About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 20” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 20” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Seth Thomas Regulator No. 20 is a renowned timepiece in the antique clock market, recognized for its precision and stylistic elegance. This clock belongs to the regulator category, designed primarily for maintaining consistent timekeeping in scientific or industrial settings rather than homes.
Typically crafted from mahogany, the Regulator No. 20 showcases a robust and sturdy construction with an appealing wooden case. The clock’s design features a long pendulum swinging within a glass-enclosed well, adding to its unique aesthetic appeal. The dial is often adorned with Roman numerals and includes a seconds hand, a rarity in antique clocks.
Produced between the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Regulator No. 20 was part of Seth Thomas’s extensive line of high-quality timepieces. Its collectibility stems from its precision, craftsmanship, and rarity compared to more common mantel or wall clocks.
Notable features include the large brass-weighted pendulum, the intricate dial with a seconds hand, and the overall robust construction that testifies to the clock’s high quality and enduring design. For antique clock collectors, the Seth Thomas Regulator No. 20 offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of precision engineering history. Its historical significance, coupled with its eye-catching design, makes it an attractive addition to any collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 15 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 20” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 20”, 8-day weight driven timepiece in outstanding condition.
This is a beautiful mahogany case in original finish, that has been nicely rubbed with wadding polish. The dial has been professionally repainted by the Dial House and is 100% authentic in numeral size and proportions. The counter balanced hands, damascene pendulum, and weigHeight are original (accessories are all nickel plated, pend with some wear to nickel). Both glasses are old. The movement is a dead-beat escapement with maintaining power. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, page 136, fig 447 for the clock, and movement fig 449. This clock is in good running order and ready to enjoy. Height 62Ó $3,500-$4,500
Sold: $6,250 | Date: 11/3/2002 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas, Thomaston, Conn, “Regulator No. 20”, in mahogany, single weight wall model timepiece.
Condition: overall excellent original condition, with fine original finish, great original dial (14″), good original hands, weight, pulley, pendulum and beat scale. Even retains original Seth Thomas winding crank. Has a smooth brass bob and weight.. All 4 finials are intact. For reference see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition [2004], page 304, which shows a full image of the movement of this clock. A very fine clock. Examples are bringing $6000. Height 62 inches
Sold: $6,100 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 20”, 8-day weight driven timepiece in very good restored condition.
This clock was professionally refinished maybe 20 years ago, with an attractive reddish-brown tone. The dial has been correctly repainted and is 100% authentic in numeral size and proportions (wish I knew who did this dial). The movement is a dead-beat escapement with maintaining power. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, page 136, fig 447 for the clock, and movement fig 449. This clock is in good running order and ready to enjoy. Refer to lot 364 in the Nov ’02 sale (mahogany case), which sold for 6250+ dollars Height 62 inches
Sold: $5,000 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Regulator No. 20”, ca 1909.
A very large mahogany finished case that stands 62″ high and is more than one man can handle. For the most part it is 100 percent original. When the clock came to me it was missing the top round part and the finials. The books say they were made to be removed if a plain top is desired. A local collector has a No. 20, but missing the base. We both gave our clocks to one of our best antique restoration fellows in this part of the country and now both our clocks are complete. My top is identical to the original in every respect, including the type screws used to hold the finials and top in place. The large movement is mounted to an iron bracket, it is 8 day time only with Graham dead beat escapement and maintaining power. Large brass covered zinc ball (pendulum to us), long wood rod, knurled brass weight, brass pulley, and brass beat scale, are all original. Nickeled dial ring, three correct hands, and the 14″ painted dial, are also original. The signed dial has some minor scratches or marks, some may clean off. In good condition this clock will usually sell for $5000 or more. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 304.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, CT, “REGULATOR No. 20”, oak cased, 8 day, weight driven time piece, c1900
the well made and substantial oak case was refinished some time ago with a caramel color finish; note case was painted red at some time and there are minor traces of red at the hinges and back edges. The 14″ dial is original, with crazing and in excellent condition, Retains original pulley, weight, hands and case hardware. Details on this model may be found in Tran Duy Ly’s 3rd edition of “Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements”, page 304. Note this clock has the #68 Movement without cutouts that are commonly seen; about half of these seem to have this solid plate Movement. Also this Movement has been re-strung and will tick, but is dirty and needs cleaning. Ly price guide for 2005 = $4750. Ht 62″
Sold: $2,700 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn. “Regulator No. 20” wall clock 8 day time only weight driven movement in mahogany case with painted metal dial, c1909
the case has its original finish nicely rubbed down with a 5″ piece of upper right return molding glue repaired. The original dial has great original paint. The lower left ball finial has a “chewed” appearance and the lower right corner molding has been smoothed and repaired and some imperfections on lower trim. Ht 62″
Sold: $2600 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 20”, jeweler’s regulator wall clock, 8 day, time only, brass weight driven movement in an oak case with a painted metal dial
the clock is in very good original condition including case finish and finials. There is a small flake to the curved trim on bottom and professional inpaint on the dial that is almost undetectable.
Sold: $2,300 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 20” hanging clock with a weight driven, 8 day, timepiece movement with Graham dead-beat escapement and maintaining power in an oak case.
The case is in excellent condition with a couple a very minor areas of veneer loss. It retains a light finish. The original painted dial is in very good condition with no areas of loss. The hands are original. The movement is signed. The door glass is original. The pendulum rod has been repaired. Overall, an excellent example of this wall hanging regulator. The weight is replaced.
Sold: $1300 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 20”, wall clock, 8 days, time only, weight driven movement in an oak case with painted metal dial and a silk screened advertisement for “Arthur Weeks JEWELER PEEKSKILLE N.Y.”, c1909
the case retains its original finish with a glossy overcoat. The backboard has been painted black. The right lower return molding has split repair and there is an age split to lower right trim on base. The veneer is lifting on both sides of the case. The pendulum is a replacement and painted black. The original dial pan has been repainted. The silk screened advertisement is multicolor and in excellent condition. Ht 62″ Notes: Arthur Weeks, son of William B. Weeks and Julia (Cole) Weeks was born Oct. 6, 1868 in Westchester County, NY. He was a retail jewelry merchant as early as 1910 at Peekskill, NY and continued business there until his death. He died Nov. 2, 1930 while at Concord, NY and was buried in Hillside Cemetery, Cortland Manor, NY
Sold: $2,300 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C. 1910, Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 20” in mahogany.
Condition: About as good as it gets. Has great original 14″ dial with no flaking, signed ST movement, and original pendulum and weight; orig finish with gently crazed patina. When a clock is nice, it needs only a short description. For Details, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, 3rd edition, 2004, page 304; Ly price guide at $4,750. Height 62 inches
Sold: $8,000 | Date: May 7, 2005 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1900, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 20”, in original dark oak finish, and with original BALL WATCH CO dial, and variant movement.
Condition: overall very good condition. The top right return has been knocked off and re-attached with nails, is loose and needs attention. The finish is somewhat dull and dirty. Pendulum stick only has been replaced. Dial and rest of clock are very good to excellent. Hands, weight, beat scale, hanger and all case hardware are original. The movement in this clock is a No. 62, which is normally used in the model 17 wall clock (and several others). In addition, the iron bracket is correct for the model 62 movement, and there does not appear to have been a bracket change. The No. 68 movement will not position correctly on this bracket. It is likely that Webb Ball requested this movement on a contract run of No. 20s. Ht 62″
Sold: $2,800 | Date: May 8, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1909, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 20”, 8-day weight driven timepiece in cherry and in very good condition.
The cherry case has a couple of nicks and scrapes but is quite nice; flats have been wire wooled and varnished; grooves and moldings retain original finish (looks fine). The original dial has a dozen or so small flakes, but is in remarkably good condition for Seth Thomas. The counter balanced hands, pendulum and weight are original; pend with some dings along the circumferance. Both glasses are old. The movement is a dead-beat escapement with maintaining power. For reference, see Ly’s Seth Thomas book, page 136, fig 447 for the clock, and movement fig 449. Large and impressive; has been in storage; movement sound, could use some oiling before operation. Height 62 inches
Sold: $4,000 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Regulator No. 20 w/Glass Jar Pendulum
In a mahogany case with an 8 day weight time No. 68 movement with seconds beat. There is a 2 jar pendulum for live mercury, which has been removed. Not tested. (The dial may not be original.) Dial – 14″; Case – 62″ Long
Sold: $2,700 | Date: Oct 05, 2013 | Source: Tom Harris
C.1909, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 20” in oak and in very good restored condition.
The nicely grained oak case has been professionally refinished and the dial repainted by the Dial House. The clock is running, however, the movement is a bit gummy and could stand cleaning. Pendulum, weight, pulley, hands and all hardware are original and with orig lacquer as well. Like the model No. 70, these clocks have seen an increase in interest and price. For details and an image of the movement, see Tran Ly’s Seth Thomas book (1996), page 139, figures 447 and 449. Height 62 inches
Sold: $3,200 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1921, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Ct, “Regulator No. 20” in oak, 8-day weight driven wall timepiece, with presentation plaque dated 1921, to Rev Augustine O’Neil.
Condition: The oak case is complete in every respect, the exterior attractively refinished some time ago to a light golden color. Retains original pendulum, weight, large pulley and hands. Bottom door latch is missing. For reference, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, Vol 1, page 304. Current price guide = $4750. Clock has 14″ dial with original paint, minor in-painting inside the seconds ring, long pendulum beats seconds. Ht 62″ [158cm]
Sold: $3,900 | Date: October, 22 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts