We try to answer all the emails we receive in the order we receive them. However, the volume of email requests we get each day prevents us from always being able to answer your specific questions. If our site hasn’t been able to answer your questions about your clock’s history or identity, we recommend you try the following resources:
Helpful Organizations and Communities
The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) is an organization with an excellent horological library and professional research assistance. Their Museum Library and Research Center is one of the largest horological libraries in the world. It provides free research services to Association members. Non-member research services are provided for a fee. If you need a fast, free answer to your question, the NAWCC Message Board allows you to post your question, and its members are generally very knowledgeable and helpful.
If you are looking specifically for information on British clocks or clockmakers, you might also try the British Horological Institute (BHI).
Another excellent resource is the Historical Clock and Watch Research website, which offers a free public message board where you can post your questions, plus access to an archived digest for a modest fee.
The CLOCKS Mailing List’s primary goal is to discuss the collecting, construction, and repair of both clocks and watches. Topics also include the history of timekeeping, wooden movements, water clocks, antique and modern clocks, and more. Of great interest is information about suppliers of repair and construction parts and techniques, books, newsletters, and national and local associations. The list welcomes participation and contribution from anyone interested in the subject, whether an amateur, beginner, or professional. The list is managed by LISTSERV software, and subscribing is free. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Other active discussion groups of clock enthusiasts can be found in various online community sections, including groups focused on clocks generally, clocks and watches, cuckoo clocks, military watch and clock collecting, watch and clock professionals, Gustav Becker clocks, and Japanese clocks.
Additional Help With Identifying and Dating Antique Clocks
- Illustrated Glossary of Clock Types
- Using Trademarks and Trade Names
- Active Dates of Known Clockmakers
- General Facts to Know When Dating Your Clock
- Dating Clocks by Style
- Dating Clocks by Maker’s Name
- Dating Clocks by Labels and Trademarks
- Dating Clocks by Serial Number
- Dating Clocks by Patent Number
- What It’s Worth: Different Types of Values
- Should You Get an Appraisal?
- Buying Tips
- Selling Tips
- A Short History of Clockmaking
- Individual Clockmakers and Companies
- Bibliographic Resources
- Link Categories
- Wood Identification Guide
