Westclox Big Ben Style 1 Made in 1914
This Big Ben Style 1 alarm clock is dated 10-23-14 (October 23, 1914) on the movement. The Style 1 Big Ben was made from 1909 to 1918 (replaced by the improved Style 1a in 1918). This example has a...
View ArticleMy Westclox Story
When I was a boy and stayed overnight at my Grammy and Granddaddy’s house, they put a Baby Ben alarm clock by my bed (not to wake me in the morning, but because I liked clocks). I looked at the dial...
View ArticleBushing Big Ben Alarm Clocks
Part of the repair process includes bushing worn pivot holes. There are 2 popular friction bushing system sizes: KWM and Bergeon. I recommend KWM-sized bushings for all clocks including Big Ben alarm...
View ArticleWinding Keys on Westclox Big Ben Leg Model Alarm Clocks
I was sorting Westclox parts in my clock shop, and came across 2 plastic bags labeled: “Rare, pinched Big Ben Style 1a Keys” and “Early Style 1 Big Ben Keys”. This motivated me to write about the...
View ArticleBushing the Westclox Baby Ben Alarm Clock Movement
I once read an article that said “I’ve never seen a Baby Ben movement with enough wear to need bushings.” I’ve seen many that needed bushings. Any clock that has run for years is bound to have some...
View ArticleWestclox Museum, Peru Illinois
There is a new Westclox Museum in Peru, Illinois. It is housed in the former Westclox factory at 350 5th Street. My friends Cheryl and Gary Biolchini and I visited on October 31st. Even though the...
View ArticleWestclox “Dunbar” Electric Wall Clock, Made in April 1941
Here’s a Westclox “Dunbar” electric wall clock I repaired. The dial is paper on a metal plate, covered by a glass lens, and the case is white plastic with a metal back. This clock uses the Westclox...
View ArticleThe Westclox “Alternating” and “Bunkie” Repeating Alarm Clocks
An intermittent or repeating alarm clock rings and stops periodically instead of ringing steadily. Several American clock companies introduced them in the 1900s. Westclox introduced the “Alternating”...
View ArticleThe Name “Westclox” on Alarm Clock Dials up to 1930
Introduction The clock company Westclox started in 1885 as United Clock Company, reorganized as Western Clock Company in 1887; became The Western Clock Mfg. Co. in 1888; and in 1912 became the shorter...
View Article1942 Photo of Alarm Clocks in Jewelry Store
Paul Hogroian of Duplication Services at the Library of Congress sent me this 1942 photo that he scanned. It shows Mr. H. Ormand, jeweler in San Leandro, California, and his Westclox, Seth Thomas and...
View ArticleWestclox History Summary Added to ClockHistory.com
In the late 1970’s, Westclox typed up a document giving highlights of the company’s history from 1885 to 1976. The document is now on ClockHistory.com Share this post:
View ArticleMassive Fire at Former Westclox Plant in Peru, Illinois
The fire started shortly before the new year, and two teenagers were charged with arson. Peru assistant fire chief Jim Duncan said the middle building portion of the Westclox complex was fully engulfed...
View ArticleSatellite View of Old Westclox Factory, Peru, Illinois
Yesterday, the old Westclox factory in Peru, Illinois was partly destroyed by fire (see Massive Fire at Former Westclox Plant in Peru, Illinois). Google Earth has a nice view of the old factory, and I...
View ArticleBaby Ben Style 7 Alarm Clock Made in October 1976
For years, we thought that the style 7 Big Ben and Baby Ben alarm clocks were made from 1956 – 1964. We now know that the style 7 Baby Ben windup was revived ca. 1976. Here are photos of an example...
View ArticleGolden Novelty Company Cast Front Clock, 1885 Patent, Cherub and Flowers
Here is an early example of a Westclox clock, made while the company name was “The Western Clock Mfg. Co.” This clock was made around 1890. The movement and its canister were made by “The Western Clock...
View ArticleEarly Westclox Big Ben Alarm Clock, Dated July 3, 1909
Here is an early Big Ben alarm clock, made during the second year of preliminary production. The movement has the date code 7 3 9 (July 3, 1909). This is a Style 1 (leg model) Big Ben. The dial has the...
View ArticleA 1911 Big Ben Dial with “45” at the Bottom
Here is a Big Ben style 1 I bought in 1981. It is in rough condition, but has a rare dial and an uncommon back. The movement has a date stamp 5 17 11 (May 17, 1911). The dial is like a regular Big Ben...
View ArticleWestern Clock Co. used the Big Ben alarm clock to introduce the trademark...
Introduction This post discusses how Western Clock Co. used the Big Ben alarm clock to introduce the Westclox trademark. Summary Western Clock Co. Mfg. Co. (later Western Clock Co.) was known for good,...
View ArticleWestern Clock Co. Advertising and the Introduction of the Trademark “Westclox”
Introduction The word Westclox (an abbreviation for Western Clocks) first appeared on the backs of Big Ben alarm clocks ca. October 1910. In late 1911, Westclox appeared in the small print at the...
View ArticleWestclox Clock and Watch Catalogs
I began collecting Westclox Baby Ben alarm clocks when I was 13 years old (1969). After college, I got into Westclox collecting and research in a big way. Read about my Westclox collecting Story. My...
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