How do you catalogue repaired clocks/ clock acquisitions?

[Gage_robertson_collector]

Hello,
I am beginning the process of cataloguing all of my clocks so I have reference of all the ones I have purchased for the future. At this point, I have acquired well over thirty mantle clock sized clocks, mostly Seth Thomas and Gilbert, as well as Sessions. So it is safe to say I have my work cut out for me. I just wanted to know what are things you write down when you are cataloguing a clock, like do you just write a simple rough paragraph of the work you did/what the clock looked like, or do you have a more specific cataloguing process? Like purchase date, model, work done, description, e.t.c. I would like to go for a more specific cataloguing process and I am just trying to get some ideas of specific things I could add. Thank you very much for your input.

- Gage

 

[Willie X]

It's only for you own satisfaction, so whatever works for you will be fine.
Willie X

 

[lpbp]

I have a card catalog like they used in the libraries. I use a card for each clock, identified by maker and model, date acquired from where and price. Then restoration by date, including case and movement. Below additional repairs cleaning etc., by year.

 

[Dave T]

My choice would be a spreadsheet of some sort, such as Excel. Include all the pertinent data for each.

And as you progress in the future you can continue to modify it to keep like items in order.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

I have a spreadsheet

 

[KurtinSA]

I have a folder on my computer for each clock. Contains initial pictures and notes about the clock including purchase. When I overhaul a clock, I create a subfolder with step pictures of the teardown along with notes about the process including performance on the bench after overhaul. I also have an overall spreadsheet with top level details about each clock.

Kurt

 

[Bernhard J.]

Same with me, I have a folder for each clock and watch (in the moment I am completing this in respect to wrist watches). In a subfolder any and all information, including photos, from the seller is stored. Aside my own photos documenting the status quo the folders comprise information not evident immediately (I do not record dimensions and weights) about the respective watch/clock. And an approximate (realistic) value for insurance purposes. If mayor work has been done and documented by photo, this in in another subfolder.

The data on my home computer are mirrored in the office server. I do not use the "cloud", neither professionally, nor privately.

 

[Chris.K]

I use a 10 inch tablet that is dedicated only for clocks. When I purchase a new clock I open a new file and take initial pictures and use note to record all related data for the clock.. When I get time to do work on it I just click on the file and notate any work I have done. When I do repair work for others I do the same thing but ask the customer if they want a printout of work done with pics and notes for their records.

 

[Wimberleytech]

The vast majority of my collection are watches and I use folders (for them and clocks too). I take lots of pictures before, during, and after service. All of the technical data I can find on the item is stored in the folder. Receipts for parts I buy, ebay comparative value, etc., are kept in the folder.

 

[Roy Gardner]

I use my own Excel spreadsheet with about 200 columns. I have attached a copy for anyone to use. This copy has 300 rows deleted except for four sample timepieces.

 

[Wimberleytech]

I use my own Excel spreadsheet with about 200 columns. I have attached a copy for anyone to use. This copy has 300 rows deleted except for four sample timepieces.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Philip Snowden]

Hello,
I am beginning the process of cataloguing all of my clocks so I have reference of all the ones I have purchased for the future. At this point, I have acquired well over thirty mantle clock sized clocks, mostly Seth Thomas and Gilbert, as well as Sessions. So it is safe to say I have my work cut out for me. I just wanted to know what are things you write down when you are cataloguing a clock, like do you just write a simple rough paragraph of the work you did/what the clock looked like, or do you have a more specific cataloguing process? Like purchase date, model, work done, description, e.t.c. I would like to go for a more specific cataloguing process and I am just trying to get some ideas of specific things I could add. Thank you very much for your input.

- Gage

I have a small book in which I have written the main specifics of each clock for my son when it becomes time for him to flog em and also how much each one cost .Each clock has a name so won’t be a problem .But on hindsight I think he will just call an auction house in if they still worth money at that time.But my goodness I’ve really enjoyed the buzz of collecting them over the years .

 

[Gage_robertson_collector]

I have a small book in which I have written the main specifics of each clock for my son when it becomes time for him to flog em and also how much each one cost .Each clock has a name so won’t be a problem .But on hindsight I think he will just call an auction house in if they still worth money at that time.But my goodness I’ve really enjoyed the buzz of collecting them over the years .

I enjoy it to my friend.

 

[demoman3955]

Something others may not have thought about was to keep a record for insurance purposes, and even estate matters. If theres not a list, good luck getting back what you have into it.

 

[Vernon]

I also use a spreadsheet just for my personal collection. Among others: I have a special features column, a column for photos and a column for current estimated value in case I want to sell. My repair notes are still hand written.

Vernon