How The Seth Thomas Wall Clock Became Highly Collectible
A brief history of the Seth Thomas wall clock will take it from their humble beginning in 1814 to their demise in 1988. The original founder, Seth Thomas, began making clocks around 1814, and continued on under this type of ownership until May 3, 1853. At this time, Mr. Thomas was 68 years of age, and decided to incorporate the business. Six years later, he died, and was succeeded by his son Aaron as the president of The Seth Thomas Clock Company.
Up to the time of Seth Thomas’ passing, the company had maintained a rather conservative line of products, primarily the Seth Thomas wall clock. However, when Aaron assumed the leadership, he purchased the patents of two other competitors in Ithaca, New York, and added several new model clocks to the production line. There are three patent dates on the dials of the earliest of these clocks – September 19, 1854, November 17, 1857 and January 31, 1860. There is a final date of March 1, 1862 that appears on the calendar wall clocks that were in production until 1876.
In 1876, a relative of Seth Thomas, who also was an employee in the factory, obtained a patent on a much improved clock mechanism that was quickly put into all of the perpetual calendar clock models. This continued until 1917 when the last calendar clock model was discontinued. The Seth Thomas Clock Company produced a fine line of clocks over the years and became known as the “Tiffanys” of all clock manufacturers in Connecticut. Their customers and competitors alike all agreed that the Seth Thomas clocks were the best.
During the period 1865 to 1879, they operated a wholly owned subsidiary known as Seth Thomas Sons & Company that manufactured a high grade mantle clock with a 15 day movement. They also diversified their operations by manufacturing street and tower clocks, and eventually jeweled watches. The company was doing well financially until 1931 when they were acquired by General Time Instruments. Over the next several decades, Seth Thomas went through several acquisitions, and made various types of clocks for the military in WWII. Due to a severe flood in Connecticut, they moved the operations to Georgia. Finally, in 2001 the company had a new beginning when they joined the Colibri Group, a very well known and prominent name in various luxury brands. This allowed them to rely on the financial strength of Colibri to take the name of Seth Thomas to even greater heights.
There are many factors that make the Seth Thomas wall clock, as well as antique Seth Thomas clocks in general, highly collectible today. There is no question that sentimentality has a lot to do with it, but the extraordinary craftsmanship as well as the internal clock mechanism, makes these clocks a favorite among collectors. The antique Seth Thomas wall clock and the Seth Thomas mantle clock are the most desired of all the clocks. They seem to never go out of style and a purchase of a Seth Thomas clock is an investment in this timeless classic. If you are considering starting a collection of antique clocks, the Seth Thomas wall clock and the mantle clock is the place to begin.
93 Responses
Comment by Mia
December 21, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I’ve never heard of Seth Thomas clocks, thanks for giving us this history on them. I love the look of antique clocks but I don’t know much about them.
Comment by Tony@ Online Printing
December 22, 2009 at 8:48 am
I love antique products. Your post is providing whole information about Seth Thomas clocks. Although i little bit know about Seth Thomas clocks but after reading this post I think there is nothing which is hidden from me in this regard.
Comment by Lisa
December 22, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Wow that is one unusual post! I guess you really can track down anything on the internet LOL!!!
Comment by Guest@ Eteleon Handy Online Shop
December 31, 2009 at 8:29 am
i love your post i never heard about Seth Thomas clocks but now i do thank you soo much, going to bookmark your blog
Comment by Terk Antenna
January 4, 2010 at 1:31 am
Its great topic .I is new here but will be visiting more often as you have done a good job. Your blog is very interesting for me.
Thanks,
Comment by cake maker
January 5, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Great blog, thanks for sharing the information about Seth Thomas Clock, do like the antique Seth Thomas wall clock and the Seth Thomas mantle clock. Thank you
Comment by Jean Phillip@ Buy Garmin
January 5, 2010 at 4:32 pm
When I was young, I really appreciate the looks of antique clocks. This post of yours will give attention, hint and information to those people who loves this kind of clock.
Much appreciated Post. Keep posting like this.
Best Regards,
Jean Phillip
Comment by cintabisnis
January 16, 2010 at 10:57 am
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Comment by Johnson@ Beauty gifts
January 19, 2010 at 5:34 am
That is exactly what a growing company passes through: stages of initiation, growth and maturation stage. After going through the historical steps, it can be concluded that business is all about competitive differentiation strategy at the pick hours. Seth Thomas wall clock showed changes with time and adapted their business module as and when needed for survival and improvement.
Comment by Parminder@Crystal Elegance
February 6, 2010 at 6:37 am
Till now I didn’t thought about Seth Thomas Wall Clock too much…but you have provided a very good piece of info here..
@Cintabisnis
I’ve gone through your jewelry blog..its really nice..please take some time to go through my website too…
Comment by belly
February 6, 2010 at 7:12 am
Nice job. Great Article.i love your post i never heard about Seth Thomas clocks but now i do thank you soo much, going to bookmark your blog.
Regard
Comment by customized bags
February 8, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hi,
I really love those Seth Thomas clocks., especially the very old ones. They have very fine construction and tend to hold their value.
Comment by Buy Some Now
February 10, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Seth Thomas clocks are the best.
Comment by Handcrafted Jewelery
February 11, 2010 at 3:21 am
Thanks for a new spin on putting your best ideas forward and sharing information with maximum lifestyle.
Comment by Solbriller Online
February 13, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Very interesting story indeed. Never knew the story behind. These watches become significant in a whole different way for sure. Absolutely priceless.
Comment by fare soldi
February 18, 2010 at 7:51 am
I love it bacause it will always be fashionable
Comment by virginia movers
February 18, 2010 at 11:00 am
I believe my grandparents have a clock like this. It’s a nice model.
Comment by Vuxenleksaker
February 20, 2010 at 8:52 am
Really beautiful clocks – I would love to actually own one. Nice article, thanks
Comment by helen@hp printer drivers
February 21, 2010 at 12:32 am
Site already digged. This is really very promising! I would love to have this as a part of my huge collection of watches.
Comment by John
February 23, 2010 at 5:05 am
Great blog, thanks for sharing the information about Seth Thomas Wall Clock.
Comment by Hotels Pakistan
February 24, 2010 at 1:16 am
I love to collect antique things but I don’t know about antique clocks and I never heard about it. Your article gives so much information about Seth Thomas clocks thanks.
Comment by Andrei A.
March 5, 2010 at 8:58 am
I love to collect antique.thk for article
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March 6, 2010 at 12:33 am
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Comment by Mens White Dress shoes
March 6, 2010 at 3:04 am
i love seth thomas wall clock ancient and beatiful good looking clocks this article deals about its birth and history very goo to read more informative……..good blog…thanks…Boots for men
Comment by royal
March 8, 2010 at 5:06 am
Hi,
I don’t hear about Seth Thomas Wall Clock before reading your post.
It is really good read for me.
Comment by Matt@neckties
March 17, 2010 at 3:26 pm
That is a long history which makes for an interesting read. I had never heard of the company before. Good post.
Comment by diy garden sheds
March 22, 2010 at 7:41 am
Your article showing that you are a good shopper.
Comment by Free Online Games
March 25, 2010 at 12:15 am
I really love those Seth Thomas clocks., especially the very old ones. They have very fine construction and tend to hold their value.
Comment by Chris Murphy
March 26, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Very cool post. Always good to get some history.
Comment by Mystery Shopping
March 29, 2010 at 8:54 am
Well, this article did it’s job. I read the first sentence then had to search for a Seth Thomas clock to see what I was reading about. You see so many almost nonsensical articles but that seemed like something that actually deserved attention.
Comment by Gift Certificates
April 11, 2010 at 11:03 am
thanks for sharing this interesting post about wall clocks, Seth’s work was unique and people liked it.
Comment by price comparison
April 13, 2010 at 4:22 pm
My mom loves oak and antique furniture. I’m pretty sure she will love this Seth Thomas Wall clock. I’m happy to get some information about antique products and with this information. I understand why my mom loves to collect old furniture.
Comment by Cynthia
April 14, 2010 at 1:05 am
Hmmm, I wonder what is the price of a clock made by them, I can bet it is not cheap, especially if designed in an old fashion way.
Comment by cure for piles
April 17, 2010 at 7:34 am
A very interesting read about the history of the seth thomas wall clock. I will keep an eye out for one. Thanks for sharing
Comment by body armor vest
April 19, 2010 at 4:17 am
yeah me also had never heard about Seth Thomas clocks. After reading the above content i just say it the great idea to starting a collection of antique clocks with Seth Thomas clocks
Comment by compound interest formula
April 22, 2010 at 2:04 am
Thanks for being so open and sharing, I like reading this point: “The antique Seth Thomas wall clock and the Seth Thomas mantle clock are the most desired of all the clocks”. Actually, the article is helpful and creative for everyone to read.
Comment by crystal designer handbags
April 30, 2010 at 8:12 am
thank you for sharing . it is very interesting .i think you are a good shopper.
Comment by painting in Portland
May 6, 2010 at 6:06 am
my friend is interested in antiques collection… I’ll refer this site to her.
Comment by Aeron Chair
May 20, 2010 at 3:58 am
My parents are looking toget a new clock, I will tell the to chekc out a Seth Thomas wall clock.
Comment by Mobility Aids
May 24, 2010 at 5:25 am
I agree a timeless classic – wonderful post.
Comment by wedding
May 25, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Thanks for your information.I love unique clocks,too.And I totally agree with your opinion that the Seth Thomas wall clock became highly collectible.
Comment by Led Lights
May 31, 2010 at 7:53 am
I really love those Seth Thomas clocks and the blog was absolutely fantastic, lots of great information. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more of your superb posts.
Comment by pozycjonowanie poznan
June 1, 2010 at 10:16 am
Seth Thomas Wall Clock? Never heard but looks beautiful
Comment by womens KEEN shoes
June 9, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Cool, ive never heard of this kind of clock before, looks really neat.
Comment by detectives
June 14, 2010 at 9:09 am
I really love those Seth Thomas clocks., especially the very old ones. They have very fine construction and tend to hold their value.
Comment by Grosshändler finden
June 15, 2010 at 8:33 am
Thomas Wall Clock contain very high quality so that’s way the become more popular over the year’s.i got a brief description about the history right from here.
Comment by murano glass
June 17, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Great blog. I really enjoyed taking a peak at it. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Jan
June 19, 2010 at 6:37 pm
A very interesting synopsis of a well known clock company. Even here I have heard of Set Thomas clocks but then again one of my favourite ‘reads’ is antiques books so maybe that is where I have heard of their value. Never the less, it was a very interesting article. Thank you.
Comment by Electronic World
June 24, 2010 at 1:29 am
It is interesting for me to know about Seth Thomas wall clock. I first time heard about it. Thanks to share complete details about Seth Thomas wall clock.
Comment by Delhi Jewellers
June 25, 2010 at 9:28 am
I came through this blog first time and I found this very useful so thanks to share with us.
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