About the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3” Clock
Title: Seth Thomas Regulator No. 3 Clock Model
The Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3” is a revered mantel clock model, renowned for its precision and aesthetics. This clock stands as an exemplary representation of the Seth Thomas Company’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in the late 19th century.
Typically constructed with mahogany or walnut cases, the Regulator No. 3 features a classic design that includes a rectangular case with a pediment top, fluted columns, and a brass dial with Roman numerals. The clock’s dimensions are approximately 26 inches in height, making it an ideal size for mantel placement in homes.
Produced between the years 1879 and 1905, the Regulator No. 3 is highly collectible due to its enduring popularity, excellent mechanical quality, and the prestige associated with the Seth Thomas Company. Notable features include a pendulum visible through a glass door in the case’s front, as well as the distinctive ‘Seth Thomas’ signature, found on the dial, which adds to its historical significance.
This clock is particularly sought after by collectors for its exceptional precision, reflecting the company’s focus on accurate timekeeping. Additionally, the Regulator No. 3 boasts a striking design that complements various interior styles, making it an attractive addition to any antique clock collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 35 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No. 3 Clock
Jan 2021 – 65 Antique American Clocks Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3”, ca. 1928. A 40-inch quartered oak case with an old finish, the dial glass old, the lower glass likely a replacement. This model was originally designed for railroad use and has a 14-inch diameter dial (see Ly, Seth Thomas Clocks & Movements , Vol. 1, page 280); other No. 3’s have 12-inch dials and 44-inch cases. The dial has been repainted, the hands are Seth Thomas issue. I believe that the two returns that should be on each side of the bottom have been lost on this clock. The weight and pendulum bob are correct. The No. 62 movement is signed and running, with maintaining power and deadbeat escapement. This clock will do the job you need done. Horton’s sold one in 2019 for $1000-$1200.
Retail: $1,000 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
B&O Railroad clock. Stamped on the door “B&O 165”. Case is Seth Thomas Clock Co. “Regulator No.3”., ca 1886.
The old oak case is generally very good. A little veneer patched and some ragged spots, all on the inner part of the round bezel nearest the glass. 42 inch case has original parts, finials, nickel bob and wood stick, brass weight and pulley, and door lock. The case has been refinished but is all original and very nice otherwise. I had some doubts about the backboard being original because it was too nice to be 100 years old, but everything else is so extra nice, down to the old finials, that I have concluded that it probably hung high on a wall in a railroad station and was not moved around like most old wall clocks.The movement is 8 day, time only, weight driven, running. Movement is signed by Seth Thomas and marked “3”. It has polished steel cut pinions, Graham dead beat escapement, and maintaining power. This movement is identical to the one pictured on page 113 of Ly-Seth Thomas. There is original paint on the 14 inch zinc dial, only minor flaking. Sure isn’t due for a repaint.
Sold: $3,225 | Date: 1/1/2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
C.1880, Seth Thomas Clock Co., REGULATOR No. 3, in oak, single weight wall clock with 12 sided top bezel, painted dial and pendulum visible through glazed door.
Condition: overall very good condition. The original dial has darkened a bit due to age and there is some very minor flaking. The case has been refinished, there is some small loss of veneer on the top bezel, rest is fine. Hands, pendulum and weight are original, and the clock is in running order. This clock uses a large trapezoid shaped movement, with maintaining power and dead beat escapement. For details on this model, see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas, 3rd Edition, pages 279-281. See also lot 273. Height 44 inches
Sold: $2,000 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1888 Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, CT: Regulator No. 3 in burled walnut with 8-day time only weight movement.
Condition: The case is in excellent condition with a polished original finish and no obvious veneer repairs or blemishes. The original dial has been repainted. This has an original brass bob and plain brass weight. The dark blue label is in the bottom of the case with wear and some losses. There is wear to the silver foil on the edges of the lower door. The hands are original and the door lock is intact; pulley replaced. This model is pictured in Tran Duy Ly’s Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements 3rd Edition, Vol. 1, p.279. Height 44 inches,
Sold: $2,500 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 3′ in walnut, in very good to excellent original condition. The top bezel veneer has some splits and cracks on the right side (not too bad), the iron movement bracket is now in with machine screws, and dial support stick is new.
The clock is otherwise excellent, retaining original finish and nice inside label. Note minor flaking on the dial (and paint loss by mounting screws). Bezel and door have attractive burled veneer. Nice nickel appointments; height 41′
Sold: $2,750 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1886, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 3”, 8-day wall timepiece, in excellent restored condition.
The nicely refinished walnut veneered case is in wonderful condition. The dial has been expertly repainted. The hands, case hardware and heavy knurled weight are original, also super damascene pendulum bob retains original nickeling, as do the pulley and weight. If you are looking for a No. 3 Regulator in exceptional condition, this is the one. Also refer to lot 541. Height 44 inches
Sold: $4,100 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3”, in generally good condition.
The veneer on the 12-sided top has some splits and losses, veneer on the round bezel is still quite good, with some small splits and bubbles. The original dial has some chips and flaking, especially on numeral 12; also wear to the numerals from setting the hands. Retains original weight with heavy knurled ends, hands, pulley, pendulum and beat scale (silvered beat scale is tarnished, but will polish up). Also with original label in the case bottom. A good original example that will respond to some TLC. Height 44 inches
Sold: $3,700 | Date: 4/26/2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, CT, “REGULATOR No. 3” with 12 sided top bezel, in oak, 8-day weight driven timepiece, c.1870
the case was refinished some time ago, and is in overall good condition. The fancy weight has knurled ends, the hook was bent and now straightened. Label in case bottom has losses at all edges and general wear, still legible. Best part is the original dial that has not flaked and never been touched up. Ht 44″
Sold: $2,530 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall clock, 8 day, time only, weight driven movement in rosewood case with painted metal dial and nickel plated pendulum bob, indicator and weight, c1880
the case retains its excellent original finish nicely rubbed down with a repainted frontside of backboard and gold leaf around perimeter of lower glass is absent. The dial has multiple touch ups. The pendulum stick is repaired on the top and the bottom. Ht 43″
Sold: $4,300 | Date: April 22, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1920, Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3” in oak and good condition, except as noted.
This is very likely a railway contract model, as it appears that the little “ears” below 4 and 8 have been added and the finials have not been turned to the proper profile. I guess someone along the way wanted it to look like an early No.1 extra, so they added a screened “Regulator” tablet in lieu of the clear glass this model calls for. Uses large No.62 movement with 72 beats, cut pinions and maintaining power. The veneer on the rear of the back has lifted in some areas… is fine on front of the back; also a center split in the back. The oak veneer is overall in nice condition. The dial has been refinished by the Dial House. Has original label inside case bottom. Height 44″
Sold: $2,200 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., “Regulator No. 3”, 8-day wall timepiece in burled walnut, with nickel finish on weight and damascene pendulum, large trapezoidal movement with cut pinions.
Condition: refinished case has veneer losses here and there, and some rippling and veneer loss on the wood bezel that surrounds the dial. Original dial has been repainted, has some creases. Quarter round molding on the bottom door has been re-leafed with silver foil. Pendulum, hands and weight are original. Movement is properly signed with Seth Thomas logo. Great label inside case. Ht. 44″
Sold: $2,500 | Date: April, 2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, “Regulator No. 3”, C. 1886.
This is a large wall clock, 42″ high, probably an expansion of the 34″ No. 2 Regulator, with some minor changes, such as the 12 piece bezel, and finials. The old oak veneer is tight and in good condition with a few well executed repairs. The overall finish is good, gold gilt around the door has been repainted. The finials which are so often lost on the No. 3, look identical to the originals I have had on other No. 3’s. On the inside of the lower door is the stamped number “141”; the letters preceding the number have been partially chiseled away. I can see the remains of “B & O”, but it might be wishful thinking. If someone walked away with a railroad clock I can imagine they would want to erase the B&O. The movement is a signed No. 62, weight driven, time only with maintaining power and a Graham dead-beat escapement. It is interesting to note that the No. 62 movement was used on the early models with finials, and the later models without finials. The pendulum bob, stick, and pulley look to be original. The backboard has the original brass beat scale and the original label is in the bottom of the case, about 80% legible. The 14 inch dial is probably a very old repaint on the original pan. There are some service dates penciled on the dial stiffener board starting with, 8-16-09 thru 12-6-26. The clock is a strong runner and far above average for the No. 3’s I have had or seen. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 113.
Sold: $2,565 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas “Regulator No. 3” ca 1886.
The backboard, movement, dial, and hands, are the good. The 8 day, one weight movement is a strong runner. The weight, although correct, is not a cream puff. The bob may be correct, not sure. The stick is not original. Label and beat scale are in the lower part of the case. The ugly is the charred left side that was exposed to excessive heat. A good shop man will probably make a new side board and take the octagon bezel apart and replace a couple of sections on the left side. Most of us would sand the devil out of the charred pieces, get it down to good wood, and leave it together. We do feel the good parts did not start life with the bad and ugly. Doesn’t that make you wonder what happened to the rest of the case “good” came with. Surely it was better than this case. As you can see there are no finials. The dial is an old repaint. Ly-Seth Thomas, page 113.
Sold: $1,275 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “No. 3 Wall Regulator” manufactured for the Ball Watch Co., Cleveland, Ohio with 8 day time only weight driven movement with maintaining power in oak case with painted metal dial, c1900
this clock is in excellent, outstanding and original condition including great Ball label in bottom of case, original finish and original paint on dial. Ht 42″
Sold: $6600 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., Modified Regulator No. 3 wall clock.
This clock apparently started life as a Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3″ (from the 1880 period) which was a weight driven 8 day timepiece or striking clock. The case was cut down reducing its height by about 10”. The original movement was removed, leaving the old mounting holes, and replaced by a Seth Thomas spring-driven 30 day time only movement. The dial was modified to accommodate the newer movement and has “B&ORR” painted on it. The pendulum rod, bob and Regulator tablet are modern. It retains original hands for the Regulator No. 3. The resulting clock is an interesting and attractive.
Sold: $350 | Date: May 15, 2016 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., ÒREGULATOR No. 3Ó, in walnut, 14Ò Roman dial, weight driven, 8 days, nickel finish bezel, weight and damascene bob, c1890
this clock will respond to restoration. It needs 4 small tapered finials appropriate for this model, dial needs some flakes filled in, but original. There is a split in the back board. A couple gouges in bezel need attention, gold trim on door frame fading. The nickel plating has worn, showing some brass, so you might want to replate both weight and pendulum bob. Otherwise a good example of this model; some patient work will result in a $3000 clock. Ht 44Ó
Sold: $1,900 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall hanging clock with a weight driven, 8 day, timepiece movement with a dead-beat escapement and maintaining power in a walnut case.
The walnut veneer on the top door, the bottom door and the top part of the base has been removed and the base wood stained and finished to closely match the color of the walnut veneer. The original dial has been repainted. The hands are original, but the seconds hand is replaced. The movement is signed. The upper glass is original. The lower glass is replaced. The nickel clad weight has nicely knurled top and bottom. The nickel pendulum bob is nicely damascened
Sold: $600 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall hanging clock with a weight driven, 8 day, timepiece movement with a dead-beat escapement and maintaining power in an oak case.
The case is stamped “289 B & O” indicating it was originally a station clock for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The case has loss in several areas including the bezel door as well as the base door. The base of the clock appears to be replace, but very well done. The dial is repainted. The hands are original. The door glasses are original. The movement is signed and has a nicely damascened front plate. The brass clad weight has the nicely knurled top and bottom plates.
Sold: $1300 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” hanging clock with a weight driven, 8 day, time and strike movement in an oak veneered case.
This is a seldom seen Office Regulator No. 3 with a time and strike movement. The case is in excellent condition and has a very nice original finish. The original painted dial is in good condition with fine craquelure and minor loss at the mounting holes. The white portion of the dial has been touched up in several places. The paint color match is very good. The hands are original. The seconds hand may be replaced. The door glasses are original. This gilt trim around the bottom door glass is in excellent condition. The movement is signed. The pendulum bob is nicely damascened. The case back carries a factory date of March, 1896.
Sold: $2500 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3”, wall clock, 8 days, time and strike, two weight driven movement, in a, rosewood veneer case with painted metal dial and nickel plated pendulum bob, c1879
the clock retains its excellent original finish with a minor 1/2″ x 1/2″ veneer flake above 1 o’clock and the upper right finial and plinth professionally replaced on the bezel. The frame around lower glass has been repainted nickel. The old dial is a replacement, repainted by the Dial House of Georgia in 1985 and shows good character. The beat scale has been replaced. Ht
Sold: $1,600 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3”, wall clock, 8 days, time only, weight driven movement in a mahogany veneer case with painted metal dial and gold leafed trim around lower glass, c1880
the cleaned and polished case is in outstanding original condition with fine crazing. The dial has original paint and the weight and crank key are also original. There is some veneer loss to backboard on the rear outer case. Ht 42″
Sold: $4,200 | Date: May 4, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1885, Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Ct, Regulator No. 3, Strike, 2-weight, 8-day, in well figured mahogany.
Condition: this striker is a hard model to find, and in this nice condition, even harder. The veneer is in good condition with original finish intact. Has a nice embossed and silvered beat scale in the case; bottom of case never broken out. Two brass sheathed weights are visible right and left during descent; strike weight is slightly larger. There is some flaking on the dial, near 1, 3 and 7, but about as good as you can expect for a Seth Thomas of this age. For details on the No. 3, see Ly’s 3rd Edition (2004) Seth Thomas book, pages 279-281. Note this movement has lantern pinions, retaining power and seventy-six beats to the minute. Full label in case bottom is now missing most of its gold printing. Height 44 inches
Sold: $6,000 | Date: May 6th, 2006 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas for Ball Watch, “Regulator No. 3”, in oak and in excellent restored condition.
This clock is really stunning. The golden oak case has a great modern finish on it, smooth to the touch and the grain well filled. The original dial was touched up professionally, some in painting, and some additional flaking taking place now (still looks great). The weight is a heavy job with knurled ends. Clean and running. Height 44 inches
Sold: $4,000 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall clock, the oak case with octagonal head and turned wooden glazed bezel over the 13-inch painted zinc roman numeral dial with seconds bit and signed “Seth Thomas”, glazed lower door for pendulum and weight access, all on a molded pedestal, eight day brass timepiece with trapezoidal plates stamped “ST (logo) /Made in U.S. America”, quality dead-beat escapement with beat setting adjustment, maintaining power, and rear hung pendulum on iron movement support bracket.
Lacking turned decorative drops just below dial and at bottom of case, replacement dial, case refinished, lower door is newly made of oak, with imperfections and only a fair match in color.
Sold: $600 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1895, Seth Thomas, Regulator No. 3, 8-day weight, timepiece, in walnut.
Condition: This clock came from a home in Carlisle, where an artist had added personal touches to the flaking dial and pendulum, plus painted the hour hand dark red. Weight is the original with knurled end pieces. Well figured case has been rubbed down a couple of times, but retains much of the original finish. Movement is large trapezoid, original to case. All of the molding, bottom and little finials are original and intact. Great original label inside case bottom, also orig beat scale Despite needing work, this is a great clock. Height 43.5 inches
Sold: $3,750 | Date: October 22, 2005 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, Plymouth, Conn., “Regulator No. 3”, walnut and walnut veneer case, Roman numeral painted dial, gilt pendulum rod, brass 8 day time only, movement, cast iron weight, c1890
case very good overall and in an old, possibly original finish, minor veneer loss at bottom bracket, dial repainted, hands with minor oxidation, movement ticking, original weight, Ht 42″
Sold: $1,800 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall clock, 8 days, time only, brass weight driven movement in an oak case with painted metal dial, c1890
the case retains its excellent original finish, nicely rubbed down. The bottom of the inner case is missing a 4″ strip of wood nearest to backboard. The curved trim pieces on the sides of the bottom have been renailed. There is a small chip to the bottom left side molding. The dial is in good condition. The weight is original. Ht 43″
Sold: $2,000 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” for Ball Watch Co., Cleveland, Ohio, 8 day time only, weight driven, c1890
the oak case retains its original finish, nicely rubbed down with right base return molding and finial have been professionally restored. The painted dial is all original with minor flaking at 4 and 6. The weight is an appropriate reproduction. The overpasted Ball Watch Co. label is in good condition. Ht 43″
Sold: $3,600 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” wall clock with a weight driven 8 day timepiece movement in an oak case.
The case has lost its finish, but is generally in good condition. There is one area of joint separation on the lower left side of the case. The original painted dial has been coated with a glossy finish. There is minor paint loss at the center post. The hands are original. The door glasses are original. Three finials are missing. The case back indicates a factory date of October, 1891.
Sold: $1000 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ball RR Standard, Cleveland, OH, Railway regulator, an oak case similar to Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3”, and the movement, bracket, pendulum, pulley, etc, supplied by Seth Thomas Clock Co of Conn, c1925
This case seems the same as those that Ball had assembled with Chelsea movements, the top 12 segment bezel is solid oak, unlike the Seth Thomas #3, which used veneer over pine on the bezel. This clock is all original, and in exceptionally fine condition, sure to please the most discriminating railway collector. Movement retains original dark lacquer. Dial is a “Ball Standard Dial” and is original. Weight hook has been bent and straightened. Ht 41″
Sold: $2,700 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “No. 3 Wall Regulator” manufactured for the Ball Watch Co., Cleveland, Ohio with 8 day, time only, weight driven movement with maintaining power in oak case with painted metal dial, c1900
the case retains its original untouched finish. The dial has been professionally repainted by the Dial House of Georgia. Overall this is a very nice example. Ht 43″
Sold: $2,800 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3”, 8 day, weight driven wall timepiece, c1880
Beautifully refinished burled walnut case in extra nice condition. Original painted dial with some loss on the edges and at the mounting screws. Hands are original. Beautiful nickel plated bob and weight. Dark blue label on the bottom is not readable. Molding on the bottom door is now silver painted. Ht 44″
Sold: $3,200 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas Clock Co., Thomaston, Conn., “Regulator No. 3” oak weight driven time only wall clock, c1890
this is a nicely refinished case, with no losses or damage, and dial repainted by The Dial House. The movement, marked “3”, looks clean but may need service. There are remnants of the paper label in the bottom. Glasses are wavy. Weight is absent. Ht 44″
Sold: $1,800 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Seth Thomas, for Ball Watch Co., Cleveland, O., “REGULATOR No. 3” in oak, quality weight driven timepiece, 8 day, c1890
typical of Bob Wasserman’s clocks, this is overall in excellent original condition; see leafy beige wall paper surrounding clock in Wassernan house. The finish has been nicely rubbed and waxed; there is no open grain. The golden color is so rich it is difficult to get a good photo of it; you really need to see it in person to appreciate it. The original dial has some flakes at the attaching points and wear to the numerals, especially 3 – 4 and 5, from setting the time. As you can see in the detail photo long ago, perhaps the factory added corbels for additional support of the case back to the case sides. This is not the first of these we have found; see Tran Ly’s book on Seth Thomas (1996), page 113 for identical reinforcement; note too that the clock is also for Ball, but dial worn at 8 – 9 and 10. The movement has been cleaned, serviced and is running. The original Ball signature is good, with minor wear and a scratch. The brass bob and weight are original, the weight has knurled top and bottom and long hook. Original beat scale intact. The black Seth Thomas label in the case bottom is original and in fair condition, having suffered from pendulum, wt and key scuffs and tears. Ht 42″
Sold: $4,600 | Date: October 29, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1890, Seth Thomas, ÓRegulator No. 3Ò, oak cased wall clock with large 72 beat movement with cut pinions and maintaining power.
Condition: The case was refinished some time ago; the veneer is still in remarkably good condition, with only a couple of very minor chips (hardly noticeable). Case is a very light golden oak color. Retains original weight with knurled top and bottom, 3-point pulley and orig pendulum and beat scale. Best part is the original dial with minor wear; logo is weak. Height 44 inches
Sold: $3,500 | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts