Canadian Clock Manufacturers Active in the 1950s Decade
In the early-to-mid 20th century, Canada was home to a thriving clock manufacturing industry. Ten prominent companies, including Breslin Industries, Ingraham Canadian Clock Company, Westclox Canada, Seth Thomas Clocks, New Haven Clock Company, Forestville Clock Company, Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company, Canadian General Electric, Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited, and Walter Clocks, were flourishing, particularly in and around Toronto.
One of the most significant Canadian clock companies was the Pequegnat Clock Company, founded by Arthur Pequegnat. The Pequegnat Clock Company produced the Maple Leaf series of kitchen clocks and is recognised as one of Canada's premier clock companies. Despite ceasing operations over 75 years ago, the Arthur Pequegnat name remains respected as a quality clock-maker.
The Pequegnat Clock Company was not just a clock manufacturer; it produced both movements and cases for clocks. Another notable Canadian company, the Forestville Clock Company in Toronto, sourced movements from England, France, and Germany.
Other companies like the New Haven Clock Company in Brantford, Ontario, made mantel and wall clocks with Canadian wood cases but imported spring-driven pendulum movements from the U.S. factory. Seth Thomas Clocks in Peterborough, Ontario, produced Seth Thomas brand mantel, alarm, and wall clocks for the Canadian market from 1931 to the mid-1980s.
The Canadian Clock Museum, located at 60 James Street, Deep River, Ontario, and operated by curator Allan Symons, documents the interesting histories of these companies and more, with the aim of educating and inspiring visitors.
However, times have changed, and the contemporary Canadian manufacturing landscape shows a concentration in innovative, technology-driven sectors such as aerospace, with strong investment in R&D and global supply chains—not traditional clock manufacturing. Economic pressures, tariffs, and slowdowns in broader Canadian manufacturing create a challenging environment for niche traditional consumer good producers without strong innovation or scale.
Sadly, none of the ten Canadian clock companies listed appears to be currently active or likely to survive in today’s market. Major Canadian companies listed in stock or industry reports show no trace of these clock brands, indicating their absence from current active markets or stock exchanges.
Traditional American-based brands like Seth Thomas and New Haven Clock Company, which were significant in the Canadian market, have either disappeared from the market or been absorbed elsewhere and no longer operate as Canadian clock companies.
Unless radically reinvented with new technology or merged into larger diversified firms, these historic Canadian clock companies would face significant barriers today, including competition from digital clocks, smart devices, foreign manufacturing, and shifting consumer preferences. No current evidence supports that any of these ten companies could realistically survive as standalone clock manufacturers in the present Canadian economic and industrial context.
Despite this, the Pequegnat Clock Company and other Canadian clock manufacturers continue to hold a special place in the hearts of clock enthusiasts and collectors, reminding us of a time when Canada was a significant player in the global clock-making industry.
References: [1] Canadian Manufacturing, "Economic pressures squeeze Canadian manufacturers," 2020. [2] The Globe and Mail, "Investment in R&D key to Canada's aerospace sector," 2019. [4] TSX, "Canadian Stock Exchange Report," 2021. [5] Business News Network, "Canadian Industry Report," 2020.
- In the past, Canada was home to a thriving clock manufacturing industry, with companies like the Pequegnat Clock Company producing high-quality vintage clocks.
- Today, the Canadian manufacturing landscape mainly focuses on innovative, technology-driven sectors, leaving little room for traditional manufacturers like the Pequegnat Clock Company.
- The Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River, Ontario, helps preserve the history of Canadian clock companies, educating visitors about their contributions to the clock-making industry.
- Despite the current market challenges, vintage clocks, particularly those from the Pequegnat Clock Company, are highly sought after by collectors.
- The fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and cars industries are all thriving in the contemporary Canadian economy, whereas traditional clock manufacturing appears to have lost its footing.
