to Cut Round Bezel Glass for Antique Clocks Without Breaking It
This article focuses on proven methods for cutting large round glass used in antique clock bezels. Old glass behaves differently than modern float glass, and success depends on correct tools,... Read more...
Restoring Badly Repainted Zinc Clock Dials
Restoring Badly Repainted Zinc Clock Dials
This article focuses on restoring badly repainted zinc clock dials salvaging original paint where possible, covering understanding that zinc dials (American drop dials ogee shelf clocks) are painted sheet zinc... Read more...
Cutting Curved Radius Glass for Clock Doors
Cutting Curved Radius Glass for Clock Doors
This article focuses on cutting curved radius glass for clock doors (full-arch top with square bottom) achieving professional results, covering understanding that radius cuts require circle cutter not handheld template... Read more...
Cutting Circular Glass for Clock Bezels Professional Technique
Cutting Circular Glass for Clock Bezels Professional Technique
This article focuses on cutting circular glass for clock bezels achieving clean professional results, covering understanding that successful circle cutting requires scrupulously clean glass (microscopic debris creates score gaps causing... Read more...
Repairing Chipped Enamel Clock Dials French and Vienna Regulators
Repairing Chipped Enamel Clock Dials French and Vienna Regulators
This article focuses on repairing chipped enamel clock dials (French Vienna regulators crystal regulators) achieving nearly-invisible repairs, covering understanding that enamel dials are glass dust fused to copper plate at... Read more...
Cleaning and Repairing Porcelain Clock Cases
Cleaning and Repairing Porcelain Clock Cases
This article focuses on cleaning and repairing porcelain clock cases removing embedded dirt from crazing while preserving gold decoration, covering understanding that porcelain crazing (fine crack network in glaze) traps... Read more...
Tung Oil Finish for Clock Cases Application and Techniques
Tung Oil Finish for Clock Cases Application and Techniques
This article focuses on using tung oil-based finishes achieving deep glowing appearance on clock cases, covering understanding that most products labeled "tung oil" are actually wiping varnishes (Formby's Gillespie Waterlox)... Read more...
Cabinet Scraper Technique for Clock Case Finishing
Cabinet Scraper Technique for Clock Case Finishing
This article focuses on using cabinet scraper achieving superior smooth finish on clock cases avoiding sandpaper scratches, covering understanding that cabinet scraper is flexible rectangular steel blade (4x2 inches typical)... Read more...