Clock malfunction: Key parameter, mainspring, suffering deterioration
In the heart of Montreal, Canada, the Fleet Time Company of Montreal made its mark in the clock industry between 1936 and an unspecified year. This company, along with the Forestville Clock Company of Canada and the Blackforest Clock Company, were key players in the Canadian clock market during that era.
The Fleet Time Company produced a variety of clocks, with one of its most notable offerings being a nondescript mantel clock. Interestingly, wood cases for some models were crafted in Canada, while others were imported from Germany.
Two of these clocks now reside in the collection of an enthusiast, who shares a deep affection for these timepieces. Regrettably, both clocks show signs of wear and tear, and the original tinted lacquer finishes have not stood the test of time.
One of the author's Fleet Time Co. clocks houses an unknown German movement, while the other boasts a German Gufa movement. An unusual feature of these clocks is the location of the star striking wheel on the movement's outside rear plate.
During the servicing of one of these clocks, the barrel and second wheel on the time side sustained damage. However, the case of the clock has been reconditioned, with the addition of a dial and bezel from an old Blackforest Clock Co. clock.
The Second World War had a significant impact on the Fleet Time Co., as the lack of movement supply caused a setback for the company. Despite this, the Blackforest Clock Company continued to sell their clocks through department stores, and clock movements and complete clocks for the Blackforest Clock Company were imported from Germany.
It's worth noting that Blackforest shelf or kitchen clocks were made before the Second World War. The Blackforest Clock Company of Toronto, Ontario was founded by Leopold and Sara Stossel in 1928.
The Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River, Ontario, lists the Fleet Time Co. as an importer of clocks and watches. The company's locations were 440 McGill and then 303 St. Paul West, Montreal, Canada.
The article delves into the history of these three Canadian clock companies, providing a glimpse into the past of the clock industry in Canada. However, it's important to note that the Fleet Time Co. did not source movements from France or Germany during the war years and beyond. This decision could have been influenced by a variety of factors, including trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, political concerns, and the availability of alternatives.
The Fleet Time Company, renowned for its vintage clocks, also produced mantel clocks with some wood cases crafted domestically and others imported from Germany. Today, some of these clocks, showcasing German movement like Gufa, are preserved in a collector's gallery amidst signs of wear and tear, indicating their age and vintage allure. In contrast, data-and-cloud-computing has made significant advancements in modern technology, revolutionizing the way we perceive time and clocks, leaving the tradition of handcrafted mantel clocks like those produced by the Fleet Time Company in the annals of history.
