Free watch, clock appraisals - Aug. 30-31

Watch collectors make time for visitors at convention

photo Strutt clocks such as this one were first made around 1830.

PUBLIC DAY SCHEDULE• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Mart open to browse clocks, watches, parts, tools and books• 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: "Horological Crafts-manship" exhibit on view• 10 a.m.: Lecture in Room 19, "Surprises and Joys in Constructing my First Clock," by Russ Young• 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.: Free appraisal fair• 11:30 a.m.: Exhibit walking tour led by Richard Pack

If you've wondered whether there's any value to great-granddaddy's stopwatch that's been passed from generation to generation in the family, this is the weekend to find out.

The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors is holding its Mid-South Regional Meeting on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-31, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. As part of the weekend's events, members will host a free appraisal fair on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Renee Coulson, convention publicist.

Visitors are invited to bring in watches, cuckoo clocks, glass-domed anniversary clocks or any other timepiece -- working or not -- to receive an appraisal as well as any information they may be able to share about the piece.

Providing information is one aspect of the mission of the association since its founding in 1943. Over 60 years, its membership has grown to include hobbyists, students, educators, collectors and professionals in sales and manufacturing of timepieces.

Anyone with an interest in horology (the science of timekeeping) is welcome to learn more about the association by participating in Public Visitor Day on Saturday. A schedule of events has been planned in Exhibit Hall B from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., says Coulson. There is an admission fee of $10 for anyone age 18 or older.

For more information about the watch and clock collectors association, check their website at www.nawcc.org.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.

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