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 James@Fine Jewelers
June 30, 2010 at 2:22 pm
I saw a line of Seth Thomas clocks at a store in New York. Just to let you guys know I am a huge fan of antiques. So I was doing some research on the Seth Thomas line and I had no idea that they were in business since the 1800′s. That is amazing thanks for sharing this information.
Comment by James@Architectural Salvage
June 30, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I hope after people read this article that they will come to realize the beauty and importance of antiques. Even when it comes to antique clocks you have to look at the history and importance of antiques. Seth Thomas has a rich history in manufactoring clocks so everyone should see a Seth Thomas.
Comment by Send Flowers Glendale
July 13, 2010 at 2:41 am
I saw one Seth Thomas clock on one of our trips to New York. It is astonishing and really is a timeless piece for people who love collecting antique clocks. It’s beautiful old style design makes it as one of those most have pieces.
Comment by Shopping tips
July 14, 2010 at 9:18 pm
i love your post, thank you soo much, i’m going to bookmark your blog
Comment by Virtual Server Hosting
July 29, 2010 at 1:41 am
Informative article! I really appreciate your effort in sharing this to us. The Seth Thomas clock is one of the favorite collection of my grandpa. I adore this clock!
Comment by couponboa
August 14, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Seth Thomas wall clock must be a great addition to antique collectibles. Elegance and accuracy – giving the space a whole new look. Thanks for information.
Comment by Calgary Accommodations
August 24, 2010 at 4:37 am
Your blog is one of the best blog I ever read. I am a clock collector for 5 years. I just love clock of different kind. Seth Thomas Wall Clock is one of my desire. I want to have at least 50 of them in different style. Very nice blog.
Comment by Hangers
September 1, 2010 at 2:51 am
I was amazed when i read the rich history of Seth Thomas wall clock. I never thought that wall clocks already exist in the year 1800′ huh! And that was a long time ago. Antique collectors must have one Seth Thomas wall clock in hand.
Comment by Calgary Web Design
September 10, 2010 at 4:21 am
Seth Thomas clock is really an incredible timeless piece for people who loves collecting antique clocks. It reminds me of the collections of my grandfather,it is priceless and a sight to be hold.
Comment by global eyeglasses review
September 21, 2010 at 1:21 am
I really hope that people read this article they will come relies, The beauty and importance of the antiquate.The beauty of this article is the most perfect.I hope that your blog is the best blog i will read it with desire mind.
Comment by Argan
September 22, 2010 at 4:49 am
Do you guys know where I can buy one from? My mother in law is crazy about that wall clock and it’s her birthday 2 weeks from now.
Comment by Shih Tzu Puppy Training
September 22, 2010 at 4:50 am
I appreciate your post a lot because you taught me how the seth thomas wall clock became highly collectible. I am excited to share this post to my husband. Thank you for paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich. More power in this post!
Comment by Gift Ideas Blog
September 22, 2010 at 9:31 am
I had no idea about Seth Thomas clocks so this was very interesting to read indeed. They seem to be amazing, perhaps something to look into. Thanks for that!
Comment by Britax Infant Car Seat
September 29, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Thanks for the interesting history on the Seth Thomas wall clock. Companies that build quality items seem to last the longest.
Comment by Tinkerbell Backpacks
October 13, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I just come across reading this one. I’m so pleased to read some information about this seth thomas clock. Glad that you have shared this review; be back for more readings.
Comment by dre25cole
October 14, 2010 at 10:24 pm
My mom loves to collect antiques. Thanks a lot for the information.
Comment by Boise Jewelry
October 17, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I like anything classic, vintage and a rare collectible… It’s simply timeless and memorable. Seth Thomas wall clocks are rarely talked about these days and most teens won’t like myself won’t even recognize even when they see one. This is truly an informative article about it.
Tina
Comment by Minert and Associates
October 17, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I wouldn’t have heard about Seth Thomas wall clocks if I didn’t browse through your post. This sure sounds like a timeless collectible and I can just imagine owning one and mounting it on my kitchen wall like in the old days. Nostalgic!
Mercedes
Comment by new york walking tours
October 28, 2010 at 6:15 am
Reading this article was like watching a National Geographic documentary ( a very good one ). Since childhood i was fascinated by watches, starting with pocket watches. My grandfather left me his 1890 Omega, first model of wrist watch, which is actually a pocket watch with 2 bracelets added. Anyway, just wanted to say that i’m thinking of adding a wall clock to my collection and if the price is right, than i will go for a Seth Thomas just for story !
Comment by Cord Blood :
October 31, 2010 at 5:29 am
we always use LED digital wall clocks at home because they have very readable characters*
Comment by detectives in hyderabad
November 20, 2010 at 3:22 am
Even when it comes to antique clocks you have to look at the history and importance of antiques. Seth Thomas has a rich history in manufacturing clocks so everyone should see a Seth Thomas.
Comment by Eagle Dentist
December 17, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I’ve had my Seth Thomas clock for many years. They are the finest clocks.
Thank you for the information.
Belinda
Comment by find name by phone number
December 18, 2010 at 6:07 am
Seth Thomas clocks are so very fashionable.That is a nice review you made on your site.
Comment by Joe Herren
December 20, 2010 at 12:22 am
Classy looking, which nowadays is not always the case with clocks.
You will do well with a classy clock.
Comment by pozycjonowanie
December 20, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Hey!
I was just having giant pleasure reading your site. It was great time for me indeed. If there would be more sites with so much usefull informations like this one, then my knowledge wouldn’t be so painful to get for me. I can assume that there would be no necessery to spare so much time on searching informations. So in conclusion i just wanted to show you how i am grateful for your effort to make this site.
Comment by offers4u
December 23, 2010 at 8:44 am
i have a keen interest in clocks and watches and so found your post very interesting – thank you for sharing
Comment by Blog Search
January 9, 2011 at 12:25 am
I find the history behind this company incredible. In an age of startups it’s quite impressive to see the early roots Seth Thomas planted and the craftsmanship they’ve carried throughout the years. Great read, thanks!
Comment by Red Patent Flat shoe
January 19, 2011 at 12:01 am
I am an archaeological student and yeah I am very much interested in my subject and tried to know the history behind all most all the things I come across. Recently only I have found an antique collection of these clocks, when asking about the history, nobody knew much except it began one the early 1800’s. But now this post gives a light to what I really wanted to know. Tank you lol. Thank you for such an interesting prelude.
Comment by photo backdrops
January 27, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Does anyone here own one of these clocks? They’re beautiful!
Comment by ANSH@Online shopping mall Singapore
January 31, 2011 at 2:15 am
HI,
I am pleased to know about the seth thomas wall clock sale and i think it’s interesting. It not because i am guest visitor here but i a very much interesting in all kind of clocks. I have seen different types of clocks. Different wall clocks makes me happy because this is the only thing through which we can see the time and to know about the time.
Comment by Women's lingerie
January 31, 2011 at 10:42 pm
It is interesting for me to know about Seth Thomas wall clock. I first time heard about it.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 Väggklockor
February 25, 2011 at 10:57 am
I have been searching for something like these clocks – thanks for the post!
Comment by Jyotish Mahanti
March 9, 2011 at 3:36 am
Lucky to have a Seth Thomas School House Regylator wall clock. Its moveent is 89 E and perhaps vintage dates back to pre 1920. What a wonderful craftmanship. It runs and keeps time. No timkering or repairs so far.
Comment by Bonbons
March 21, 2011 at 7:23 pm
I really need to buy one of these. Didn’t find any on ebay, do you guys know where could I find one?
Comment by Chat mit Älteren
April 21, 2011 at 4:17 am
The first time I read about clocks by Seth Thomas, was originally looking for Casio watches
but it does not matter. Really seems as if Seth Thomas is a good old family business and has survived till today in our chaotic times. Thx and nice to hear of that story.
Comment by laminates for wood
May 5, 2011 at 1:27 am
Thanks for sharing the information about Seth Thomas Clock. i love seth thomas wall clock ancient and beatiful good looking clocks. They have very fine construction and tend to hold their value.
Comment by Mobile Phones Australia
May 14, 2011 at 6:00 am
Seth Thomas clocks really are a timeless piece for people who love collecting antique clocks. Their beautiful old style design makes it as one of those most have pieces.
Comment by Web design Calgary
June 3, 2011 at 1:23 am
It’s amazing to think back to those historic days when time was being crafted with elegance and precision. It just shows that things of quality and good design can last for centuries and become infamous on the Web.
Comment by gustav
July 25, 2011 at 5:12 am
I have a mechanical digital clock by Seth thomas and I am trying to find information about its history and value. I have a photo of it and can send if necessary.
the clock is speed read model E037-000
Comment by Brent Riddle
August 17, 2011 at 4:57 pm
I have a customer that has a Seth Thomas wall clock that is connected to a Master Clock System. He would like to buy 4 more. The wall clock is stylish and it has a 24vdc, impluse, 59th minute correction movement. Do you have such a wall clock? If you do have them how much is the cost?
Comment by Ardis Vollrath
August 31, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Very interesting, helpful, and well written, thanks for sharing.
Comment by baidu678
September 8, 2011 at 1:09 am
I tried to sign up to your RSS however it doesnt appear to be working. Ill come back later.
Comment by Gustav
September 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Didn’t work for me either. The current site theme is the problem. Will change it over the weekend. Thanks for the heads up.
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