Active clock manufacturers in Canada during the mid-twentieth century
In the mid-20th century, ten Canadian clock companies were active, contributing to the country's rich horological heritage. However, by the late 1970s, most of these companies had ceased operations, and their brands have largely become defunct or absorbed by other entities.
One of the notable companies was Craftline Industries, founded in Toronto in the mid-20th century. Known for its craftsmanship and the inspiring story of its founder Manny Drukier, Craftline Industries is no longer active as a clock company today.
A visit to the Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River, Ontario, offers a glimpse into the country's clock-making past. Operated by curator Allan Symons, the museum houses a collection of clocks from various Canadian manufacturers, including Seth Thomas Clocks, based in Peterborough, Ontario. Seth Thomas produced mantel, alarm, and wall clocks for the Canadian market from 1931 to the mid-1980s, but the company has since changed ownership multiple times.
Another significant player was the Pequegnat Clock Company, which operated from 1904 to 1941. Founded by Arthur Pequegnat, the company manufactured both movements and cases, and is recognised as one of Canada's premier clock companies. The Pequegnat Clock Company is perhaps best known for the Maple Leaf series of kitchen clocks.
Other companies such as Forestville Clock Company, based in Toronto, sourced movements from England, France, and Germany. Canadian General Electric produced electric alarm, table, and kitchen wall clocks for the Canadian market from the 1930s to at least the 1950s. Walter Clocks, based in Toronto, produced mantel clocks with walnut veneer cases and hinged back doors in the mid to late 1930s, and later models with stained birch wood cases and a unique removable round door on the back.
Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited, based in Toronto, was known for its unique clock designs and flourished for over twenty-five years (1950 to 1976). Breslin Industries of Toronto produced clocks as a sideline, focusing on lamps, lampshades, and novelties. Their clocks feature horses as a typical 1950s theme.
Westclox Canada, based in Peterborough, Ontario, produced millions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup and electric alarm clocks between 1920 and the early 1980s. New Haven Clock Company produced some mantel and wall clocks in Brantford, Ontario, but the spring-driven pendulum movements were brought in from the U.S. factory.
Ingraham Canadian Clock Company, based in Toronto, produced wall and alarm clocks for the Canadian market from the late 1940s to at least 1980. Unfortunately, the Pequegnat Clock Company went out of business over 75 years ago.
It's worth noting that modern Canadian watch and clock brands like Vieren have emerged, focusing on contemporary designs with Swiss-made movements. However, these brands are unrelated to the historical mid-20th century firms and indicate a new generation rather than a continuation of those legacy firms.
In summary, the original ten Canadian clock companies from the mid-20th century ceased independent operations by the late 1970s and have not survived as standalone entities to the present day. Any modern Canadian clock or watch brands represent new ventures rather than continuations of those legacy firms.
Vintage clocks proudly displayed in home-and-garden settings often catch the eye of clock enthusiasts, who admire the rich history and craftsmanship of brands like Craftline Industries, Pequegnat Clock Company, or Forestville Clock Company. Instead of focusing on lamps and novelties, Breslin Industries had produced clocks in the 1950s, featuring horses as a notable theme. On the other hand, modern lifestyle enthusiasts may advocate for contemporary designs with Swiss-made movements as a nod to a new generation of brands like Vieren.
