Restored York-made Waterbury parlor clock yields unexpected twists, leaving service disappointingly incomplete
In the heart of the 20th century, a Waterbury York parlour clock, circa 1900, found its way into the hands of an antique enthusiast. This particular wall clock, a solid oak case measuring 19 inches long by 12 inches wide, was a treasure hidden among the countless antiques at an local store1.
The Waterbury Clock Company, established in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1857, was a prominent 19th-century American clock manufacturer. Known for their York Parlour Clocks, these household mantel clocks were popular during the era1. Over time, the company expanded and modernized its production capabilities, eventually rebranding and shifting focus towards wristwatches and other timekeeping devices, giving birth to the globally recognized brand, Timex1.
Upon purchasing the clock, the author discovered an intriguing issue: the clock's strike side did not function, while the time side was running smoothly1. This particular Waterbury Ogee (OG) 30 hour weight-driven clock was often undervalued1.
The author's investigation led to the discovery of a damaged second wheel gear tooth on the strike side, caused by a broken mainspring1. A replacement mainspring and a repair on one section of the gear teeth on the second wheel looked promising, but the other section remained rough1.
The author had previously written about the challenges of adjusting the strike side of the clock1. The shroud securing the main wheel assembly on the strike side was not properly secured, potentially contributing to the malfunction1.
The author was close to a solution for the clock's strike side issue but did not realize it at the time1. The clock was bought at auction in the spring of 2019, and the article was published in December of the same year1.
As the Waterbury York parlour clock continues its journey through time, it serves as a testament to the rich history of American industrial evolution, linking traditional clockmaking with modern watch manufacturing, and connecting the Waterbury York Parlour Clocks directly with the rise of Timex watches1.
[1] Antiques and the Arts Online. (2019, December 18). The Waterbury York Parlour Clock: A Journey Through Time and Repair. Retrieved from https://www.antiquesandtheartsonline.com/2019/12/18/the-waterbury-york-parlour-clock-a-journey-through-time-and-repair/
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