american clock and watch museum

Rhapsodyinblue

It is deceiving from the outside, as you do not have an idea of how large the collection really is. Many rooms on multiple levels. Whatever your taste...floor clocks, mantle clocks, banjo clocks, and on and on.....you can see things here that you will not see elsewhere such as the inner workings of a tower clock. Showcase after showcase of watches, alarm clocks.....just wonderful! Also a very eclectic and esoteric collection of watch and clock books for sale, including pre-owned books. If you are into this, allow yourself enough time. You will be transfixed. Also double check the hours.....they close for part of the winter.

GringoAlto2000

Certainly deceiving from the outside, this historical and educational site is amazing.There are several rooms filled with antique clocks and the historical explanation of many.Although it might be a bit limited for younger tourists, it can still be very eye opening.One might check as to the entrance specials as there are promotions.Keep this on your list for something to do on a rainy day ... or any day with guests.

MichaelV330

Very unique place, from the small carriage clock to the church clock that goes through the floor they have a great selection. Try and make your visit close to noon and go to the great clock room. Nothing like standing in the middle of the room with all those tall clocks going off. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable .

barbiej3

Fascinating small museum of time pieces . Interesting collections from the small to the tall and everything in between . We enjoyed spending the afternoon there and can't say enough good things about it ! Will definately return in the near future.

AlanFields

We went to the Timex museum in Waterbury and here on the same afternoon. They're only 10 minutes apart. This museum covers early American clock and watch making. I did not know that early clocks could be made from either wood or brass nor that peddlers could & did sell clocks from their carts all over the colonies. Visiting both museums made for a great afternoon.

LilyJankowski

The years fell away as we toured the museum, seeing clocks from the 1700s on up to modern times. The mechanisms were fascinating and it was so interesting to be able to see the inner workings of such huge clocks as steeple clocks. It was fun to see the watch I had in the 1960s in the "Nostaligia"collection.

TracyM6942

Enjoyed this even though I am not a clock person. Interesting to walk around and see all the difference clocks and how they work. Cheap for 1-3 hours of entertainment. I thought, wrongly, that many of the clocks would "go off" at noon and that was disappointing for me. Unfortunately, only a few of the clocks were in working order. Still very neat to walk around and I liked it! :)

bangsibear

Bristol CT was the birthplace of the American clock industry and this small museum is a tribute to that legacy. Although they may not suggest it, start with the history exhibition near the back of the museum to get a good overview of the industry and its place in American history. Then wander through the two historic buildings to marvel at the beautiful collection of clocks (and smaller collection of watches). If you are visiting with kids, ask for the scavenger hunt.

RickyRight2013

Bristol CT was once the clock making hub of the country manufacturing and shipping millions of clocks and watches per year all over the world with the best known brands being Sessions and Ingraham. This museum preserves that great history, Great exhibits and knowledgeable people. Great for adults and older kids who have an interest. Even if you never thought much about clock making or don't have a family connections like lots of us locals, you will mostly likely still find it fascinating. 12 noon is a good time to be there.

PhillyPhan46

We run a B & B in bristol, CT and our guests often come in specifically to see this museum. Clock lovers are very impressed by the size and quality of their clock collection.

shoobill

We visited the American Clock and Watch Museum and were impressed. The outside appearance doesn't really suggest how large the museum actually is. The collection of primarily clocks and watches was vast. We have previously been to the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and I would say that the ACWM covers the same breadth in a smaller footprint, since it represents only American made items. If you're into clocks, or history in general, it's well worth a visit.

872edwardp

I've been here quite a few times and this place is nothing short of amazing! The people here really know clocks and other timepieces and are happy to share that knowledge with you!, not very far from Hartford, CT. The Collection is huge-all sorts of timepieces from timeclocks to watches to a clock mounted to the outside wall that goes through most of the building! a wonderful place to visit for old and young alike!

Mervyn9

It doesn't look very much from the outside but once I stepped inside the doors I immediately knew that the effort to get there was well worth it. I received a warm greeting from Rose who clearly loves what she does and wants her visitors to thoroughly enjoy the experience.Set in an old clapboard Colonial Style house with huge ceiling beams the various rooms are crammed full with early and later vintage clocks for which the locality was famous in times gone by.To sit on one of the settes in front of the big old fireplace, listening to the ticking and chiming of the various clocks, was pure bliss.It was $5 well spent and one of the 'highs' of my holiday. Anyone who finds themselves nearby should make the effort; they will not be disappointed

BuckeyejimDe

We were pleasantly surprised on the large collection of American clocks and watches. The employees were very friendly and informative . If you have a thing for clocks it's a must see!

NorthArrow

We're not especially into clocks but still found this a fascinating place. Clocks, some dating to the 1600's were nicely labeled. The 8-10 rooms were packed with examples of almost every kind of historic clock imaginable. The entrance price was affordable ($5-6), and the staff person on duty gave a warm introduction and was eager to share her favorites. It's not on a mainstream road, so call for directions if you don't have a GPS.