Research Requests

Please note that the librarians and researchers are not able to comment on the value of any timepieces.  If you are interested in a formal appraisal, a list of services can be found by searching the NAWCC Business Directory.      

Member Reference Requests

The Fortunat Mueller-Maerki Library & Research Center provides free reference services to members of the Association. Members inquiring about a watch or clock are asked to send clear photographs of their watch or clock, its dial, its movement, and any trademarks or words that appear on any of the above mentioned parts.

Requests may be directed to research@nawcc.org or mailed to: Library & Research Center 514 Poplar Street Columbia, PA 17512

Please include your name, member number, email and/or mailing address, and phone number.

Watch and Clock Identification

Please include:

  • Clear photographs of the timepiece in question, including pictures of the case, dial, and movement and any names, numbers, or trademarks that appear on the case, dial, or movement. The more information we have, the better!
  • Any information that you have about the watch or clock (when, where, and from whom you got it and who else may have owned it), its dimensions, and anything else that you feel may be relevant.
  • If the numbers, names, or trademarks on the piece are not clear in the pictures, please transcribe them.

Article Requests

Please include:

  • the Author(s), Article title, Periodical title, Volume number, Date, and Pages.
  • There is a .25 charge per page for photocopies and faxed pages.
  • There will be a $4.00 charge for requests for scanned pages that exceed 25 pages.

Non-Member Reference Requests

Because library reference is a benefit of NAWCC membership, the Library & Research Center charges non-members a reference fee of $40 per request. This fee includes research conducted by the library staff and volunteer experts, scanned pages sent by email, and up to 10 photocopied pages and postage on answers sent by mail.

To submit a request either email research@nawcc.org or send your request by mail to: Library and Research Center 514 Poplar Street Columbia, PA 17512

Please include:

  • Your name, email and/or mailing address, and phone number
  • Your question
  • Clear photographs of the timepiece in question, including pictures of the case, dial, and movement and any names, numbers, or trademarks that appear on the case, dial, or movement.  The more information we have, the better!
  • Any information that you have about the watch or clock (when, where, and from whom you got it and who else may have owned it), its dimensions, and anything else that you feel may be relevant. 
  • If the numbers, names, or trademarks on the piece are not clear in the pictures, please transcribe them.
  • If you’ve paid your minimum $40 fee online, please provide your Order Number so that payment may be confirmed.

Mail: If you are submitting a question by mail you may include a check or money order for $40, if the researchers feel that your question needs more than 30 minutes work we will contact you.  

Email: If you are submitting a question by email please call to arrange payment by phone or pay online using the above method.

Reference questions are answered in the order in which they are received with priority going to questions submitted by NAWCC members.  Response time is dependent upon the volume of requests received by the library staff.

If you are generally interested in clocks and/or watches or you think you may want to use our services again you may want to sign up for membership in the NAWCC.  Members of the NAWCC receive free reference help.