And Why People Collect Them
Craftsmanship Series: Clockmaker Patrick Myers
Greetings!
Clocks make a statement. They are mechanical, have a function, can have fine gilding and they are beautiful! It is such a statement piece you cannot reproduce it these days. Clocks are always going to be around. The average home in the 1970s had 5.2 mechanical clocks.

These are the words of Patrick Myers, a clockmaker who has been at his craft for 45 years when asked "What is so exciting about clocks?" We at Antique Resources are thrilled with our association with Patrick and want to share his thoughts on clocks in general and a few of the many clocks at Antique Resources.
Dome Clocks or Ball Clocks
These Dome or Ball Clocks (above and cover image) are from an era with a movement made by Vincente, a known high-end French manufacturer in the 1820s. You don't see many of these. This clock has a platform balance escapement, similar to a watch.

The clock features three bronze putti holding up a black spherical Roman numeral clock. The clock face also has bronze stars pasted on and the hand of the clock is in the shape of a slithering snake. The bells play every hour and a half hours quietly. The steel used was very hard and long-lived.

The French craftsmanship and precision of French clocks often go unnoticed, yet they are truly exquisite timepieces known for their superior quality and reliability.
Diego Evans Fusee Clock
This is an interesting clock, while it is English from the early 1700s, (James Evans is the Maker) the dial is in Spanish. Fusee clocks are like a ten-speed bicycle.The gears are in the back and the gear train allows the main spring so you never feel it getting tight and provides very even timekeeping.

James Evans was an English clockmaker who signed his pieces as "Diego Evans". He worked at Royal Exchange from 1773- 1805. Royal Exchange was an English company that facilitated transactions between merchants and traders of various countries. Sir Thomas Gresham was the owner of the Royal Exchange, who earned a reputation as the father of English banking. Hence, James Evans use of “Diego Evans, Bolsa Real, Londres”.

This triple fusee has a bell that plays every 15 minutes and strikes the hour. If you prefer a quiet clock, this clock has a silencer for the bells. It also has a calendar feature. The clock has a holder for the pendulum to sit on when having to move without losing its beat of ticking.
English Tall Case Clock 1750s
“A modern home is the best place to show off a Tallcase, the juxtaposition makes the antique stand out more.”
This long case clock is from England in the mid-1700s. It was very common back then to have a clock displayed in the windows of taverns so passers by could set their watches. In fact, Parliament set a law that any clocks displayed had to be made to a very high grade. The raised, painted finish (see close up below) is three-dimensional looking.
Granddaughter Clock
This very formal unsigned clock predates 1900, perhaps the late 1800s, is marble and stands four feet tall. The high-grade movement could be French or French made for the Austrian market.

Granddaughter clocks such as this are four feet tall. For reference, Grandmother Clocks are from five to six feet tall with Grandfather clocks topping out at six to seven and one-half feet.
William and Mary Period late 1600s - 1726
The clockmaker for the above clock is Thomas Dubbs, "A maker of note" who was socially attached to do work for the English government. The work is impeccable mother-of-pearl inlay banding on the edges of the entire clock. This must be seen to be appreciated!
Skeleton Clock
In England, an apprentice would have to present a clock that has a passing bell strike that strikes once an hour. These are known as Skeleton Clocks. Skeleton Clocks are specifically made to see the movement. Very few of these are signed because you weren't a master. This particular clock as a "V" in the backplate.
The Backstory
Patrick Myers wasn’t always a clockmaker.
He studied marketing in college and completed a graduate thesis on the psychology of the hardest people to buy for: Men. He also worked as a cabinetmaker in a friend’s mill shop.

Later, he opened the Woods and Waters shop in Lake Forest, describing items for sale as “big toys for big boys.” During this time, one of his contacts opened a clock shop in an adjoining open space. Patrick offered to clean up one of the clocks in the store and found that he enjoyed it. In two years, he learned the trade after becoming friends with a Palatine clockmaker. He ended up doing most of the repair work before taking over that clock shop.

With Woods and Waters expanding into Long Grove, Patrick had three stores and five clockmakers working for him when he decided to work from home by appointment. His book of business has been busy for 45 years since restoring clocks.
“I was able to see the logic of gear trains easier than most. And loved taking apart clocks and putting them back together. There was always something new and it was never boring because no two jobs are the same.”
Patrick also completes restoration work for restoration and insurance companies. One of them referred him to Maribel and Antique Resources.

“We rely on experts like Patrick to help with the shopping experience. Antique Resources could not provide the quality of service it provides its customers without the support and exceptional service of our accomplished industry colleagues like Patrick,” said Maribel Weisz, owner of Antique Resources. “We take the time to assess if the purchaser knows what is involved prior to the purchase to ensure they have a good experience and understand the care and maintenance of the specific clock.”

Patrick credits being honest with people as one of the keys to his success. “Ethics is a must if you want the job done right,” he said. “Repairing someone else’s mistakes is unfortunate but happens often. We are seeing less and less hacks but also seeing less and less clockmakers.”
What do shoppers want?
Patrick explained that some people are looking for a specific look; from carriage clocks to tower clocks and everything in between. “Keep in mind before 1900 everything was mechanical and now many people have never wound a clock in their life. Once you know how to take care of the clock that fear is removed.
"Look for something you like. If you like the look of a clock, it can be rebuilt. And remember, antiques are always better made."
Since he was a dealer, Patrick can also advise people before they purchase a clock and can determine whether the clock need to be overhauled, and are all the parts of the mechanism original, etc. He can even make a clock or make parts for the clock! 

Patrick makes house calls and most of his business is in the Chicago-Milwaukee-Rockford regions. He sets up clocks in peoples homes and explains their care. He can also pack up clocks for movers when comes time to move.

He stresses the importance of maintaining your clock and to oil them every few years. Synthetic oils, brought to us by the aerospace industry, undoubtedly will last longer.

Patrick can be reached by calling (262) 903-4237.
I hope this newsletter has inspired you to learn more about clocks. Several books shown below can help you on this fascinating journey and we are always here to answer your questions.
Thank you for your business and support and please accept my wishes for a promising New Year. And remember that we always love referrals!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of antique clocks! From the soothing ticking sounds to the melodious chimes, each timeless treasure plays its serenade. Play video below.
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Clock descriptions in order of appearance:

1st clock - 19th Century English Eight-Day Tall Case Musical Grand Sonnerie Clock with Silencer

2nd clock - 19th Century French Jewel Escape Movement Bronze and Marble Three Piece Clock and Candle Garniture

3rd clock - 18th Century English Skeleton Clock

4th clock - 18th Century Quarter Chiming Triple Fusee Bracket Clock