Hi Julie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

In horology, the term “regulator” can refer to two related but distinct concepts. Here's how they differ from a general "clock": a regulator clock is a specialized, highly accurate pendulum clock traditionally used as a reference standard for setting other timepieces. Dedicated to accuracy, it has no complex features like striking or chiming mechanisms as they interfere with timekeeping precision. They have weight-driven movements, often with a maintaining power design to ensure uninterrupted operation during winding.

A regular clock—whether wall, mantel, or wrist—usually includes hour and minute hands (and sometimes seconds) on a shared axis. They may include additional complications like chimes, date displays, or calendars but usually lack the precision engineering (weight drive, temperature compensation, fine escapements) of a true regulator.

This bears the “S Trade Mark” logo consistent with Japanese Seikosha clocks. Seikosha clocks are an interesting subject because they are tied directly to the origins of Seiko, today one of the most important watchmakers in the world. Seikosha (“House of Precision”) was founded in 1892 in Tokyo by Kintarō Hattori, who had earlier established a watch and clock shop (Hattori Tokeiten) in 1881.

Seikosha was the manufacturing arm, while “Seiko” became the brand name more widely known in the mid-20th century. The company was Japan’s first large-scale domestic producer of clocks, competing with imported American clocks that dominated the Japanese market in the late 19th century.

Regulators were among the forms the company produced and early Seikosha clocks often closely resembled Seth Thomas, Ansonia, and New Haven designs, with weight- or spring-driven movements.

A closely related example in this size and style sold for $60 at auction recently.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Seikosha oak regulator
early 20th Century
The cove-molded face with ebonized liner enclosing a white-painted dial with Arabic chapter rings, over a pointed oak frame with reverse-painted door marked "REGULATOR A", opening to a cast pendulum.
Overall height: 21 inches; greatest width of clock (face): 11-1/4 inches; greatest depth: 4-3/8 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 50-75*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia