History of Seth Thomas Clocks

Billed as one of the oldest clock makers in the world, the Seth Thomas Company has gained a reputation for producing quality clocks, including grandfather clocks, since 1806. Famed for fine craftsmanship today the company produces a variety of table clocks, mantle clocks and wall clocks. Though there is some debate about exactly when the company was officially founded, there is no doubt that Seth Thomas grandfather clocks have always been popular.

Seth Thomas is said to been a gifted woodworker in the early 1800’s. With two partners, it is believed that the group began creating open wall clocks called wag-on-the-walls. The name is no doubt a reference to the clock’s swinging pendulum. It was common for clock buyers to commission local wood crafters to build tall cases or grandfather cases for their clocks.

Some sources claim that the Seth Thomas Company was not officially formed until 1853. Regardless of when the company was formed, it is known that Thomas produced thousands of pendulum clocks between 1806 and 1853. Even though Thomas died in 1859, the company continued to produce a variety of quality clocks. The Seth Thomas Company is well known for a clock that has become an American icon. The four-face clock in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal is one of the most recognizable clocks in the world.