Is Your Clock a Real Simon Willard?

Simon Willard’s clocks are not just historic—they’re legendary. As one of the most well-known American clockmakers of the early 19th century, Willard created some of the most iconic timepieces in horological history. His banjo clocks, grandfather clocks, and shelf clocks remain highly prized by collectors, museums, and historians alike. But with fame comes imitation—and today, thousands of clocks are mislabeled as “Willard” when they are not.

So how can you tell if your clock is a true Simon Willard original? The answer lies in the details. This guide will walk you through the identifying features of a genuine Simon Willard clock and help you avoid confusion with reproductions or lookalikes.

Who Was Simon Willard?

Simon Willard (1753–1848) was a Massachusetts-based clockmaker best known for inventing the banjo-style wall clock, formally called the Willard Patent Timepiece, in 1802. He came from a family of clockmakers—his brothers Benjamin and Aaron, as well as his nephew Simon Jr., also became well-regarded craftsmen. However, Simon Willard Sr. remains the most celebrated for his innovation, quality, and influence on early American clockmaking.

He ran his shop in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he crafted clocks by hand for over 50 years. His timepieces graced homes, public buildings, and government halls. Today, a verified Willard clock can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and provenance.

What Types of Clocks Did Simon Willard Make?

Simon Willard’s clocks fall into a few distinct categories:

1. Banjo Clocks (Patent Timepieces)

• Introduced in 1802
• Slim, vertical case shaped like a banjo
• Reverse-painted glass panels (tablets) on the throat and base
• Usually no striking mechanism—time-only
• Brass movement with a long pendulum and side-mounted weight

2. Tallcase (Grandfather) Clocks

• Made earlier in his career, during the late 1700s
• Eight-day movements with striking bells
• Arched dials with painted or engraved faces
• High-quality mahogany or walnut cases, often locally sourced

3. Shelf and Bracket Clocks

• Less common but still notable
• Smaller, often mantel-sized clocks with elegant wooden cases
• More decorative, typically featuring painted tablets and fine detailing

If your clock doesn’t fit one of these categories, it’s unlikely to be an original Simon Willard.

Key Features of an Authentic Simon Willard Clock

To identify a true Willard clock, examine the following details closely. Be aware—Simon Willard rarely signed his cases, and his clocks may or may not include nameplates. You’ll need to rely on craftsmanship, construction, and historical context.

✅ Movement Construction

Willard clocks feature handmade brass movements, usually time-only with anchor escapements. Look for:

• Carefully cut gears and plates
• Bell strike mechanisms (in tall case clocks)
• Side-mounted weight with pulley in banjo clocks
• Solid, heavy construction—not mass-produced or machine-cut parts

The movement should feel refined and well-proportioned. Reproductions often use thin plates, overly polished parts, or generic escapements.

✅ Case Design

The case is just as important. Willard clocks, especially banjos, have:

• Graceful, narrow proportions
• Reverse-painted glass panels with federal motifs (eagles, urns, classical architecture)
• Throat frames made from mahogany, cherry, or occasionally white pine
• Finials carved or turned from wood or brass
• Delicate sidearms on banjo clocks, often cast brass or hand-forged iron

Cases were built by skilled local cabinetmakers, and each had small variations. However, they always show balance, symmetry, and fine joinery.

✅ Dial and Hands

Original dials are usually:

• Painted iron or silvered brass
• Signed “Simon Willard” or “Simon Willard, Roxbury” (though many originals are unsigned)
• Roman numerals with spade or moon-style hands
• Subsidiary seconds dials (on some tall case models)

Be careful—many forgers have added “Willard” signatures to dials over the years. An authentic signature is painted under the original varnish and shows natural aging. A newer signature over cracks or chips may indicate tampering.

✅ Weight and Pendulum

Willard banjo clocks use:

• Side-mounted lead weights with handmade pulleys
• A thin steel rod pendulum with a brass bob, sometimes engraved

The pendulum and weight often tuck into the narrow case with little clearance, showcasing the efficiency of Willard’s design.

✅ Paper Trail and Provenance

Because Simon Willard clocks were made by hand, no two are exactly alike. If your clock came with paperwork, inscriptions, or letters of origin, review them carefully. A strong chain of ownership or a listing in a known Willard reference book strengthens authenticity.

Experts may also check:

• Auction records
• Family estate records
• Previous appraisals
• Inscriptions or handwritten labels inside the case or behind the dial

Common Misidentifications

Simon Willard’s name was widely respected—even in his own lifetime. As a result, many clocks were mislabeled to boost value. Be especially cautious with:

• Clocks marked “Simon Willard” but with spring-driven movements
• Mass-produced banjo clocks made after 1850
• Clocks with garish paint or overdone decoration (not his style)
• Clocks lacking reverse-painted tablets or with poorly reproduced glass art

If you’re unsure, always consult with a trusted horologist or appraiser familiar with early American clocks.

Final Thoughts

Simon Willard clocks represent a high point in early American craftsmanship. His work blended mechanical precision with elegant design, and his legacy shaped generations of clockmakers. Whether you suspect you have an original or are simply curious about a family heirloom, learning what to look for can help you better understand—and preserve—a piece of history.

If you need help identifying or restoring a possible Willard clock, Clockworks is here to assist. We offer expert guidance, quality parts, and custom repairs for antique and modern clocks. Reach out at clockworks@clockworks.com or visit clockworks.com to learn more.

Updated on: 03/10/2025