Manage and catalog your collection of clocks using a spreadsheet
In the captivating world of antique and vintage clock collecting, keeping track of each timepiece's essential details is crucial. One collector shares their approach to organizing their extensive collection using a customized spreadsheet, transforming it into a tailored, searchable database.
The collector, who has amassed over 100 clocks in their collection over a span of six years, uses the open-source spreadsheet software, LibreOffice's Calc, to manage their collection meticulously. They find the software quick and easy for data recording, providing a clear overview of work done on each clock.
To create this customized database, the collector has designed relevant columns such as clock maker, model, year, condition, provenance, purchase details, and value. Each row in the spreadsheet represents a unique clock, filled with the corresponding details.
The collector employs various spreadsheet functions to make their collection management efficient. They sort and filter their clocks by different criteria, such as maker, date, or value, facilitating quick retrieval and comparison. Search features are also utilised to find specific clocks or information within the collection database.
For added data integrity, key cells or formulas that calculate total collection value, for instance, can be protected. Advanced users may even link images of clocks or include hyperlinks for provenance documents or sales records, enhancing the spreadsheet's utility.
While the principles for customizing spreadsheets and managing databases apply directly to collectors managing detailed inventories, it's essential to remember that the service intervals for antique and vintage mechanical clocks are not straightforward. It's not uncommon for a mechanical clock to run 25, 30 years or more with nothing more than occasional oiling.
New owners of antique or vintage clocks might find it surprising that their recent purchase requires periodic maintenance. The author recommends checking the condition of their clocks every 3-4 years and keeping a record of service dates, oiling dates, and any notable repairs or restorations in their spreadsheet.
For those who don't have MS Office or refuse to pay for it, the author recommends LibreOffice's Calc Spreadsheet as a reliable alternative. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of antique and vintage clocks, a well-organized spreadsheet can help you preserve and cherish your collection for years to come.
The author has a YouTube video showcasing their collection of antique and vintage wall clocks, published in January 2019. This Junghans wall clock, C.1899, is an example of a daily runner in their collection, demonstrating the longevity and charm of these captivating timepieces.
The collector, with a home-and-garden lifestyle filled with vintage clocks, uses technology, like LibreOffice's Calc Spreadsheet, to manage their extensive clock collection meticulously. By designing columns for details such as clock maker, model, and year, they maintain a comprehensive database of their wall clocks. As a resource for both seasoned collectors and newcomers, they recommend keeping track of service intervals for antique and vintage mechanical clocks, including dates for oiling, maintenance, and restoration, within the spreadsheet. Additionally, the author publishes videos on YouTube to share their captivating collection of antique and vintage wall clocks.
