Clockwork Masterpiece: A Deep Dive into the Underestimated 30-Hour Waterbury OG Weight-Driven Clocks
In the world of antique clocks, one design that has seen a significant drop in value over the years is the 30-hour Waterbury Ogee clock. This American-origin clock, characterised by an S-shaped case made of pine and typically standing at around 75 cm in height, was once a cherished item among collectors. However, recent economic and practical challenges have led to a decline in its value.
The Ogee clock, designed to run for 30 hours or eight days, is a mass-produced variant of the shelf clock. The movement of the discovered Ogee clock is a Type 2.411 movement, introduced by the Waterbury Clock Co. when Chauncey Jerome worked for them briefly in 1856-1857. The first prototype movement for the Ogee clock was produced in 1839 by Chauncey Jerome's brother Noble in Connecticut, USA.
One of the primary reasons for the drop in value is the cost of repair and maintenance. Mass-produced clocks, including vintage types like the Waterbury Ogee, are often more expensive to repair than to replace, leading to diminished perceived value among collectors and buyers. Antique clocks require skilled maintenance that is costly and time-consuming, and the availability of cheaper modern replacements has reduced demand for older clocks in need of restoration.
Mechanical issues common to such clocks, like weak mainsprings and slow running movements, require professional servicing, which adds to upkeep costs and diminishes desirability. Furthermore, the market trend in clocks mirrors that of other mechanical goods, where repair costs approach or exceed replacement costs, discouraging investment in maintenance.
The original steel and materials used in antique clocks degrade over time, leading to mechanical wear that impacts performance and value unless expensive repairs are undertaken. For instance, the set mainsprings that are common in these clocks can significantly affect their functioning.
Despite these challenges, the author, a fan of weight-driven clocks, continues to collect them when time, opportunity, and finances allow. The Waterbury Ogee clock being serviced is one of the 10 weight-driven clocks in the author's collection. A report on the servicing of this particular clock is expected in the coming weeks.
It's important to note that the Canada Clock Co. of Whitby, Ontario, also produced 30-hour weight-driven, time and strike movements based on an American design, specifically a close copy of the OG movement used by the Waterbury Clock Company in Connecticut.
Over the years, the value of a 30-hour Waterbury Ogee clock has decreased significantly. Ten years ago, an Ogee clock in good condition would easily sell for $200 to $300. Today, prices for these clocks are all over the map but none close to the prices they once commanded. This Waterbury Ogee clock, which is approximately 1870, is a part of the collection being serviced in the fall of 2018.
In conclusion, the decrease in value for 30-hour Waterbury Ogee clocks stems from economic and practical challenges in repair and maintenance, combined with market preferences shifting toward cheaper or more easily maintained timepieces. However, the intrinsic quality or desirability of Waterbury Ogee clocks themselves has not changed, and they continue to hold a place in the hearts of collectors who appreciate their history and craftsmanship.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, people might prefer modern items over vintage clocks like the 30-hour Waterbury Ogee due to the high cost of repair and maintenance.
- Travelers might find it more practical to carry lightweight digital watches instead of heavy and expensive mechanical clocks such as the Waterbury Ogee, for instance during their food-and-drink expeditions.
- Shopping malls and department stores, filled with an array of lifestyle choices, may not commonly feature vintage clocks for sale because of the higher demand for affordable, easy-to-maintain products like smart watches or mobile phones.
- The casual observer in the world of hobbies and pastimes, such as those passionate about fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, travel, or home-and-garden, might find the intricate, mechanical beauty of antique clocks like the Waterbury Ogee less desirable compared to the latest trends in those domains.
