Restored Fleet Time Company Westminster Chime Mantel Clock: A Journey of Revival
Refinishing Cases at Montreal's Fleet Time Company, Unveiling Two Unexpected Developments
In the heart of Gütenbach, Germany, the Guetenbacher Uhrenfabrik (Gufa) once crafted exceptional clock movements, including the renowned Westminster chime movements. One such movement, now a part of a beautifully restored Fleet Time Company mantel clock, tells a tale of history, restoration, and mechanical precision.
The Restoration Process
The restoration process began with a clock in poor condition, in need of refinishing and a replacement for its broken mainspring. The cost of the restoration (excluding the clock's purchase price) was approximately $30.
The mainspring, priced at $19.50, was replaced, and the movement was returned to its case. The hands were attached to the movement, and the strike hammers were re-positioned for optimal sound. The case was sanded down to the bare wood and stained with a light walnut stain, giving it a fresh new look.
The Westminster Chime Movement
The restored clock showcases the classic Westminster chime movement, a testament to the enduring quality of the Gufa movements. The chime, a series of tuned rods, produces the distinctive Westminster chime sequence: four quarter-hour chimes followed by a striking on the hour.
The Fleet Time Company Connection
The Fleet Time Company, operating between 1936 and 1940, was a mid-century American clock company that sold many of its clocks at department stores across Canada during the pre-war era. Many Fleet Time clocks, like the one now restored, were equipped with Gufa movements, offering the authentic Westminster chime sequences that consumers sought.
The restored clock, bearing both the Fleet Time logo and "Made in Germany" markings, is a testament to the collaboration between these two companies. The clock's legacy continues, as it completes several 8-day cycles since the restoration, accurately keeping time and producing its captivating Westminster chime.
For clock enthusiasts and collectors, the restored Fleet Time Company Westminster chime mantel clock is a prized find, a piece of mechanical history that continues to tick away, bringing the charm of classic chime clocks to life.
- The restored mantel clock, now equipped with a new mainspring, boasts a vintage Westminster chime movement, a beautifully crafted reminder of the history shared by the Fleet Time Company and Guetenbacher Uhrenfabrik.
- Despite the advancement of smart-home devices and gadgets, the allure of antique, melodic mantel clocks like the restored Fleet Time Company Westminster chime clock remains, an enduring testament to clock history and mechanical precision.
- Having been restored and maintained with care, the restored Fleet Time Company Westminster chime mantel clock serves as a unique addition to contemporary homes, blending the charm of vintage clocks with the modern aesthetic of smart-home devices and technology.
