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2024 NAWCC WARD FRANCILLON TIME SYMPOSIUM


MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024

through

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

Experience New England Horology with lectures and exclusive museum tours at the Willard House & Clock Museum, the American Clock and Watch Museum, and Old Sturbridge Village, including the J. Cheny Wells collection of clocks.

Speakers: Mary Jane Dapkus, Andrew Dervan, Damon DiMauro, Greg Gorton, Rich Newman, Sara Schechner, and Aaron Stark

James Arthur Lecturer: Dava Sobel will provide the backstory of her acclaimed book "Longitude" and its impact on the public's understanding of horology, specifically marine timekeeping.

Additional Information:  2024 Ward Francillon Time Symposium Website


Location and Lodging:  https://publickhouse.com/ 
Public House Historic Inn
227 Main Street
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
(508) 347-3313






ANNUAL PICNIC and MART


NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

American Legion 244
5 Ware Street
West Brookfield, MA 01585


The perfect time to have a Mart, participate in show and tell, swap stories and tips, and enjoy a picnic luncheon with fellow watch and clock enthusiasts.

9:00 AM Set up for the Mart
9:30 AM Mart Opens
11:00 AM Show and Tell
12:00 PM  Cookout lunch under the Pavilion
2:00 PM  Exit the property


Chapter 8 and NAWCC Members and their Guests

Register Here


Slideshow
Willard House Workshop


Annual Willard House Workshop and Luncheon

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Willard House & Clock Museum

11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA  01536
(508)-839-3500
https://willardhouse.org/


In spite of the threatening weather, the May Workshop at the Willard House & Clock Museum in North Grafton, MA was a great success.  Speakers included Rich Pompeo, Chris Carey, and the featured informative and entertaining Robert Cheney who spoke about the gift of the Charles N. Grichar Collection of Horology, including Willard Clocks, E. Howard & Co. astronomical regulators, over 300 fine pocket watches and over 100 timekeepers for the wrist soon coming to Willard House.


ANNUAL MEETING, PRESENTATION, and MART

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, February 3, 2024

     
SERVICING THE SWISS PINWHEEL JEWELER'S REGULATOR MOVEMENT
David Hagberg


It should be straightforward, servicing a time only, seconds beat weight driven wall clock. Swiss pinwheel regulator movements are another story!  David gave a brief overview of these clocks, and then, using a slideshow, took the audience through the unique disassembly steps.  He discussed possible problems and solutions unique to this type of clock and followed with cleaning, reassembly, lubrication, setup and continuing care.

 



REPLACING THE THIRD STRIKE WHEEL IN AN E.HOWARD TOWER CLOCK
Phil D'Avanza

 

Phil lead the audience through replacing a 96 tooth 5.5" diameter gear with 18 teeth that were missing.  From laying out the replacement on a hard brass plate to facing the blank, making the arbor, and cutting the teeth, and cutting the spokes, thereby producing a finely manufactured replacement wheel for the clock.  The audience was captivated by Phil's workmanship and precision throughout the process.

Slideshow
February 3 2024
Slideshow
October 14, 2023

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, October 14, 2023


John Weber
 discussed his findings on Horological screws: the evolution of screws used in clocks and watches and the surprising economics of screws and screw making.  This includes a discussion of the impact of Waltham technology and how screws can show service issues.  Detailed examination of the screws, expecially in watches, is useful for determining how a watch or clock rates on terms of "Height" of its horology, antique, vintage used, and contemporary.



John Fitzwilliam, a veteran clock repairer and restorer based in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, at his shop "Clocks on the Common," showcase two remarkable early American Patent Timepieces, each cherished heirlooms of their respective families since their original purchase.


One of these timepieces is believed to be an exceptionally rare and previously undocumented early Simon Willard & Son clock, complete with a date and number. This intriguing piece has historical ties to a captivating home in Concord, Massachusetts, and John promises to provide further insights and details during his presentation.


The second timepiece, a Daniel Monroe clock, began its life in a tavern in Keene, New Hampshire, over two centuries ago and has remained within the same family ever since. John will share the fascinating history of this clock's journey and preservation.




ANNUAL PICNIC and MART

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, August 5, 2023



The weather was spectacular for the Annual Picnic and Mart and the American Legion in West Brookfield.  Over 40 members and their guests attended, and, in additiona to the Mart, picnic, and Show and Tell, there were renewing of friendships, good conversation, and swapping of technical expertise!

Enjoy the pictures from the day!

Join Us on October 14, 2023 for our Fall Meeting and Mart - details forthcoming.

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August 5, 2023 Annual Picnic and Mart