Clock featuring Schatz craftsmanship showcasing an intriguing visible escapement mechanism
In a world where technology advances at an unprecedented pace, it's fascinating to find a vintage treasure that defies the test of time - such as the Schatz & Söhne 8-day carriage clock. This German-made timepiece, originally designed in the 1970s, has recently come into the possession of an enthusiast who stumbled upon it on Facebook Marketplace.
### A Lightweight Masterpiece Despite its imposing appearance, the clock is surprisingly lightweight. Its thin plates, brass casing, and thin glass contribute to its deceptive weight, making it easier to handle than one might expect.
### A Clock Built to Last, Yet Surviving the Test of Time Contrary to popular belief, the Schatz & Söhne 8-day carriage clock was not designed for long life. However, one particular clock has managed to keep ticking for an impressive 40 years. This longevity is a testament to the clock's resilience and the care it has received over the years.
### The Journey of a Lifetime The clock, likely a gift to many people during its time, has seen numerous homes and hands. Over the years, these clocks have either been kept or discarded, their fate depending on their owners' appreciation for vintage timepieces.
### The Purchase and Its Aftermath The author, intrigued by the clock's history, purchased the W3 Aug Schatz & Söhne movement from a local antique store for under CAN$20. The seller, known for his honesty and reasonable pricing, provided the necessary parts, except for the case and chime rods.
### The Clock's Current State The clock, while running, stops after approximately 4 days. The author does not view this as a significant issue and is instead curious to take the clock apart to investigate potential issues beyond a simple cleaning.
### The Question of Durability The question remains whether Schatz and Söhne, in their pursuit of a certain price point, may have created a throw-away clock. The author's exploration of the clock's inner workings may shed light on this question.
### The Unique Whittington Chime One unique feature of the W3 Aug Schatz & Söhne movement is the Whittington chime, a sound that adds character to the clock's ticking. The movement also offers the St. Michael and Westminster chimes, providing a variety of melodies to delight the ears.
### The Future of the Clock Despite being inexpensive, the Schatz & Söhne 8-day carriage clock may require servicing in the future to ensure its continued operation. The author is eager to delve deeper into the clock's mechanics to preserve its charm for generations to come.
References: [1] Schatz & Söhne 8-day Carriage Clock Owner's Manual. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.schatz-soehne.de/media/pdf/user-manual-8-day-carriage-clock.pdf
Vintage timepieces like the Schatz & Söhne 8-day carriage clock, a treasure from the past, serve as a stark contrast to today's fast-paced lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the home-and-garden days of the 1970s. Collecting and maintaining these vintage clocks is not only a practical solution for home décor but also contributes to preserving history for future generations.
