Refinishing Services offered by Fleet Time in Montreal, along with 2 unexpected revelations
In a small workshop, a forgotten treasure was brought back to life. The clock in question is a vintage Westminster chime mantel clock from the Fleet Time Company of Montreal, Canada. This timepiece, which was likely headed for the garbage before being purchased, has now completed several 8-day cycles since being repaired.
The repair and restoration of the clock resulted in a satisfying project, not just for its mechanical intricacies, but also for the piece of Canadian clock history it represents. However, the origins of the Fleet Time Company and its sourcing relationships remain somewhat elusive.
The case of the clock was in poor condition, with scratches on top and sections down to the bare wood. But after a meticulous refinishing process, using a light walnut stain to enhance the veneer, the case now looks great. The mainspring, which was stored safely away for two weeks, was found to have been broken and had to be replaced.
The movement for these clocks was sourced from Germany, a fact that is not uncommon for North American clock companies during that era. Germany, being a major centre of clock and watchmaking, supplied high-quality movements to various importers and distributors, including Montreal, a significant commercial hub.
The movement of the repaired clock is a Gufa Westminster chime movement. Gufa is the Guetenbacher Uhrenfabrik, located in Gütenbach, Germany. It is assumed that most of their 3-train clocks, like the one in question, had a similar or the very same movement.
However, specific historical data on the Fleet Time Company of Montreal or their German clock movements sourced pre-WWII was not found in the current search results. To delve deeper into the history of this company and its connection to German clock movements pre-WWII, further specialized archival research or contacting horological historians in Canada might be required.
Despite the lack of concrete historical information, the repair and restoration of this vintage clock is a testament to the enduring charm of these timepieces. The clock now runs and chimes for the first time in many years, adding a touch of timeless elegance to any room it graces.
The total cost of the clock repair and parts was approximately $39.50. Mainsprings for the clock can be easily sourced from a clock supplier, ensuring that this vintage treasure can continue to keep time for many years to come.
