Westclox Clock Variations

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CompanyGroupFeatureDescription
 
WestcloxWindup ClockAlarm ClickWestclox kept changing their winding ratchet mechanism. The first four types listed here engage with projections pressed out of the body of the mainwheel.
WestcloxWindup ClockTime ClickWestclox kept changing their winding ratchet mechanism. The first four types listed here engage with projections pressed out of the body of the mainwheel.
WestcloxWaralarm - Fiber CaseBack TypeEarly examples have a price label, later ones have the price imprinted in the back.
WestcloxSiestaDialThis applies to black clocks (not ivory). First, the dials were plain inside the numerals. Later, they had a printed square inside the numerals.
WestcloxSiestaKey Handle ShapeSausage-shaped handles used at first (like the style 3 Bens had). Regular key shape came second (like style 4 and 5 Bens).
WestcloxModel 66 MovementAlarm Set Knob FasteningEarly 66 movements have screw on knobs, later they are staked.
WestcloxModel 66 MovementGear MaterialMost 66 movements have brass gears. Waralarms have steel gears. Late 1950s examples have steel gears.
WestcloxModel 66 MovementMinute Wheel FasteningEarly model 66 movements have no minute wheel fastening, or a c-clip. Later, it was fixed in place by a stud.
WestcloxModel 66 MovementMovement Date LocationModel 66 movement date location varies by date made and where made (USA, Canada, Scotland).
WestcloxModel 66 MovementMovement MaterialEarly 66 movement plates are brass, they are steel during WWII, later ones are aluminum
WestcloxFour Inch MovementBack LogoSome from before 1910 into the teens have a maker's logo or MADE IN USA on the back.
WestcloxFour Inch MovementBalanceThe construction of the balance (the timekeeping element) was changed several times.
WestcloxFour Inch MovementMotion PinionThe motion pinion (also called minute pinion or reduction pinion) is cast of lead alloy in a few early examples that I have observed. In most clocks, the motion pinion is brass. The September 22, 1885 patent, on which Westclox clock construction was based, describes casting clock parts of a lead alloy.
WestcloxFour Inch MovementPatent FormThe form of the patent stamping on the back of the case.
WestcloxFour Inch MovementPlate ShapeThe shape of the front and back movement plate.
WestcloxBingo Style 1Case ClampFirst, a long narrow steel clamp. Later, a small brass rectangular clamp.
WestcloxBingo Style 1Leg WidthFirst, the legs were 1/4 inch at the hex portion. Later, they were 7/32 inch.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 8Back PatentThe first backs did not have a patent number, after about a year a patent number was added.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 8BaseA metal base was used first (with two types of lettering), followed by a plastic base.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 8Base Cavity NumberA single digit number. On metal bases, I've seen numbers up to "3". On plastic bases, I've seen number up to "8".
WestcloxBig Ben Style 7BaseSome have a single digit cavity number only, some say "75-102" with a cavity number such as "1 A" or "2 A".
WestcloxBig Ben Style 7Base Cavity NumberBase 1 has a single digit cavity number. Base 2 has been seen with "1 A" through "4 A".
WestcloxBig Ben Style 7Bezel ColorBLACK Big Ben style 7 has a nickel bezel at first, changed to brass ca. 1960.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 7Hairspring Fastening to StudEarly examples are pinned, most are glued.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6 LoudBack TypeThe first ones say PAT. PDG. and later ones don't.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6 LoudDialThe dials have the words "LOUD ALARM" in either small lettering (0.4 mm X 5.3 mm) or large lettering (0.7 mm X 7.9 mm). In addition, the word "Westclox" was lettered in two ways. "Small Westclox" has all the letters of the word "Westclox" in capital letters, all the same height. In the "Large Westclox" type, the "W" is upper case and the other letters are lower case. The small "Loud Alarm" and "Small Westclox" were used on the first dials. Then, the "Large Westclox" came into use. Finally, the large "Loud Alarm" replaced the small version.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6 ChimeBack TypeThe first ones say PAT. PDG. and later ones don't.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6 ChimeDialThe dials have the words "CHIME ALARM" in either small lettering (0.4 mm X 5.3 mm) or large lettering (0.7 mm X 7.9 mm). In addition, the word "Westclox" was lettered in two ways. "Small Westclox" has all the letters of the word "Westclox" in capital letters, all the same height. In the "Large Westclox" type, the "W" is upper case and the other letters are lower case. The small "Chime Alarm" and "Small Westclox" were used on the first dials. Then, the "Large Westclox" came into use. Finally, the large "Chime Alarm" replaced the small version.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6 ChimeMovement MaterialNickel plated, or brass plates with blue steel bridges.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6BaseTwo types of lettering were used on the bottom, and the second type was first made with a cutout, and later made solid. (Applies to both Style 6 Chime Alarm and Style 6 Loud Alarm.)
WestcloxBig Ben Style 6Base Cavity NumberThe lettering "1 A" or "2 A" on the bottom of the base. Applies to both Style 6 Chime Alarm and Style 6 Loud Alarm.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5 LoudBack TypeThese backs have a USA, Canadian, Australian and British patent. The two types are so similar that I didn't record the type for many clocks I had. For completeness I am showing both types here.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5 ChimeBack TypeAll Ben Ben Style 5 Chime Alarm backs that I've seen have five patent numbers. There MAY be an early back without the design patent number.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5 ChimeDialIvory Style 5 Big Ben Chime alarm luminous dials were brown-banded at first, and were solid brown starting ca. mid-1948.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5a LoudBack TypeThe first backs have PAT. PDG., most backs have DES.114262
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5a LoudBaseTwo base types were made, with various cavity numbers and auxiliary lettering.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5a LoudBase Cavity NumberThe lettering "A - 1" or "A - 2" on the bottom of the base.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5BaseTwo base types were made, with various cavity numbers and auxiliary lettering. (Applies to both Style 5 Chime Alarm and Style 5 Loud alarm.)
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5Base Cavity NumberThe lettering "A 1" or "A 2" on the bottom of the base. Applies to both Style 5 Chime Alarm and Style 5 Loud Alarm.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 5Base Pad ColorLast red felt pad seen: 11-46. First brown felt pad seen: 2-47.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeAlarm GovernorThe first examples have a fiber gear driving a fan fly. Later examples have a brass gear driving a centrifugal governor.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeBack TypeAll Ben Ben Style 4 Chime Alarm backs that I've seen have five patent numbers.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeBaseEarly bases are not as deep as later bases. Several variations in lettering exist.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeBase Bottom ColorMost Style 4 Big Ben bases are painted gold on the bottom. Starting ca. 1937, some are painted the same as the case (on the bottom and the outside edge).
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeBase Cavity NumberThe lettering "1 - A" or "2 - A" on the bottom of the base.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeDialThe earliest Style 4 Chime Alarm dials don't say "Chime Alarm" at the top. Starting around April 1935 the words "Chime Alarm" were added.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4 ChimeTime Set Knob to Time Key SpacingEarly Style 4 Chime Alarms have the time key close to the time set knob, and the time key has male threads. Standard ones have wide spacing from the time set knob to the time key, and the time key has female threads.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4a LoudBack MaterialMost Big Ben Style 4a have a steel back. A few aluminum backs have been seen.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4a LoudBack TypeThe first backs don't say MADE IN U.S.A., later ones do.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4a LoudBaseThere are several variations of lettering on the bottom.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4a LoudBase Bottom ColorThe first Style 4a Big Ben bases are painted gold on the bottom. Starting ca. 1936, they are painted black (gunmetal) on the bottom and outside edge.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 4a LoudBase Cavity NumberNothing, a slash ("/" or "\"), "1", "2", "1-A" or "2-A" on the bottom of the base.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 3Back TypeBig Ben Style 3 backs had three different groups of patent numbers. The first backs have a slide alarm on/off switch, later ones have a pull switch.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 3BaseVarious groups of lettering and/or patent information is on the bases.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 3Base Cavity NumberSome base types have "A-1" or "A-2", some have "1" or "2", and some have "1 - A" or "2 - A" on the bottom.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 3Luminous Hand TypeThe Big Ben Style 3 Luminous hands were at first fancy skeleton spade style. Later, they were simplified skeleton style.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2Back TypeThe Big Ben Style 2 had two types of backs. The first has patent dates, and the second has patent numbers.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2BaseBig Ben Style 2 bases were made by several companies, including the Dura Company of Toledo, Ohio; and the Doehler Die Casting Company also of Toledo, Ohio. I've seen a few bases having a logo of a diamond with an ampersand inside, but haven't identified the company that logo belonged to. The most common bases have the letter "A" and other markings; and I don't know if Westclox or another company made them. The variations of the bases recorded here are not as significant as other features I've documented, but I found them interesting enough to record.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2Base Bottom ColorSome are black on the bottom and some are gold. The first nickel clocks are black on the bottom. As far as I know, all painted finish clocks have gold bottom bases. Later nickel clocks have gold bottom bases.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2Base Cavity NumberDoehler bases have been see with cavity number 1 or 2 to the right of the Doehler logo, and with 3 or 4 to its right.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2Cast Base Metal ConditionThe Big Ben Style 2 was an early use of a die cast base by Westclox. Some of these bases are in bad condition, and some are remarkably good. These conditions are a rough way to track how well the bases aged.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 2Number of Base Corners GoneSometimes one or both front corners are broken off. This is a rough attempt to track how well the style 2 bases aged.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 1 and Style 1aDialThis series of dials covers Big Ben Styles 1 and 1a. The earliest form of the Style 1 dial has unusual numerals, including a backward-curving leg on the "7". The Big Ben was improved from Style 1 to Style 1a during the period that the dials were made with "Westclox" in italic text. Luminous dials were first made in the Big Ben Style 1a era.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 1aBack TypeStyle 1a Big Ben clocks have a series of patent sequences on the back. The patents were in two different locations. Later backs have patent numbers instead of dates.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 1aLeg TypeThe first Big Ben Style 1a had legs with two hexagon portions. I call these double hexagon legs.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 1Back TypeBig Ben Style 1 clocks used different patent dates and arrangements on the back. Also, the $2.50 price seal, and various Westclox logos were used.
WestcloxBig Ben Style 1Repeat LeverThe first Big Ben movement patent shows 2 types of repeat lever. Inventor George Kern changed the repeat lever several times, until the familiar type evolved.
WestcloxBen Style 8Dial MaterialThe first Big Ben and Baby Ben style 8 clocks have a paper dial on a metal plate. Starting in 1970, the dial is painted directly onto the metal plate.
WestcloxBen Style 7Dial NumeralsRadial numerals at the beginning, changed to upright numerals in 1958.
WestcloxBen Style 7Hand TypeThere are two early types, both used only in 1956: 1) Minute hand has no cap in the center, the sides of the hands are straight (the whole hand tapers from narrow to wide). 2) Second type: Minute hand has decorative cap in the center, the sides of the hands are straight (the whole hand tapers from narrow to wide). The short end of the hand is the widest part of the hand. The standard type (used starting sometime in 1956 to the end of Style 7 production): Minute hand has cap in center, the hand tapers from narrow to widest at the center, then tapers narrower again. The short end of the hand is narrower than the center.
WestcloxBen Style 7Lens ShapePointed lens until 1960, then rounded.
WestcloxBen Style 6Back TypeEarly backs say PAT. PDG., later ones don’t. It is unknown if a patent was actually applied for or why a patent wasn’t pursued. Perhaps the design of Style 6 was too similar to Style 5 and was not considered worth the expenditure to go after a patent.
WestcloxBen Style 4Luminous Hand TypeOn luminous style 4 Baby Ben, the earliest examples have simplified skeleton hands, most examples have solid hands.
WestcloxBen Style 2"De Luxe" or notThe first Big Ben and Baby Ben Style 2 say "De Luxe" on the dial. During 1930, "De Luxe" was removed.
WestcloxBen Bolt & SiestaFeetThe first ones have ball feet, later, flat feet were used.
WestcloxBen Bolt & SiestaScrew Spacing on BottomFirst, screws on the bottom have wide spacing. Later, the screws are closer together.
WestcloxBen BoltAlarm DialThe first ones have a metal dial with painted numerals and a blue steel pointer. Later ones have a transparent plastic dial with imprinted numerals, and the pointer is beneath it on a painted metal disc.
WestcloxBen BoltUL LogoSmall logo used first (on the back of the case), later a larger logo was used.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8Back PatentThe first backs did not have a patent number, after about a year a patent number was added.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8BaseA metal base was used first, followed by a plastic base.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8Base Cavity NumberA single digit number on the bottom of the base.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8Number of Set KnobsMost Style 8 Baby Bens have two set knobs (separate time and alarm setting knobs). Very late examples have a single knob that sets the alarm in the normal (in) position and sets the time when it is pulled out and turned.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8Regulator LocationThe first Style 8 Baby Bens have the regulator located behind 7:30 on the dial. After a couple years, Westclox rotated the movement in the case, putting the regulator behind 9:00 on the dial.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 8Set Knob MaterialMost Baby Ben Style 8 clocks have metal set knobs. Very late ones have plastic knobs and key.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 7BaseVarious lettering was used on the bases over the years.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 7Base Cavity NumberA single digit number on the bottom of the base.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 7Set Knob MaterialThe vast majority of Baby Ben Style 7 have metal knobs. Very late examples have plastic key and knob.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 6BaseThe lettering on the bottom varies, and some are cut-out and some are solid. It may be that the type 2 cut out base was followed by the type 2 solid base (as in the Style 6 Big Ben), we'll have to get more data to find out.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 6Base Cavity NumberLettering "1 A", "2 A" "5 A" or "6 A", or a number 1 through 7 have been observed on the bottom of the bases. Max Schlenker said these are "cavity numbers" to identify the cavity used to cast the base.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 6DialThe font of the name "Westclox"
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 6Movement MaterialNickel plated, or brass plates with blue steel bridges.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5Back MaterialMost Baby Ben style 5 clocks have a steel back. A few have brass or aluminum back.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5Back TypeVarious U.S. and international patent numbers were stamped on the backs.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5BaseTwo base types were used, with various cavity numbers and auxiliary lettering.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5Base Cavity NumberLettering "1 A" or "2 A" have been observed on the bottom of the bases. Max Schlenker said these are "cavity numbers" to identify the cavity used to cast the base.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5DialIvory Style 5 Baby Ben luminous dials were brown-banded at first, and were solid brown starting ca. mid-1948.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5Movement MaterialMost movements are nickel plated, some during WWII are not.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 5Paint colorPaint color of the style 5 Baby Ben Gunmetal clock. Early (pre-war): the metallic coat is over the black base coat. Smoother surface. Late ((post-war): Metallic paint all the way through. Slightly more speckled surface. Those with back type 4 are unusual - the bezels have the early type paint, and the backs are noticeably more black - very slightly metallic.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 4Back MaterialMost Ivory Style 4 Baby Bens have a steel back which is copper plated then brass plated. A few late ones have a back which is nickel plated then lacquered pale gold.
WestcloxBaby Ben Style 4BaseVery early style 4 Baby Bens say "61L" on the base, most say "61N".
Showing 1-100 of 124 items.