Seth Thomas was born in 1785 in Connecticut . At the age of twenty-two he began working for clockmaker, Eli Terry and two years later, bought the business. Eventually renamed after himself, the Seth Thomas Clock Company began operating in 1813 and, under its parent company, Colibri, is the oldest clock company in America .
Seth Thomas clocks continue to be popular today, the same dedication to fine craftsmanship applied as commanded by their namesake so many years ago. With a style clean and functional, the Seth Thomas range is suitable for most decors and surroundings without screaming: "Look at me! "
Similarly, Seth Thomas antique clocks are, in general, finely crafted functional timepieces. With the exception of a few uncharacteristically "loud " pieces, antique Seth Thomas clocks are not, on the whole, what one might call "dazzling "
Seth Thomas wall clocks, again, simply do what they're designed to do. That is, they tell time. They attach to the wall and uninspiringly tell the time. The most appealing of the Seth Thomas wall clock range are the case clocks.
Mantel clocks and long case clocks do go some distance in showcasing creative design amongst the Seth Thomas stable. Although Seth Thomas grandfather clocks are no longer produced, there are some antique long case clocks that catch the eye.
Antique Seth Thomas mantel clocks are, on the whole, uninteresting. There are, however, on occasion, one or two that do take one by surprise with an uncharacteristic "quirkiness "of design. Unfortunately, there are others that seem to try too hard to venture out of the conservative mold and as a result appear gaudy and crass.
In spite of unimaginative household clock designs, Seth Thomas excelled at large public clocks. Building its first tower clock between 1872 and 1927 at Thomaston, Seth Thomas became one of the largest producers of tower clocks both in America and worldwide.
In 1928 the company made the largest single-faced illuminated dial clock in the world for the Colgate Company Building in New Jersey . With a dial fifty feet in diameter and hands weighing almost a ton each, the clock is visible at night from the whole of Lower Manhattan Island in New York .
During World War Two, Seth Thomas clocks were used extensively by the US armed forces. In particular, Seth Thomas marine clocks were standard issue on a whole range of craft from aircraft carriers and submarines to PT boats and battleships.
Ever since 1813 the Seth Thomas product has been synonymous with "constancy ". Constant, reliable design and dedicated workmanship that functions without the bells and whistles. Whether a Seth Thomas modest mantel clock or an electric wall clock, the quality is consistent with no surprises. In many households this is all that is required. Alarm clocks that rouse one on time and wall clocks whose wood matches the furniture.
Although, not always inspiring, it is this consistency of functionality and reliability that has allowed Seth Thomas to excel in areas such as tower clock production and armed forces support. No doubt these same qualities will carry the name onwards to further advancements.
