The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Co.

The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company was the most successful early 20^th century Canadian clock company and one of the few manufacturing tall-case (grandfather) and pendulum clocks for sale. Arthur Péquegnat was the eldest of fourteen children in a Swiss watchmaking family who emigrated to Canada in 1874 and settled in Berlin (now Kitchener), the nearest German-speaking community to their port of entry.

After two decades of successful commercial ventures (men’s wear, jewellery) run both individually and between all the brothers working together, Arthur founded a bicycle factory at 53-61 Frederick Street in the 1890s, with the goal of making more efficient bicycles (“racycles”). The bicycles were advertised as being “built like a watch”. (Varkaris, 22)

At the beginning of the 20^th century, bicycles no longer selling so well, Arthur turned to the manufacture of clocks, employing some of his brothers in the process. The company continued to produce clocks until 1941, when production ended due to war limitations on the supply of brass. The factory and machines were leased during the remaining war years, but this work damaged the equipment and it was sold off cheaply. (Varkaris, 27)

Initially, the clock cases were made by a local furniture and carpentry firm, the Berlin Interior Hardwood Co., founded at about the same time as the clock company. Later, Péquegnat manufactured both movements and cases. Alongside clocks and bicycles, the company also made gas meters. (Varkaris, 26)

Many of the Péquegnat clocks was named for a Canadian icon. Mainly cities—Halifax, Ottawa, Berlin—but also Canadian creatures, like the beaver, and—like this clock—Canada itself.