Time-exclusive, Arthur Pequegnat wall clock with a single-hand format
In the heart of Kitchener, Ontario, the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company crafted timepieces from 1903 to 1941. One such clock, the Brandon II, has recently captured the attention of clock enthusiasts.
The author's first encounter with this dependable clock took place in 2015, in an antique shop in Great Village, Nova Scotia. The Brandon II, an octagonal, short drop, time-only schoolhouse clock, was a sight to behold.
Produced from 1917 to 1941, the Brandon II was the second edition of the original Brandon clock, which was produced up to 1916. The first edition featured a more ornate frame around the dial bezel, a design element that was streamlined for the second edition.
Brandon clocks, like the Brandon II, were popular in school and office settings due to their robust design and useful features such as calendars. In a school setting, bells or alarms would mark key points in the day, making a strike train on a clock like the Brandon II unnecessary and potentially too distracting for students.
However, despite their rugged design, these antique clocks require occasional inspection and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A typical maintenance cycle for an Arthur Pequegnat Brandon II clock is recommended every 2-4 years.
Common issues with the Brandon II include wear in the first wheel and pivot holes. The first wheel, being the first gear to receive power from the mainspring, experiences wear due to the transmission of motion through the gear train. Pivot holes can become elongated or worn due to friction and lack of lubrication over time.
Recommended repairs involve cleaning and lubrication, bushing worn pivot holes, and, if necessary, replacing or refurbishing the first wheel. These restorative steps help ensure the clock runs accurately and avoid further damage to the movement parts.
After servicing, which included the installation of five bushings, cleaning of the mainspring, and oiling of the movement, the Brandon II clock is expected to continue functioning for years to come.
The author's website, a treasure trove of clock knowledge, has not been immune to the impact of Covid-19. Sympathies and condolences are extended to those affected by the pandemic.
One notable collector of Arthur Pequegnat clocks is Skip Kerr, whose collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic timepieces. The Brandon II, with its rich history and reliable design, continues to captivate clock enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
- Vintage clock enthusiasts often admire the mechanical beauty of the Brandon II, a coveted schoolhouse clock created by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company in Kitchener, Ontario.
- The Brandon II, a vintage clock, was not just a functional timekeeper in school and office settings but also a fashion statement, especially in home-and-garden interiors, due to its sleek design and useful features.
- As fashion trends evolve, the appreciation for mechanical clocks like the Brandon II remains a steadfast fixture in the lifestyle and collectibles scene, offering a nostalgic link to the past for fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts and aficionados of home-and-garden decor.
