We Sell Your Pequegnat Clocks
Overview
In 1867, Canadian Confederation, the French-speaking Swiss Pequegnat family of 17 arrived in Berlin, Ontario. With a well-respected watch and clock-making heritage, within seven years of Ontario residency the savvy Pequegnats opened up 10 jewellery stores, from London to west of Toronto. Aware of the failed history of Canadian clockmakers prior to their arrival, by the turn of the century the Pequegnats had decided to bring Swiss know-how to the keeping-time industry in their adopted country. In their Frederick Street, Berlin factory Arthur Pequegnat, the family’s ambitious eldest son, began to design and manufacture clocks. Over 100 models eventually made their appearance. By 1904, Pequegnat-made clocks were being advertised to jewellery stores across the country. The motto “Buy Canadian—Pequegnat clocks are better than foreign made ones” struck a chord with Canadians and clocks were flying off store shelves by the hundreds. Then as now, in business quality is only half the battle won. The savvy Arthur saw the wisdom in naming clock models after Canadian cities. And before long, the Pequegnat ‘Montreal,’ the ‘London,’ the ‘Stratford,’ and the ‘Toronto’ were collector’s pieces in those communities and beyond. The death of Arthur Pequegnat in 1927 and the growing popularity of the winding wristwatch spelled the demise of the family’s clock-making business. The last Pequegnat clock left the factory in 1943.
Demand Remains Strong
The demand for Pequegnat clocks at auction remains strong.
Miller & Miller is accepting quality consignments of Pequegnat clocks for an upcoming auction.
Free Consultation
For a complimentary appraisal on an individual item or advice on how to sell your entire collection, call 519-662-4800 (Extension 1).
Media
Ron Pequegnat is the end of an era
The clockmaker’s last living shopkeeper shares his bittersweet memoirs
Related Miller Times Stories:
Related Videos: