Collect antique clocks to contemplate time

That is Mr. Dao Van Thinh in Tan Dong ward. Collecting helps him discover and learn about the history and development technology of watches. And this is also the way he can preserve the longevity of watches through the test of time.

Mr. Dao Van Thinh regularly takes care of antique watches so that they can "live" with the times - Photo: Dang Hung

Unique antique clock

We were really surprised to see Mr. Dao Van Thinh's antique clock collection. After nearly 25 years of searching and owning clocks, he has an ideal display space in the living room with nearly 100 watches. Each clock is a testament to preserving many values ​​of time and technological knowledge through the periods of human development.

The 112-year-old watch in Mr. Dao Van Thinh's collection - Photo: Dang Hung

Antique clocks​   bracelet in Mr. Thinh's collection - Photo: Dang Hung

Mr. Thinh’s antique clock collection is divided into two categories: one is wristwatches that he carefully keeps in a separate box; the other is a group of grandfather clocks, table or wall clocks, neatly and meticulously displayed in the living room. Each clock has a characteristic in shape as well as function. Most of them are famous watch brands in the world , especially Switzerland. All have one thing in common: they are mechanical and still working.

“Most of the watches here are automatic, the mechanism is winding. To keep the watch running smoothly every day, every week I check and wind about half of the mainspring, the next week I do the same with the other half. Every few years, I have to clean the oil and maintain the machine to keep it running smoothly and prolong the life of the watch,” Mr. Thinh shared.

There are many interesting things in Mr. Thinh's collection. First is the group of wristwatches. He currently owns a full set of 5 wristwatches with 5 different face colors and 5 different strap styles from Waltham. According to Mr. Thinh, there are not many people in the country who own all 5 watches like that, because these models have long been out of production. The watch model made from an American coin, about 70 years old, is also a model with a unique design idea. The oldest in this group of watches is a wristwatch that is now 112 years old, the watch face is made of silver, the edge is engraved, the watch strap is made of canvas, has a quite modern design and of course is still working.

Wind-up time machines

The most valuable and impressive thing in Mr. Thinh's collection is probably the design and function of the group of grandfather clocks, table clocks and wall clocks, accounting for nearly 50 pieces. What especially caught our attention was the yellow clock model like a compact box that he placed on the tea table to receive guests. Mr. Thinh said that winding this clock is quite elaborate, requiring a ruler to calibrate so that the bell cups inside the box are balanced. Each time the clock is accurately calibrated, it will run for 400 days, meaning that each time the clock is wound, it will run for more than 1 year.

The gold watch can run for 400 days once wound - Photo: Dang Hung

Mr. Thinh winds the watch - Photo: Dang Hung

On the contrary, there are very simple clocks with winding. That is the blue chain clock that Mr. Thinh carefully hung on the wall as a highlight to add a classic touch to the room. In this group, there is also an equally curious clock that Mr. Thinh calls a grandfather clock. This one is about 50cmx2m in size and is made of oak. It is not too much to say that this is a time machine. In addition to the large clock face, inside is a gear system calibrated by 3 bell tubes. Every 15 minutes, the clock will ring once, 30 minutes the bell will ring twice, 45 minutes the bell will ring 3 times, and after 1 hour the bell will ring, the bell sound is equal to the number of hours the hour hand is pointing. Just counting the bell sounds will tell what time it is. This is also the most expensive watch in Mr. Thinh's collection, about 100 million VND.

Each watch has a different story about its origin and function. All have unique, sophisticated designs and are durable over time.

The value of collecting

The collection of antique watches is Mr. Thinh's priceless spiritual asset. To have the current watches is a process of searching, learning, exchanging and exchanging with collectors in the country and abroad.

Mr. Thinh confided: My collection consists mainly of used watches, produced from the 30s to the 70s of the last century. Time passes and no one can get it back. But these timekeeping tools help me slow down my life. Since I was a child, I dreamed of owning a watch, and later when I had the means, I wanted to learn more about watchmaking technology. In particular, I only like mechanical watches, and I really like to explore the operating mechanisms of these types of watches. My efforts to preserve the watches so that they still work are also a way to prolong their lifespan, helping them to "live" with the modern world.

Mr. Thinh’s love and passion for collecting antique clocks that are still working also helps us learn more about the shape, function, and durability of many famous clock products of the past. No matter how much time passes, the knowledge and civilization of mankind through the ages still remain in the clocks. And the fact that the clock can still count time makes the clock more and more valuable.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/19/171353/collection-of-watches-to-chiem-nghiem-thoi-gian