Active clock manufacturers in Canada during the mid-20th century
In the mid-20th century, Canada was home to a thriving clock industry, with ten active companies crafting timepieces that graced homes across the country. However, as global competition, electronic timekeeping advances, and changing consumer preferences took hold, the traditional clock manufacturing industry in Canada contracted dramatically.
Among these ten companies, some have ceased operations while others have left a lasting legacy or transformed.
Breslin Industries based in Toronto, produced clocks with horses as the typical 1950s theme and used Ingraham type wind-up movements. Despite a lack of recent publicly available information, it is likely that Breslin Industries no longer operates as a clock manufacturer or has been absorbed into other businesses.
Ingraham Canadian Clock Company, a Canadian branch or licensee related to the E. Ingraham Company, a major American clockmaker that ceased clock manufacturing decades ago, likely met a similar fate.
Westclox Canada was a prominent clock brand with Canadian manufacturing. Westclox as a company has undergone many changes and currently exists more as a brand under larger corporate ownership rather than independent manufacturing. Canadian production has mostly ceased.
Seth Thomas Clocks, a leading American brand with Canadian operations, saw the original company bought out and clockmaking cease in the early 2000s. Today, Seth Thomas clocks survive mainly as vintage/antique collectible items and brand licensing, not new manufacturing.
New Haven Clock Company ceased operations in the mid-20th century, and their Canadian presence also ended long ago, with no current manufacturing.
Forestville Clock Company, based in Toronto, sourced movements from England, France, and Germany. The company's current status is unclear, but it appears inactive, as neon clock manufacturing in Canada has declined significantly.
Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company specialized in neon clocks, but its current status is also uncertain, likely inactive.
Canadian General Electric largely exited direct clock manufacturing decades ago, with clocks now mostly imported branded goods or legacy products.
Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited was a notable mid-century Canadian clock maker; vintage Snider clocks remain collectible. However, there is no evidence of ongoing manufacturing or business activity.
Walter Clocks was known historically in Canada but there is no indication it survives today as an independent clock manufacturer.
Despite the contraction of the traditional clock manufacturing industry, vintage mid-century clocks from these brands remain collectible and valuable to enthusiasts. Revival or niche artisanal manufacturing could be viable by leveraging the heritage, craftsmanship, and mid-century modern design trends that have resurgence appeal. Any contemporary success would likely require innovative design integration, smart or decorative clock features, or online/direct-to-consumer marketing focusing on heritage and quality rather than mass manufacturing.
One example of a successful niche venture could be seen in the enduring interest in Seth Thomas MCM clocks. The Canadian Clock Museum, operated by curator Allan Symons, is a testament to the rich history of Canadian clockmaking and a potential inspiration for future ventures.
References: [1] Seth Thomas MCM clocks: https://www.etsy.com/ca/search/shop:vintage_time_pieces_by_vintagetimepieces/seth+thomas [3] Vintage Snider clocks: https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=snider+clock
Vintage clock enthusiasts might find value in acquiring products from disbanded Canadian clock companies like Breslin Industries, Westclox Canada, or Seth Thomas Clocks, as these brands still remain collectible. Modern technology and gadgets have taken over the clock industry, leaving only a handful of traditional clock manufacturers operational. Yet, niche artisanal manufacturing could thrive by integrating new design elements, smart clock features, or focusing on the heritage and quality of mid-century clockmaking, much like how the Seth Thomas MCM clocks have endured. Interestingly, The Canadian Clock Museum operated by Allan Symons serves as a beacon of the rich history of Canadian clockmaking, potentially inspiring future ventures in the industry.
