December 8 2024

Program #1 11:15 a.m.

A Handmade Verge Fusee Clock Wach
A Very Strange Piece to be Sure!!
Presenter - Edwin L. Fasanella

Old Dominion Chapter Member Edwin L. Fasanella is a long-time member of the Chapter and has served twice as Chapter President.  He enjoys doing research on horological matters and serves as the editor of the NAWCC Research Activities Column in the NAWCC Bulletin.  An NAWCC Fellow, Ed and his wife, Barbara, reside in Williamsburg. 

Ed will present a workshop demonstrating the proper way to open your wrist or pocket watch and will offer some timely advice as to when the matter is best left to a professional.

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October 13 2024

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.
Rewaxing and Resilvering Clock Dials
This is a hands-on workshop led by Chapter Member Rick Robinson wherein members will actually learn how to perform this facet of clock repair.  If you have dials that need rewaxing or resilvering, please bring them to the meeting.  Rick will
show you how to perform the process.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting
Glass Cutting
The workshop is also led by Rick Robinson wherein members will learn how to perform glass cutting for clocks.  Both round and rectangular glass cutting will be demonstrated.  Please bring any glass panels you need replaced to the meeting.  Rick will assist you in cutting the glass.

August 11, 2024

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Vice President David Hughes is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended college at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering, he started work at Westinghouse Electric Corp. in the Nuclear Service Division, servicing nuclear power plants domestically and abroad. His next career opportunity was the utility side of the business in Tennessee, then in New Jersey. Dave and his family then moved to Williamsburg where he tried the commercial side of the ethanol business and worked his way to President and General Manager. After that business met the commercial demand, he started working for Day & Zimmermann with their Projects and Construction Group. He retired in 2019.

Dave joined NAWCC in 2019 after receiving his great grandfather’s pocket watches, one being a relatively rare Hamilton railroad model. To quote Dave, “my addiction started!!”

June 9, 2024

Collecting for Fun and No Profit
Presenter - Jack McBroom


Chapter Members Jack McBroom and his wife, Ann, are residents of Williamsburg and have been chapter members for several years.

Jack was born, raised and educated in Oklahoma. Ann was born, raised and educated in Britain. They both taught basic sciences to medical students throughout their careers. The two met 45 years ago when both were teaching at Kuwait University Faculty of Medicine and were married five years later. They spent some 15 years in Kuwait, relocated to the United Arab Emirates Medical Faculty in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. After five years in the UAE, they again relocated, this time to Grenada, West Indies at St. George’s University Medical Faculty. After a five-year stint there, they retired to Virginia in 2001.

Only then did Jack and Ann develop their interest in clock collecting, and they joined the NAWCC in 2005. They consider themselves merely teenagers in the horology sphere. Ann has concentrated her efforts in researching some of the makers of their clocks. Jack has concentrated on learning as much as possible about the various movement types and in his words “has tried to do as little damage as possible to those wonderful machines”. 

General Movement Servicing - Part 4
Video Presenter – Ken DeLucca

April 14, 2024

Math Concepts We Learned from Clocks
Presenter - Jeff Wilson

Since the majority of clocks are now digital, children are often not taught how to tell time with an analog clock. Learning the clock dial has taught us empirical understanding of many mathematical concepts that seem to be eluding the younger generations.  

Jeff is an Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 member and resides in Newport News.  He will discuss some of the concepts he has observed that can be learned from the clock and perhaps others can suggest other reasons why analog clocks need to be more common. 

General Movement Servicing - Part 3
Video Presenter – Ken DeLucca

February 11 2024

                                  General Movement Servicing - Part 1 and 2
                                  Video Presenter – Ken DeLucca

About the Presenter -

Ken DeLucca

Ken DeLucca is the Director of Education at the NAWCC School of Horology in Columbia Pennsylvania. A graduate of the NAWCC School of Horology Clock Repair Program, he also has a graduate diploma in the Conservation of Clocks from West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in the United Kingdom.

Ken has worked in two local clock repair centers in the Columbia area for more than ten years in a part time position - one an antique shop, the other a jewelry store.  Along with a Certificate of Museum Studies from the University of Delaware, his exposure to clockmaking has been wide and far.  A member of the NAWCC for more than twenty years, he recently retired from teaching a technical subject (electronics and related courses) after more than 36 years.

December 10 2023

Program #1     11:15 a.m.
Watch Cases and Their Makers
Speaker:  Edwin L. Fasanella

Since a watch movement is delicate, a case was always needed. In many instances,
the case is more valuable than the movement, especially if precious metals were
used. Ed will provide an overview of the history of watch cases and watch case
makers starting with early cases made in Europe and the United States. Early cases were often made by silversmiths or goldsmiths in small quantities.
 
Ed describes how to date the period and identify the maker of early cases by hallmarks and trademarks, if present, or by the style. Since collectors desire original cases, methods to determine original or a re-case will be discussed. Ed will present information on fakes and forgeries of cases, especially fake gold marks.

Ed is a long-time member of the Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 and has served twice as Chapter President. He enjoys doing research on horological matters and serves on the NAWCC Research Committee.  He and his wife Barbara reside in Williamsburg.

Program #2     
Following Business Meeting
Accidentally Preserved:

“The House of Wonders” (1931) – The Elgin Watch Company
A Video Presentation

The video is available by loan of Chapter member Marty Hutto.

October 8 2023

Program #1 11:15 a.m.

Designing and Making a Leaf Pinion for a Verge Fusee Watch Continued
Speaker:  Marty Hutto

Program #2 Following Business Meeting

An English Musical Tall Case Clock made by
Francis Eck, Northampton, circa 1777
Speaker:  Stan Palen

Stan is a long-time Chapter member and is the Chapter’s audio-visual expert. He, along with Michael Tyler, managed the AV requirements at the 2021 NAWCC National Convention in Hampton. Stan is also active in the Horological Association of Virginia and the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. Retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Stan and his wife live in King George.

August 13, 2023

Program #1 11:15 a.m.

Designing and Making a Leaf Pinion for a Verge Fusee Watch
Speaker:  Marty Hutto

Program #2 Following Business Meeting
Show and Tell

We all have tools, gizmos, jigs and other items that we’ve made or adapted for use.  Bring in the items that you use for repairing and maintaining clocks and watches and describe them to fellow members.

June 9 2023

Guest Speaker

David Gorrell
Millersville, Maryland

and clockmaking throughout the U.S. and Canada. He served three terms as president of NAWCC Philadelphia Chapter No. 1 as well as the Chapter’s secretary/treasurer for nine years. He has also been a four-time chair of the NAWCC Mid-Eastern Regional.

Dave is serving as chair of the Mini-Workshops at this year’s NAWCC National Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He chaired the same position at the 2021 NAWCC National Convention/Hampton and 2022 NAWCC National Convention/ Dayton.

Program #1 Eli Terry and the Porter Contract
A presentation showing the development of interchangeable parts and mass production in clockmaking.

Program #2 Which Eli was it?

The proof that it was Eli Terry, NOT Eli Whitney who successfully accomplished the first interchangeability of parts in the manufacturing process in America.

April 16 2023

Program #1 – Restoration of a Neglected 1900 Seth Thomas Clock
A video demonstration of the strip down and servicing of a 1900 Seth Thomas Mangle Clock in need of repair.  Members will have the opportunity to discuss the demonstration afterward.

Program #2 – Vintage Watch Restoration and
                         History of a Vulcain Cricket
A video demonstrating the strip down of a Vulcain Cricket.  This program is a follow up to a presentation at a previous meeting that introduced a similar Vulcain Cricket.

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February 12, 2023 Postponed from Dec 11 due to illness.

Program #1

English Brass Lantern Clocks

The program centers around English Brass Lantern Clocks which Jack and his wife Ann collect. They started their collecting in a very undisciplined manner and acquired an eclectic (possibly, motley) group and over time pared the collection down to about the 15 they now have. All of these are British, as was the first clock they owned.

Speaker – Jack McBroom

Jack was born, raised and educated in Oklahoma, and Ann was born, raised and educated in Britain.  They both taught basic sciences to medical students throughout their careers. They met 45 years ago when both were teaching at Kuwait University Faculty of Medicine, and the couple married five years later. They spent some 15 years in Kuwait, relocated to the Arab Emirates Medical Faculty in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. After five years in the UAE, Jack and Ann again relocated this time to Grenada, West Indies at St. George’s University Medical Faculty. After a five-year stint there, they retired to Virginia in 2003.

At that time, Jack and Ann developed their interest in clock collecting and joined NAWCC. They self-describe themselves as merely teenagers in the horology sphere. Ann has concentrated her efforts in researching some of the makers of their clocks. Jack has concentrated on learning about the various movement types, and has tried to do as little damage as possible to those wonderful machines.

Program #2

"Problem Children"

Bring in a challenging clock or watch project(s) for review and discussion.

A panel composed of long-time Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 members with experience in repair and restoration of clocks and watches will be available to make suggestions regarding your projects and lead discussions with the members.

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Panel Members
Clocks - Rick Robinson, Michael Tyler
Watches - Ed Fasanella, Stan Palen

December 11, 2022

Program #1

English Brass Lantern Clocks

The program centers around English Brass Lantern Clocks which Jack and his wife Ann collect. They started their collecting in a very undisciplined manner and acquired an eclectic (possibly, motley) group and over time pared the collection down to about the 15 they now have. All of these are British, as was the first clock they owned.

Speaker – Jack McBroom

Jack was born, raised and educated in Oklahoma, and Ann was born, raised and educated in Britain.  They both taught basic sciences to medical students throughout their careers. They met 45 years ago when both were teaching at Kuwait University Faculty of Medicine, and the couple married five years later. They spent some 15 years in Kuwait, relocated to the Arab Emirates Medical Faculty in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. After five years in the UAE, Jack and Ann again relocated this time to Grenada, West Indies at St. George’s University Medical Faculty. After a five-year stint there, they retired to Virginia in 2003.

At that time, Jack and Ann developed their interest in clock collecting and joined NAWCC. They self-describe themselves as merely teenagers in the horology sphere. Ann has concentrated her efforts in researching some of the makers of their clocks. Jack has concentrated on learning about the various movement types, and has tried to do as little damage as possible to those wonderful machines.

Program #2

My Method of Reproducing Moldings
for the E. N. Welch “Cary” Clock

Michael will share through a PowerPoint presentation how he recreated the curved parts of the ”sausage” moldings on the side of the case top to replace a damaged part and a poorly recreated part. He will discuss the challenges and show the tools and steps to make the parts. Michael will also talk about using silicon molds and casting resin to recreate the button rosettes.

Speaker: Michael W. Tyler

Michael is a 39-year member of NAWCC and is the recipient of a Fellow award.  He served as Chapter Librarian and two terms each as Chapter Vice President, Chapter President and Director.  Michael has presented programs and workshops at chapter meetings and has extensive service on the regional and national level.

Michael is retired from Henrico County Division of Fire as a Career Firefighter and Hazmat Specialist with over 30 years of service.  Besides clocks, Michael has interests in aviation, genealogy and local history.  In 2013, he self-published a book documenting Hanover County’s Confederate Soldiers and released a second edition in 2020.

October 9, 2022

Program

The Making of a Museum – An Update
Speakers
Dennis Stephens and David Brannan
Callao, VA

Chapter members Dennis Stephens and David Brannan of Callao, Virginia, are the speakers at the October meeting. Dennis is the owner of Rappahannock Organ Company in Callao, specializing in the restoration of organs, primarily for churches and theaters. 

Dennis and David will provide an informative and interesting presentation on the further development of their museum. They will review the progression of the museum when they first presented as a chapter program in 2018 and discuss new developments as of 2022. As described by David, “we needed more room!”.

The museum involves the transformation of their shop to house both their clock and organ collections. In addition, a large room that will imitate an art deco movie theater will be included. The collection includes a Marr and Coulton theater organ which was in the now extinct Lyric Theater in Richmond.

August 14, 2022

Program #1 – 11:15

My 50-Year Journey through
  Clock and Watch Restoration
Speaker:  Edwin L. Fasanella

Edwin L. Fasanella of Williamsburg is an NAWCC Fellow and has been a member for over fifty years. During his 40-year NASA career, he published over 125 research papers on impacts spacecraft landing systems and computer modeling. Ed served as president of the Old Dominion Chapter No.34 for two terms. He is the editor of the NAWCC Bulletin “Research Activities & News” column, is an avid horological researcher and has restored hundreds of vintage and antique timepieces.

Program #2

          One Man’s Vocation /
       One Man’s Hobby

Speaker: Michael Schulman

Michael Schulman relocated to Williamsburg from the New York City area several years ago. A former educator, he and his wife Paula have embraced the area, becoming involved in several activities. His time in retirement has given him the opportunity to become more involved in clock and watch collecting and restoration. Michael is serving as vice president of the Old Dominion Chapter No. 34

June 12, 2022

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.

Tall Case Clocks in the
    Colonial Williamsburg Collections
Speaker:  Tara Gleason Chicirda

Gleason Chicirda is the Curator of Furniture at Colonial Williamsburg.  Since 2002, Tara has created a number of exhibitions at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg including Keeping Time:  Tall Case Clocks and A Gift to the Nation:  The Joseph and June Hennage Collection.  Prior to coming to Williamsburg, Tara held curatorial positions at the New Jersey Historical Society and the Winterthur Museum where she assisted with an exhibition mounted at the National Gallery of Art in addition to exhibitions in the Winterthur galleries.  Her research projects have taken her from Rhode Island to Georgia and she has published widely on American furniture in The Magazine Antiques, The Catalogue of Antiques and Fine Art, the Chipstone journal American Furniture and The Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts.  Her most recent article “Tall Case Clocks in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection” was published in the NAWCC Watch and Clock Bulletin (March/April 2021) and “A Rhode Island Cabinetmaker in Kentucky:  Revelations of a Clock Reexamined”, co-authored with Mack Cox and published in American Furniture (2018).  Tara is a graduate of Amherst College and holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Delaware’s Winterthur Program in Early American Culture.

Program #2

AUCTION: Following Business Meeting

        Materials from the
Estate of the late Bob Latimer
Auctioneer:  Rick Robinson

Bob Latimer of Norfolk was a member of the NAWCC Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 for many years.  He was deceased in 2020.

Auctioneer Rick Robinson will be selling materials from Bob’s collection such as clock keys, clock kits, various dials and quartz movements.

The Chapter is grateful to Bob’s widow, Erle Marie Latimer, for the donation of the materials, the proceeds of which will be given to the Chapter.

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February 13, 2022

Workshop:  Installing Watch Case Crystals
Speaker:  Jim Adams

11:15 a.m.

Chapter Member Jim Adams will be demonstrating techniques used in the installation of watch crystals.

Program:  Interview of those members bringing items for the Exhibit.

1:30 p.m.

       Vice President Rick Robinson will be asking those bringing items to highlight the features of the item and tell a bit of their personal history concerning their areas of interests and what drew them to the world of Horology.

December 12, 2021

Program 1 and 2 :  Chelsea Clocks
Speaker:  Jim Dyson

11:15 and 1:30

Jim Dyson of Portsmouth will bring several clocks from his collection of Chelsea marine clocks and share their history and characteristics with us.  Jim’s collection, which was showcased at the NAWCC 2021 National Convention, represents the finest collection of Chelsea clocks ever assembled.  Each piece has a story to be told, as we learned from Jim during the ‘Walk Through’ tour of the Exhibit.  Jim will share those stories with us – ranging from the provenance to how he acquired the pieces to why they are special to him.

Jim is a 30-year NAWCC member and a retired U.S. Navy Captain and renowned expert on Chelsea marine clocks.  He has researched all facets of Chelsea history and is the author and curator of the “Chelsea Clock Museum”, the online source of Chelsea history and marine clock knowledge.

October 17, 2021

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.

The Tower Clocks of Fort Monroe
Speaker:  Alan Bomar

Fort Monroe sits at the entrance to Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay and served as a U.S. Army post until its deactivation in 2011.  As turned over to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the site includes two unmodified tower clocks that are the subject of Alan’s presentation.

Alan has a BME degree from Georgia Tech, is a career shipbuilder at Newport News Shipbuilding, and lives at Fort Monroe.  In 2015, he joined the Fort Monroe Authority’s efforts to operate the Fort’s Post Office 1898 Model 5 Tower Clock.  In 2018, before the celebrated 2019 First Africans Arrival Commemoration, Alan proposed operating the 1880 Model 15 Tower Clock that is the subject of this lecture.  Alan joined the NAWCC five years ago and applies his engineering skills to study horology.

The presentation was made at the luncheon meeting of the Old Timers & Fellows Chapter No. 22 during the NAWCC 2021 National Convention in Hampton.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting
Ask the Experts

A panel composed of Chapter members, Ed Fasnaella, Stan Palen, Rick Robinson and Michael Tyler will answer your questions about clock and watch collecting.  Bring your clock and/or watch and your questions relating to identification to repair to servicing.  The local expert panel will do their best to answer your question.

February 9, 2020

Program #1     11:15 a.m.

Watch Science:  Inside Omega 321/CH27

A video presentation wherein Michael Michaels examines the Omega 321/CH27 Chronograph wristwatch movement during disassembly.  Mr. Michaels discusses and demonstrates the technical aspects associated with this 52-year-old discontinued movement.  During disassembly, many elements of the chronograph and their functions are highlighted.  Additionally, bench practices are discussed, proving insight into the many details involved in watch servicing.
                                                                                                                . .
Mr. Michaels is past Director of Watchmaking and Lead Watchmaker at Govberg Jewelers and currently a Technical Supervisor for Richemont in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  His career in watchmaking started in 2000 and he holds the following certifications:  IWC Level 40 Watchmaker (Richemont), Omega Caliber 8500 Watchmaker (Swatch Group), Jaeger-LeCoultre Level 40 Watchmaker (Richemont), ETA 2894-2 Modular Chronograph Service, Omega OWME Certification (OMEGA SA), Breitling Level 1 and 2 (Breitling USA), CW 21 (AWCI), Fleurier Designate Certificate (Chopard), Omega Co-Axial (Swatch Group).

Program #2     Following Business Meeting

The Real Clockworkers of the South Shore

The video made in 2017 details the restoration of the Hingham, Massachusetts New North Church Clock and begins by disassembling the clockwork.  Ross Hochstrasser is the lead restorer, assisted by his brother David.  The E. Howard weight-driven tower clock, purchased and installed in 1845, had needed maintenance for some time and was non-functional prior to beginning this restoration.  The town of Hingham has four tower clocks owned and maintained by the town.  All four clocks were in need of restoration and the town council approved funds to carry out the work.  The New North Church Clock is the first of the four to undergo restoration.

Ross Hochstrasser began collecting vintage timepieces in the late 1970s as a hobby.  It became evident that some knowledge and experience on the repair and maintenance of his collection would be needed.  After visiting many clock shops, a brief apprenticeship was attained at the Clock Shop in Scituate Harbor.  In 1985, Ross left his job in the electronics industry to pursue a new career in the field of horology.  In 1987, Ross and his brother, David, were contracted to restore the historic timepiece at the Custom House Tower overlooking Boston’s skyline.  From there, he has pursued many projects large and small.

October 13, 2019

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.

Program Part 2     Following Business Meeting

Program
Early Advertising Clocks – 1860s to 1930s
Speaker
Bob Kolbeck
Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Member
Palmyra, Virginia

No discussion on early advertisihg clocks would be complete without including the Baird Clock Company.  Edward Payson Baird was an inventor and entrepreneur who took the concept of advertising on a clock from a novelty to a full-fledged business, producing thousands of clocks a year.  Bob will discuss the various clocks Baird produced as well as how he made them at reasonable prices. 

In the second segment of the presentation, Bob will introduce the ways the major clock companies such as Seth Thomas, New Haven and Ithaca, developed their own advertising clocks in an attempt to capture part of the growing advertising clock market.  Some were catalog models, while others appear to have been client specific.

Lastly, although box regulators would ultimately become the preferred clock for advertising, all sorts of other unique formats were tried over the years.

To finish the session, Bob will look at window hangers, countertop displays, cigar cutters, figurals and alarm clocks, as well as a few nicer clocks that were pressed into service as advertisers.

August 11, 2019

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.

Fixing a Railroad-Style Cuckoo Clock

The video presentation provides a good overview of basic clock repair.  It is an excellent tutorial, showing many practical aspects from forming bellows to oiling a clock.  It includes polishing a pivot in real time, determining which bearings need re-bushing and hands-on cleaning.  Repairing a cracked dial, replacing numbers on the dial and rebuilding bellows with leather are included.  In addition, the video is likely to spark some comments and discussion from experts in the room as techniques are debated and “style differences” are identified.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting

An Incredible Historic Watchmaking Tools Collection

A video featuring the tool collection of Andre Lechot a man who has been collecting and restoring incredible machines and tools used in watchmaking for over forty years.  You have probably seen some of the tools while some are a bit more obscure.  All of the tools are highly restored to a pristine fit and finish.  The presenter provides detailed descriptions of the purpose and function of a sampling of the tools in the collection.

June 9, 2019

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.     

A Visit to the American Clock & Watch Museum
in Bristol, Connecticut

The video presentation features a fascinating trip back in time.  Learn about American clock and watchmaking with particular emphasis on Connecticut, once the clock capital of the United States.  The museum holds one of the largest displays of American clocks and watches in the world –over 5500!  Located in the historic Federal Hill district of Bristol, a portion of the museum is housed in an 1801 Federal-style home with a sundial garden.

About the museum – On October 24, 1952, Edward Ingraham, president of E. Ingraham & Company, invited ten local businessmen to the “Town Club” (now the DuPont Funeral Home) In Bristol, Connecticut to discuss forming a clock museum.  Since Bristol had become an industrial town due to its designation as the world’s center of clock manufacturing, it seemed appropriate that a museum be formed to preserve the heritage of the industry for future generations.  Although there had been discussion about renovating a home close to the Ingraham factory on North Main Street or constructing a modern facility located nearby, the 1801 home of Miles Lewis located on Federal Hill was purchased and renovated for the museum.  Except for the modification of the stairway for safety and the conversion of the carriage shed into an apartment for the caretaker, the original features of the Federal style house were retained.

The Bristol Clock Museum opened its doors to the general public on April 10, 1954.  At the time of the opening, there were approximately 300 clocks on display and a small library containing 50 books.  The collection grew quickly, and by 1956 a new wing was added to the museum.  Named the Ebenezer Barnes Memorial Wing, the addition was financed through the generosity of Fuller F. Barnes in honor of his ancestor, Ebenezer Barnes.  The memorial wing was constructed using paneling from the homestead of Ebenezer Barnes, which is believed to be the first permanent residence erected in Bristol.  The massive support beams used in this wing were once part of the Lewis Lock Company that was located in nearby Terryville.  In 1958, due to the enlarged scope of the collection and the growth of membership, the name of the museum was changed to the American Clock & Watch Museum, Inc.

Continued growth over the next thirty years made it necessary to expand the facility once again and resulted in the construction of the Ingraham Memorial Wing in 1987.  The additional 3,000 square foot expansion improved display capabilities and provided a gallery area for the Museum’s gateway exhibit, “Connecticut Clockmaking and the Industrial Revolution”.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting

Hands-On Day and Silent Movies

The afternoon session will be something a bit different!  Hands-On Day will feature a series of stations providing briefings and hands-on opportunities to experience several
topics.  Planned stations include:
                        Watchmaker’s Lathe Basics           Conducted by Lee Fischer
                        Microset Demonstration                 Conducted by Stan Palen
                        Glass Cutting                                    Conducted by Rick Robinson
                        Lantern Pinions                                Conducted by Michael Tyler

During the session, we will also be showing one or two silent movies, as time permits.  The first is a 1931 look at the Elgin Watch Company; the second is a 1922 review of the Illinois Watch Company.  These films showcase factory processes and facilities and provide an interesting glimpse into the state of technology and mass production processes that were state of the art in their time.  So, whether your interests are hands on or whether you’d rather take a leisurely stroll back through time (or both!), there will be something for you at this session.

April 14, 2019

Speaker – Robert Kolbeck
Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Member Bob Kolbeck of Palmyra, Virginia is the speaker, sharing his knowledge of early advertising clocks.

Program Part 1 – 11:15 a.m.

Early AdvertisingClocks – Part 1

Part 1 starts with a few comments on why advertising clocks are an interesting collectible and a brief timeline showing when certain innovations appeared.  The discussion then turns to clocks used by three of the earliest companies to adopt the idea of advertising on a clock:  Geo. W. M. Reed & Co., Geo O. Mulford and S. F. Hess & Co.  Each of these companies was trying something new and each approached the advertising clock concept in a slightly different manner.  The session concludes with a comparison of “product” clocks versus “business” clocks.

Program Part 2 – Following Annual Business Meeting

Early AdvertisingClocks – Part 2

The session continues with innovative clock designs that used automation to attract attention to the products they were promoting.  The first to be discussed will be Andrew Van Woeert Strait’s Sidney Advertising clock.  For the Sidney clocks, there will be examples of early “made in Sidney, NY” clocks versus the later and more common “made in Ithaca, NY” clocks and why it made sense to make design changes.  A closer look at the tablet art and the paper advertising cards will be shown.

The second automated clock to be discussed will be the Seth Thomas “Flipper”.  Although the “Sidney” clocks and “Flipper “ clocks were similar in concept, it appears the companies used different business models which may explain why one was a success and the other most likely a failure.

Lastly, a third “mystery” company appears to have tried to muscle in on the Sidney Advertising Clock Company turf and seems to have had some success in doing so.

February 10, 2019

Program #1

Some “Not Crystal Palace” Clocks
Presented by Michael W. Tyler

Chapter Member Michael W. Tyler will show and discuss several 8-day clocks which are under glass domes, like the Davies Crystal Palace line.  These clocks are not seen in any contemporary catalog, so the exact maker is subject to conjecture and further review.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting

The Remarkable Clocks of Andrew V. Strait
of Sidney, New York
AV Presentation by Russ Oechsle

While the name Andrew V. Strait might not be recognizable to many advertising clock collectors and aficionados, his clocks, generally referred to as “Sidney Advertising Clocks”, surely are.  Strait’s story is one of real genius, wherein his skills as \a clock maker merged with his unique ideas on profiting through the medium of advertising to create a new segment in American horology,.

This video presentation by Russ Oechsle, based almost entirely on primary sources, will provide the history of Strait and h is various advertising clock models, as well as lesser known  inventions, including what he called the “first electric alarm clock”.

Note:  This program was scheduled to be presented at the December 2018 meeting but was postponed due to the inclement weather.

December 9, 2018

Program 1

.William Mitchell, Jr. – Richmond Silversmith

Presented by Edwin L. Fasanella

Chapter Member Edwin L. Fasanella has been working on a research-in-progress on William Mitchell, Jr., a silversmith who moved from Boston to Richmond in the early 1800.  His jewelry store (and successor businesses) were located on Main Street in Richmond and produced and sold silverware, watches clocks and even buttons for the Confederacy.  His firm continued on as Mitchell and Tyler from 1845 until 1866 and then as John H. Tyler and Co. after that for a few more years.  Ed will provide a summary of his findings and interesting side notes regarding Mitchell’s enterprises and products.

Program 2

The Remarkable Clocks of Andrew V. Strait
of Sidney, New York

AV Presentation by Russ Oechsle

While the name Andrew V. Strait might not be recognizable to many advertising clock collectors and aficionados, his clocks, generally referred to as “Sidney Advertising Clocks” surely are.  Strait’s story is one of real genius, wherein his skills as \a clock maker merged with his unique ideas on profiting through the medium of advertising to create a new segment in American horology,.

This video presentation by Russ Oechsle,  based almost entirely on primary sources, will provide the  history of Strait and is various advertising lock models, as well as lesser known  inventions, including what he called the “first electric alarm clock”.

October 14, 2018

Speaker - A. James Wynne

Chapter President A. James “Jim” Wynne of Petersburg, Virginia is the speaker for the October Chapter Meeting.

Program #1

A Stroll through Time - A Travel Log of Time Pieces—Part A

During past 12 phases of moon travel, Jim has attended a series of NAWCC Regional Meetings in Ohio and New York, the National Convention in York, Pennsylvania, and most recently the cities of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Richmond, Virginia. In the course of those travels, he collected a photo log representing an eclectic collection of clocks. The program will include interactive segments that will invite member expertise for identification, rarity and appraisals that will be compared to market prices.

Program #2

A Stroll through Time - A Travel Log of Time Pieces—Part B

Following the conclusion of Part A, Jim will give a presentation of the Eastern States Regional’s Exceptional Rare Shelf Clocks’ Exhibit including examples by Simon Willard-Roxbury, MA (1753-1848), David Williams-Newport, RI (1769-1823), Joseph Loring (1768-1846), and Benjamin (1794-1857); followed by a documentary of an award-winning craftsmanship re-creation of an exceptional E. Howard commercial clock of which none are known to exist!

Examples of other award winning craftsmanship projects exhibited at the National Convention will also be presented.

August 12, 2018

Program #1

Complicated Projects:  In Tune with Time
featuring Watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno

Masahiro Kikuno is a master craftsman who belongs to an exclusive international group of independent watchmakers.  These consummate artists create timepieces that reflect their deepest ideals, with no connection to commercial watch manufacturers. Kikuno’s creations are deeply influenced by traditional Japanese culture.  He’s fascinated by a masterpiece called the Myriad Year Clock, which was built by a 19th-century Japanese mechanical genius.  Containing over a thousand hand-made parts, the clock is a marvel of complex and precise engineering.  Kikuno seeks to transcend that old master’s achievement by giving the clock a modern rebirth in the form of an elegant wristwatch.

This video presents Kikuno’s exacting methods of designing and hand-machining all of the delicate parts needed to create a modern masterpiece.

Program #2

Complicated Projects:  Restoration of the Clock Dial at St. John the Baptist Church, Sampford Peverell, Devon, United Kingdom

In the summer of 2016, the Smith Company of Derby, United Kingdom, performed restoration services on the St. John the Baptist Church tower clock dial and hands.  While the church itself dates to the 1200s, with additions in the 1500s, the tower itself is “only” approximately 200 years old.  The single dial is today driven by clockworks dated 1870; however, the clockworks may have been replaced and the dial may have been installed earlier.

In this video, the challenges of working at height on a stone tower to overhaul well-weathered hardware are detailed.

June 10, 2018

Program #1

Willard Connections:  Luther Goddard #462 Pocket Watch

Luther Goddard was born February 28, 1762, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.  He was the cousin of Simon Willard and is thought to have apprenticed under him as early as 1778 at the age of 16.  He is recorded as working Shrewsbury in 1784 through 1817 as a clockmaker, watchmaker and as a silversmith.  In 1809, he relocated his shop to Shrewsbury Hill.  His shop here was one story and had a hip roof.  It had a lean-to on the back for the casting process.  It is in this location that he began to manufacture pocket watches and is credited as being the first American to make a significant attempt to do so.  His silvered case examples are thought to have originally sold for approximately $60.

In this video from the NAWCC Webinar Series, NAWCC Museum Director Noel Poirier examines the Museum’s Luther Goddard pocket watch.  Noel discusses the history and importance of Luther Goddard, provides detailed images of the watch and compares the watch with other examples of Goddard’s work.

Program #2

Willard Connections:  Musical Clock Exhibit
at the Willard House & Clock Museum

In 2013, the Willard House & Clock Museum hosted Keeping Time:  Musical Clocks of Early America 1730-1830, an unprecedented exhibit of nearly three-dozen early American musical and chiming clocks.  These fully functioning mechanical marvels were all made before 1830.  To our forefathers, a musical clock playing recognizable songs on a set of finely tuned bells was an awe-inspiring creation.  People gathered in homes and public places to dance and sing to the tunes they played.  They were so intriguing that people often paid to hear them play.  Early tall-case clocks capable of playing music are extremely rare.

In this video, Guest Curator Gary R. Sullivan, nationally recognized clock specialist, takes us on a tour of the exhibit.

February 11, 2018

Program
The Making of a Museum
Speakers
Dennis Stephens and David Brannan
Callao, VA

Chapter members Dennis Stephens and David Brannan of Callao, Virginia, are the speakers at the February meeting.  Dennis is the owner of Rappahannock Organ Company, specializing in the restoration of organs primarily, for churches and theaters. 

Dennis and David will discuss the current transformation of their shop to house both their clock and organ collections.  In addition, a large room that will imitate an art deco movie theater will be included.  The collection includes a Marr and Coulton theater organ which was in the now extinct Lyric Theater in Richmond.

December 10, 2017

Speaker
Fred T. White
Clinton, MD

Fred started watchmaking in 1956 as an apprenticeship at age 13 with Theodore White CMW through the Horological Institute of America.  Fred worked for several years with Theodore White at Virginia Ann Jewelers in Bluefield, Virginia, where he worked on many types of watches which gave him varied and broad views of horology.  He passed the Certified Watchmaker test sponsored by the Horological Institute of America.

Fred moved to Clifton Forge, Virginia, where he became watchmaker and manager at John Paul’s Jewelry Store.  He and his wife, Shirley, became inspectors of railroad time pieces for the C&O Railroad.  He was exposed to many railroad-grade time pieces.  The advent of quartz watch movements forced Fred to find work selling insurance.

Fred moved to the Washington, DC area and took a job in the automobile business.  He worked in auto sales and sales management until 1981 when the recession, coupled with his son in college, prompted him to return to repairing watches to supplement the family income.  Fred joined the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) and the Horological Association of Virginia (HAV) where he has worked as convention chair, vice president and president and was honored with the Watchmaker of the Year award.  He ran for the Board of Directors of AWCI and has served the past three years as President.

Program #1 – 11:15 a.m.

The Katrina Flood Watch

The “Katrina Watch” is a 18s Howard that was in a bank vault when the Katrina hurricane caused devastating flooding in New Orleans.  The watch remained there for several months before it was retrieved by its owner.  It is an N model Howard with a 15-jewel movement that was manufactured circa 1880s.  It is cased in an 18kt three gold case with a nice diamond in the center of the back.  There was an article about the restoration featured in AWCI’s Horological Times in October 2012 which covers some of the points to be presented.  Fred reports that it was a wonderful project to work with that presented many challenges which will be shared with the audience.

Program #2 – Following Business Meeting

Watchmaking Bench-Side Stories

Interesting observations and challenges Fred has encountered in watchmaking will be shared.  In the presentation, Fred discusses a wide variety of interesting repair challenges that have come across his bench including some factory mistakes, poor workmanship and modifications that were made to watches that defy explanation by the owner.  The presentation includes a variety of interesting photos which you will find entertaining as well as informative.

October 8, 2017

Wm. David Todd
Kilmarnock, VA
Making a 16th Century German Hanging Wall Clock

Chapter Member David Todd of Kilmarnock, Virginia, is the program presenter.  David retired from the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, in 2005 where he held the position of Associate Curator in the Division of Engineering and Industry and took care of the museum’s collection of clocks and watches for 27 years.  He is now enjoying his retirement in Kilmarnock, making clocks for his own amusement and to keep up his skills level after medical set-backs over the past few years.

Making a 16th Century German Hanging Wall Clock

The clock is a weight-driven 30-hour hanging wall clock with verge and Foliot regulation and with a passing strike and alarum.  David’s goal was to reproduce a Nuremberg clock from the 1560s-1570s.  Since 2012, it has been hanging on the wall of David and Sheila’s breakfast room keeping time to about five minutes gaining per day (excellent for the 16th century; okay in today’s world).  The clock was made at both Heathsville Forge and in David’s workshop at home, taking about two years.  David’s success was two-fold:  (1) to prove that he could, using the tools and technology available to a 16th century clockmaker, produce the clock; and (2) because he loves very early clocks and could never afford the real thing.

The clock will be on display at the meeting.

August 13, 2017

Robert G. Draucker
Midlothian, VA
The C. F. Saller Advertising Clock

Chapter Member Bob Draucker of Midlothian, Virginia, will present two programs on the C. F. Sauer Advertising Clock - the original and a
reproduction produced by him.

Part I 11:15 a.m.

Part II Following Business Meeting

June 11, 2017

Guest Speaker
Russ Oechsle
Homer, New York

Guest Speaker – Russ Oechsle

Russ Oechsle of Homer, New York, has researched upstate New York clocks and clock makers for over 40 years.  He is co-author of the 2003 publication, An Empire in Time – Clocks and Clock Makers of Upstate New York and was the author of the book Good for A Time (2011) detailing the largest collection of wooden works clocks in America.

Russ is a Star Fellow of the NAWCC, past president of Central New York Chapter No. 55, past president of the Cog Counters Chapter No. 194, current president of the Tower and Street Clock Chapter No. 134.  He has served as an officer of the Eastern States Regional for the past 41 years.

Russ and his wife, Janet, have three children and one grandson.

Program     11:15 a.m. and following Business Meeting

Top Shelf:  8-Day Shelf Clock Makers of
                     Upstate New York  1816-1842

During a brief, but shining, period in the early 1800s spanning nearly 25 years, a collection of innovative 8-day brass movement shelf clock makers emerged in upstate New York.  They carved for themselves a productive – and even occasionally profitable – niche in the market for high-style,-high quality and high-cost brass movement shelf clocks.

The progenitor of this entrepreneurial effort was Asa Munger of Auburn, New York, who saw a need unmet by Connecticut makers.  Between 1816 and 1818, he began making high-quality wall and shelf clocks with movements of his own design in fine, substantial cases reflecting the furniture styles of the day.  These were sold to prosperous farmers and the emerging manufacturing class.

The commercial success and flair for style displayed by Munger inspired local imitators and competitors, each with spectacular results.

The story of 8-day brass shelf clock making in upstate New York is a story of brilliant design, classic marketing, competition and personal success and failure.  The clocks make by the makers whose works are shown were exclusive, expensive, elegant and highly desirable in their day; and they remain no less so in their rarity today.

April 9, 2017

Program – Part I     11:15 a.m.

The Antikythera Mechanism

The video presentation features the Antikythera Mechanism – an ancient analogue computer and orrery used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes, as well as the Olympiads (the cycles of the ancient Olympic Games).  The artifact was recovered around July 1901 from the Antikythera shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera.  Believed to have been designed and constructed by Greek scientists, the instrument has been dated either between 150 and 100 BC, or, according to a more recent view, in 205 BC.  Found housed in a wooden box, the device is a complex clockwork mechanism composed of at least 30 meshing bronze gears. 

All known fragments of the Antikythera mechanism are kept at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece, along with a number of artistic reconstructions of how the mechanism may have looked.

Program II    

“These Are Not Your Grandfather’s Screwdrivers”
Presented by Stan Palen

Chapter Member Stan Palen will present a summary of a presentation given at the American Watch and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) Convention in Chicago in 2016.  Learn why you need several of the same size screwdrivers on your bench.

February 12, 2017

Guest Speaker
Lee H. Davis
York, Pennsylvania

Guest Speaker – Lee H. Davis

A 50-year member of NAWCC, Inc., Lee is a Star Fellow and was named an NAWCC Old Timer and Fellow (members holding the lowest 200 membership numbers) in 2016.  He is the author of several Bulletin articles including Supplement #18 The Greek Revival Influence on American Clock Case Design.  He was the recipient of the James W. Gibbs Literary Award in 2003 and the Dana Blackwell Award for Excellence in Clocks in 2001.

Lee served as an NAWCC Director from 1985 to 1989, acting executive director in 1988 and 2001 and acting NAWCC Bulletin editor in 1988.  A past president of both Philadelphia Chapter No. 1 and Keystone Chapter No. 158, he now serves on the Board and as treasurer, respectively.  Lee served as Chair of the NAWCC National Convention in York in 2010 and also is a longtime volunteer at the National Clock & Watch Museum. He served as an instructor in reverse painting at the NAWCC School of Horology.  Lee is currently vice president of the Old Timers and Fellows Chapter No. 22, president of the Horological Art Chapter No. 120, a member of the NAWCC Nominating and Elections Advisory Committee and a member of the National Craft Contest Committee.

Program – Part I     11:15 a.m.

Stenciling as Used to Decorate Clock Tablets and Splats
with Bronzing Powders

Program – Part II     Following Business Meeting

Gilding on Glass as Used on Early Clock Tablets

Both programs feature live demonstrations of the crafts.

December 11, 2016

Program – Part I     11:15 a.m.

Potpourri of Recent Summer Adventures
Speaker:  A. James “Jim” Wynne
Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Vice President
Chester, Virginia
Note:  This is not a repeat of the October program.  Time ran out at the October meeting, and we were unable to complete the presentation.

Jim will give a give an account of his most recent summer adventures thru New York State that included attending the Eastern States Regional, The Cog Counters’ Annual Picnic and Membership Meeting, and visit to an antique store with lots of clocks.  Jim will report on the special exhibit on Pennsylvania Shelf and Bracket Clocks  1750 – 1850 in memory of Edward F. LaFond, Jr., the state of clock pricing in the two-day mart, the wooden-works exhibit in Cortland, NY, and current retail pricing of clocks in the ‘eclectic’ antique store.  The presentation will be an interactive session that will invite perspectives from the member audience.

Program – Part II     Following Business Meeting

“Show and Tell”

Bring an item from YOUR collection for “Show and Tell”.  Suggestions include:

• your favorite clock / watch
• your latest acquisition
• your first item in your collection
• an oddball piece that no one seems able to decipher

You may bring one or several items for the “Show and Tell”.  Please place your item(s) on the Exhibit Table and provide a brief description of the item(s).

• During the “Show and Tell”, participating members will be asked to identify and describe the item(s).  Please limit your comments to five (5) minutes.
• You will be given a ticket for the drawing for a free luncheon.
• A winning ticket will be chosen from the hopper.
• The prize is reimbursement of your luncheon fee.

The “Show and Tell” is being held in lieu of the regular Exhibit Contest.

October 2, 2016

Speaker

 James “Jim” Wynne

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Vice President
Chester, Virginia

Program I     11:15 a.m.

Member Projects:  First in the Series

Jim describes two clock projects he is undertaking.  The first is the restoration of a Richmond Jewelry/Clock Repair business trade advertisement sign; the second an electric 2-dial illuminated bank clock.  A series of slides showing the projects as they were acquired initially, their current state, a history of trade advertising from both a science and art perspective, the research behind the restorations, and a timeline with future milestones (status report presentation) for completing them. 

Program – Part II     Following Business Meeting
Potpourri of Recent Summer Adventures
 

August 14, 2016

Speaker

Edwin L. “Ed” Fasanella
Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Member
Poquoson, Virginia

Program I     11:15 a.m.

A Rail Road Time Table Watch Paper –
plus Other Interesting Watch Papers

When examining an old pocket watch case, finding an original watch paper is rare, but not always an unusual occurrence.  These papers often give the date(s) of repairs, cleaning, oiling, etc., along with the shop and watchmaker who conducted the work.  What is unusual is that the information contained on this old watch paper has nothing to do with the watch itself, but instead is a railroad time table.  This is the case when Ed Fasanella purchased an old silver pair-cased fusee English watch several years ago at an auction in Hampton, Virginia.  The watch paper found in the English fusee watch case was the time table for the Long Island Railroad, including the schedule for leaving Jamaica, New York, “Long Island City” and Flatbush Avenue.  Ed will provide interesting insights relative to the dates of the watch paper and the watch itself, a difference of 90 years!

Program – Part II     Following Business Meeting

Making a Fiber Gear Using a 3D Printer

When searching for a replacement gear to restore an old electric movement with a broken fiber gear, the process can be extremely complicated as there are no fiber gear replacements available.  To cut a gear using a gear cutter is very time consuming.  New technology has provided a viable solution to this problem.  The process involves using an engineering design Computer Aided Design program to create a 3-D representation of an object such as fiber gear, exporting the digital information to the 3D printer which uses a roll of continuous plastic line (like a spool of fishing line) to print, one-layer-at a time, a 3-D representation of the original gear.  Ed will provide the step-by-step procedure he used in creating a robust plastic gear to replace a broken fiber gear in an electric movement.

June 12, 2016

Guest Speaker
Bob Frishman
Andover, Massachusetts

Bob Frishman first began collecting, repairing and studying clocks and watches in 1980.  In 1992, he founded Bell-Time Clocks in Andover, Massachusetts, as a full-time repairer and dealer of antique clocks.  Since then, he has repaired 7,000 timekeepers and sold 1,700.   He has written more than 40 NAWCC Bulletin articles and reviews, as well as many horology-related reports for Maine Antique Digest and other antiques publications. 

Bob’s 27th “Horology in Art” feature has just been published in the NAWCC Bulletin.  Bob lectures regularly to horology and general audiences.  He is an NAWCC Fellow, chair of the NAWCC Ward Francillon Time Symposium Committee and organizer of this year’s “Clocks at Winterthur” NAWCC educational conference, and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London, England.  More about him can be
found at www.bell-time.com.

Program I     11:15 a.m.

Clocks at Winterthur

A preview of the presentations and collections at the 2016 NAWCC Ward Francillon
Time Symposium at Winterthur near Wilmington, Delaware.

One of America’s top-rated house museums, Winterthur boasts a premier collection of 90,000 decorative and fine arts objects made or used in this country between 1640 and 1860.  Envisioned and created by Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), the 175-room house presides over a 1,000-acre estate in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley

H. F. du Pont had a special interest in clocks and timekeeping.  He acquired many fine examples for the museum during his lifetime.  Since his passing, more clocks have been added to the collection which now numbers more than 100.  Within the museum galleries is a faithful reconstruction of the clock and wood-working shop of the Dominy family who worked on Long Island from the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s.

Program – Part II     Following Business Meeting

Clocks on Canvas
Seven centuries of Fine Art, with special emphasis on depictions of horological artistry.

April 10, 2016

Program – Part I    11:15 a.m.

Introduction to Watch Repair

An informative and educational high quality how-to video on watch repair by NAWCC Member John Tope.  Shown by express permission of the author, John covers how historically watches were made, watches produced during the industrial revolution, uniformity of watches, names of different types of pocket watches, gold watches and warranties, markings in the case, different ways watches wind and are set, case parts, opening and closing different watch cases, swing-out movement cases, English pear case, movements, keys, crystals and sizes.  Mr. Tope is also a member of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), the Wooden Artifacts Group (WAG) and an associate of the British Horological Institute (BHI).  He is the producer of many videos on
antique clock, watch and furniture repair

Program – Part II    Following Annual Business Meeting

Watch Repair Course I

Size 18 Lever Set, 18 Key Wind Key Set, 16-3 Quarter Plate Pendant Wind and Set
A continuation of the subject including removing hands and dial, protecting the dial, removing the movement from the case, removing case screws Elgin 16 and 18, damaged watch dials due to improper removal, top plate, how the lever gear system works, how the click ratchet works, balance wheel and spring, removing balance cock and hairspring stun, letting down the power, removing barrel and bridge, letting down the power in an Elgin size 16 watch.

February 14, 2016

Program – Part I 11:15 a.m.

Wooden Works Movement Repair I

Damaged or Missing Tooth Replacement by Casting

A video presentation on wooden works movement repair by NAWCC member John Tope. Mr. Tope is also a member of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), the Wooden Artifacts Group (WAG) and an associate of the British Horological Institute (BHI). He is the producer of many videos on antique clock and furniture repair. Shown by permission of the author, the program covers correct procedures for the evaluation and replacement of missing or broken teeth in wooden works movement wheels using a unique casting method.

Program – Part II Following Business Meeting

Wooden Works Movement Repair II

Pinion Leaf Repair and Single Tooth Replacement

A continuation of the subject including pinion repair and single tooth replacement as well as tips on using the jewelers saw to correctly section the replacement area.

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December 13, 2015

Workshop     11:15 a.m.
Replacing a Seth Thomas Adamantine White Paper Dial
Presented by Randolph W. “Randy” Naber

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 member and Vice President Randy Naber presents a video on
cutting, gluing and replacing a black mantle white paper dial and winding grommets.

Program Following Business Meeting

The Tower Clocks of Colonial Williamsburg Presented by Michael W. Tyler

An NAWCC Fellow, Michael is the current president of the Old Dominion Chapter No. 34. He served as Co-Chair of the Mid-Eastern Regional hosted by the Old Dominion Chapter No. 34.

The program is an overview of three clocks in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection:

• an Isiah Lukens tower clock in the Wren Building at the College of William & Mary.

• a Seth Thomas tower clock in Bruton Parish Church

• a tower clock (unidentified maker – likely English) in the Colonial Capitol building.

Silent Auction

Clock, Watches and Related Horological Items

Held During Mart Time

Rick Robinson, Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 past president (Virginia licensed auctioneer VAAL#3813) will conduct a Silent Auction during the Mart Time.

October 11, 2015

Program 11:15 a.m.

The American Black Mantel Clock: A Tale of Two Patents

Presented by Randolph W. “Randy” Naber

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 member and vice president presents a practical overview of the history and case patents applied to the original finishing of black mantle clocks. The presentation emphasizes the design and components of the clocks with a look at the details of Edward Ingraham’s “Japanning” Patent and the Seth Thomas “Adamantine” Patent. Many clock examples from Randy’s collection are shown.

Following Business Meeting

The Half Deadbeat Escapement

Video Presentation by David J. LaBounty

As a blend of recoil and deadbeat escapements, the half deadbeat escapement used on many American mantel clocks, particularly those made by Ingraham, New Haven and Waterbury, is often troublesome and difficult to adjust. Learn how to identify the problem, remove wear, calculate lift angles and troubleshoot this frequently encountered escapement. Certified at the highest level in both the United States and Great Britain, David J. LaBounty, CMS, FBHI, NAWCC Lifetime Member, AWI is one of the most capable professionals in the world in restoring antique clocks. The program is presented with the permission of the author.

August 9 2015

Program 11:15 a.m.

Watch Ephemera: Collection or Trash Can?

Presented by James H. “Jim” Adams

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 member and frequent contributor, Jim Adams will share his expertise with a presentation on Watch Ephemera. Ephemera means “used up in a day or not expected to last as postcards or stamps”. This has come to mean antique collectibles associated with a collection, such as watches. The presentation includes everything from the tools to fix them to the advertising to sell them.

Following Business Meeting

2015 NAWCC Mid-Eastern Regional • Planning Review

September 18 – 19, 2015

Hampton Roads Convention Center • Hampton, Virginia

A discussion of the schedule, exhibit, programs and volunteer opportunities for the upcoming Mid-Eastern Regional hosted by the Old Dominion Chapter No. 34.

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June 14, 2015

Program #1

West Coast Clock and Watch Museum

Video “Tour of the Museum”

A video tour of the West Coast Clock and Watch Museum in Bellingham, Washington, featuring unique examples of American and European clocks and watches that range from the 1600s through the later years of the industrial revolution and into the 20th century with American timepieces. Examples include French night clocks, early single hand tall case, Aaron Willard banjo and shelf clocks, “Little Egypt” clock, H. J. Davies Crystal Palace and many other interesting pieces.

Program #2

Dial Work

Video Presentation by Randy Naber

Old Dominion Chapter No. 34 Member and Vice President Randy Naber presents a short video on dial bezel removal and cutting of a replacement dial using a Session black mantel dial.

April 12, 2015

1. CLASSIC OLD DOMINION CHAPTER 34 VIDEO THE PHILADELPHIA WATCH

From Chapter 34 archives our own Tuck Tompkins, in collaboration with Dick Arnold and Lowell Fast narrates a great video on the service of a circa 1868 key wind-key set Philadelphia 19 jewel watch. The video includes: evaluation, broken and missing parts, repair estimate, re-pivoting, balance and hairspring work, adjusting hairspring coils, straightening hair spring, replacing hair spring collet, lathe headstock alignment, cap jewel replacement, Geneva stops and the “Last Person Rule”. Runtime – 30 minutes.

2. CLASSIC OLD DOMINION CHAPTER 34 VIDEO 16 SIZE BUNN SPECIAL

Digital conversion from Chapter 34 archives VOB file by Randy Naber our own Tuck Tompkins expertly discusses the proper way to service an 18 size 21 jewel Bunn Special watch. Runtime – 20 minutes.

February 8, 2015

Workshop -

Practical Reconditioning of an American Black Mantel Clock:

Circa 1908 Sessions Aurora Enameled Wood Clock

Speaker – Randolph W. Naber

Old Dominion Chapter Member and Vice President Randy Naber will present his informative video demonstration on the reconditioning of black mantel clocks. The presentation is presented in two parts.

Part I – 11:15 a.m. The video includes black mantel clock examples, overview of the black mantel period, tools and materials used, evaluation and research of a specific ‘flea market’ find, disassembly and cleaning of the clock, refinishing of the case and hardware, and reassembly.

Part II – Following Business Meeting Part II includes matching and replacing of celluloid printed columns with marbleized wood for clocks missing columns, dial and dial paperwork, materials and procedure for cleaning and polishing of the Seth Thomas “Adamantine” veneer.

December 14, 2014

Program Practical Demonstration on Escapement Work:
Fitting a Verge and Tall Case Verge Repair
Speaker – Richard S. Robinson Old Dominion

Chapter Member Rick Robinson will present an informative demonstration on the fascinating and difficult to master subject of escapement work including the fitting of pallets to escape wheels and resurfacing solid anchor and other pallets in tall case clocks. Rick has served twice as president of the NAWCC Old Dominion Chapter and is an NAWCC Fellow.

Auction Following Business Meeting

October 12, 2014

Illustrated History of Hamilton Watches

A Video Presentation by Rene Rondeau

From the NAWCC Lending Library

Part 1 Rene Rondeau, expert on Hamilton watches, delivers a program that covers the Hamilton company history showing many interesting innovations in wrist watch and case styles. through many high quality images of Hamilton timepieces, the program focuses on wristwatches from the 1920s through 1990s.

Part 2 The continuation of the program includes coverage on World War II production and the impact on the watch market including the Swiss effect on the American market and the development of the marine chronometer. Also covered is the impact of 1950s designer Richard Arbib and the “electric” watch.

August 10, 2014

American Strike Levers A Video Presentation by David J. LaBounty, AWl CMC, BBI Fellow

Part 1 The program is a very complete and practical coverage of theory, wear correction and adjustment of American Strike levers. The viewer will learn how the levers work together and the best way to adjust them for trouble-free performance. Certified at the highest level in both the United States and Great Britain, David J. LaBounty, American Watchmakers Institute Certified Master Clockmaker, Fellow of the British Horological Institute and NA WCC Life Member, is one of the most capable professionals in the world at restoring antique clocks. Shown with the permission of the author, the program covers the American strike train nomenclature and function, correction of wear on strike levers and adjustment of stop on American mantel and wall systems including Gilbert, Seth Thomas 89, Ingraham and an older New Haven movement.

Part 2 The continuation of the subject including steps in adjustment, simple fabrication of a wire bending tool, replacement of return springs. Easy to understand and thorough treatment of an essential skill often glossed over or inaccurately covered.

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June 15, 2014

Program

Wooden Works Movement Repair
An NAWCC Video Presentation by John Tope

Part 1 Informative and educational high quality 'how to' video on wooden works movement repair by NA WCC Member John Tope. John is also a member of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), THE American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, the Wooden Artifacts Group (WAG) and an associate of the British Horological Institute. He is the producer of many fine videos on antiqueclock and furniture repair. Shown by permission of the author, John covers correct procedures for the evaluation of American wooden movements, disassembly, cleaning and conservation.

Part 2 The continuation of the subject including comparison of modern PV A glue and hide glue, preparation and use of hide glue, removal of pillar posts and wheels, wheel and post regluing and dealing with pinned posts and repining.

April 13,2014

Guest Speaker: