"30-Hour Weight-Driven Waterbury Ogee Clock: Underestimated Timekeepers and Their Value"
In the realm of antique clocks, the Waterbury Ogee clock often goes unnoticed, despite its rich history and unique characteristics. This American-born design, characterised by its "S"-shaped pine case, originated in the 1830s and saw a surge in popularity in the following decades, thanks to mass production by companies like the Waterbury Clock Co.
One such Waterbury Ogee clock, estimated to be from around 1870, has recently come to light. This 30-hour time and strike movement clock, while running and staying in beat, stops after approximately 15 minutes, indicating a need for servicing.
The Waterbury Ogee clock's design is notable for its brass movements, which are robust, easily transportable, and unaffected by humidity. This particular clock is part of a collection of weight-driven clocks, a testament to its historical significance.
However, the Waterbury Ogee clock's original design for affordability over longevity, its commonness, and prevalence in secondary markets have led to its undervaluation among collectors. Many of these clocks were built to a price point with designed obsolescence in mind, causing many to break down and be discarded over time, reducing their perceived rarity and collectible value.
Survivorship bias, the wide availability of these clocks in auctions and sales settings with low starting bids, and the oversaturation of the market with similar clocks from other brands like Ingraham and Sessions further contribute to their undervaluation.
Despite this, a report on the servicing of this Waterbury Ogee clock is expected in the coming weeks. The servicing will involve cleaning, polishing, and potentially some bushing work. The process will be documented in a future post, shedding light on the intricacies of restoring these often overlooked timepieces.
The first prototype movement of the Ogee clock was produced in 1839 by Noble Jerome for his brother Chauncey Jerome in Connecticut, USA. The Waterbury Clock Co., where Chauncey Jerome worked briefly in 1856-1857, introduced the Type 2.411 movement used in the Waterbury Ogee clock.
As the generation that cherished Ogee clocks dwindles, it remains to be seen whether these undervalued timepieces will find new appreciation among collectors. For now, the Waterbury Ogee clock stands as a testament to American clock-making craftsmanship and the enduring allure of mechanical timekeeping.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle, one might find vintage clocks, such as the Waterbury Ogee clock, serving as unique decorative pieces that complement contemporary aesthetics.
- For the travel enthusiast, a visit to home-and-garden shows or antique fairs could yield the opportunity to add a Waterbury Ogee clock, a representation of American clock-making craftsmanship, to one's collection.
- While care and servicing are crucial to ensure the longevity of cars, proper maintenance can also apply to maintaining the accuracy of mechanical clocks, like the Waterbury Ogee clock.
- In the world of shopping, whether it's food-and-drink, cars, or home-and-garden items, one might often overlook vintage mechanical clocks, like the Waterbury Ogee clock, which hold a rich history and unique charm.
