Repairing the 8-day mechanism in a Seth Thomas timepiece
In the world of antique clock collecting, a unique find has surfaced - a Waterbury Wren shelf clock fitted with a Seth Thomas movement. Often referred to as a "Waterbury Wren with a Seth Thomas movement" or a "hybrid clock" by collectors, this piece is a fascinating blend of two renowned clock manufacturers.
The clock's intricate mechanism, complete with an overly complicated, speed regulating feature called a set-back counter weight, adds to its allure. However, its journey to its current state was not without challenges.
Upon purchase for just $40, the clock was initially assumed to be a Seth Thomas. But thorough research revealed its true identity - a Waterbury Wren after all. Despite being a marriage of these two iconic brands, the clock's value might be less to those particular about such matters, given its mixed origins.
The movement, a Seth Thomas type 44 hip style, was used from 1890 to 1903. Its mainsprings remain in good shape, still bearing the original Seth Thomas trademarks. However, the movement's installation process was not without complications. A bushing was required for the pin wheel, but accessing it from inside the plate proved difficult, necessitating drilling from the outside.
The drilling process encountered an issue with the last 3.47 mm cutter, causing the old bushing to come out. To stabilize the bushing during installation, a block from a staking set was used. The regulating worm gear was also forgotten during assembly, requiring the movement to be disassembled again.
Minor adjustments made the clock functional once more. The pivots of the count wheel and the strike pin wheel were polished, and the dial pan, though possibly not original to the case, was secured in its place. Interestingly, the hole on the dial just above the 12 is larger than it should be, possibly enlarged to accommodate the regulating arbour.
Despite these challenges, the clock is now running smoothly. The hybrid nature of this Waterbury Wren with a Seth Thomas movement makes it a captivating find in the world of antique clock collecting. Its story serves as a testament to the enduring allure of these classic timepieces and the intricate craftsmanship that goes into them.
This unique find in antique clock collecting, a Waterbury Wren shelf clock with a Seth Thomas movement, is a captivating blend of two prominent clock manufacturers. The clock's value might be contested amongst purists, given its hybrid origins, but its intricate craftsmanship and fascinating history make it an interesting addition to any vintage clock collection. The process of restoring the clock was not without complications, as seen in the challenging installation of a bushing for the pin wheel and the overlooked regulating worm gear during assembly. Yet, the clock now runs smoothly, ready to adorn a mantel in a lifestyle inspired by fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, or home-and-garden, or possibly even in a car-enthusiast's collection, due to its distinctive charm.
