I managed to get this one done nights and weekends in only three weekends. Just started it two Sundays ago. Discovered a lot of things along the way (don't we always?), such as how the quartz clock mechanism, which has a day of the month hand, works, and I'm still trying to figure out how to get the pendulum to work.
At any rate, I was introduced to a wonderful product I'd never used before - Wundercote from Rockler. I'd read about it, and I had a $10 Rockler rewards certificate so the Wundercote was only $3.99. Of course, Rockler had a blowout on a bunch of stains, glazes and other products for .99! Can't beat that. Wundercote literally dried so fast I was recoating in 20 minutes! Flowed easily, shined up beautifully (at another's suggestion, I sanded with 600 grit between coats, which shined it up nicely every coat. The color came from General Finishes Honey Oak DO. One coat, sanded with 220 grit then wiped off.
Then when the clock was done, I used Johnson's Wax to preserve and protect. I like the smell and the slightly tacky waxy feel that waxing gives. And for the elders of the group - remember "Fibber McGee & Molly"?