The process of creating these unique gifts is quite involved.  I start by carving wax models of each of the spindle styles and then making a mold from the wax in which to cast the pewter.  After the spindles are cast and antiqued, each timepiece, blown and filled with sand for me in England, is carefully measured and spindles are cut to its specific size. 
 

Meanwhile, select hardwood and hardwood burls are shaped and drilled. After sanding, the bases are soaked for an hour in a blend of a deep penetrating oil finish and polyurethane, then hand rubbed to a soft luster.  This finish allows the wood to look natural while making it waterproof and stain resistant.  The pieces are assembled with screws and wooden plugs then sanded smooth before finishing for a second time in the oil/poly mix.  These timers are produced in a “one man shop? I hand cast, trim, sand and finish each and every Crane & Co. sandtimer that I sell.