Sailing Through Time ... Vintage Nautical Clocks and Collectibles By Dennis Stanley

The Banjo Clock design is almost universally recognized to be the first truly American style clock. It was first pattened in 1802 by Simon Willard, of Massachussetts, as simply the "Patented Timepiece". Willard is believed to have chosen the shape by mimicking certain barometers of this period. Its unique shape: a large, round face joined to a long tapering throat closely resembles the musical instument which gave rise to the more popular name of "Banjo" in later years. Many clockmakers have produced Banjo Clocks over the years including Elias Ingraham, Seth Thomas, William E. Sessions, and many companies such as the New Haven Clock Co. and The Boston Clock Co. (which later became what it remains today: The Chelsea Clock Co.)