Clock Buying Guide
Grandfather Clocks
A brief history of Grandfather Clocks
The man said to be responsible for inventing the first grandfather clock was celebrated Dutch astronomer and physicist Christian Huygens who developed a pendulum style floor clock around 1657. Huygens' clock was described as keeping a 'more even' time than any known clock of its day. The device that kept this clock so regular was called the pendulum (the long swinging weight inside the wooden case).
In about 1660 London clockmakers improved Huygens' invention by making the grandfather clock as we know it today. It stood about six-feet tall in a well-crafted wooden case, with an enclosed pendulum and weights.
Over the years clockmakers elongated the pendulum for greater accuracy, enhanced the craftsmanship of the wooden case and added chimes. Today grandfather clocks are a great symbol of time and antiquity, acting as family heirlooms and museum quality relics.
What is a Grandfather Clock?
A grandfather clock is a floor clock that is operated by the movement of a swinging pendulum and suspended weights enclosed in a tall cabinet.
How do Grandfather Clocks work?
The pendulum swings back and forth by the force of gravity allowing the weights to drop at given paces. The functions of the clock are then driven by the movement of the weights. The weights are either suspended by chains or cables and need to be adjusted periodically to keep proper time. Grandfather clocks are very accurate and can keep time to within one minute per month.
Are Grandfather Clocks hard to set up?
Actually they are much easier to set up than you might think. This is because you are doing just that, setting it up and not building it. All that is required is a little time and some basic tools. Most Grandfather clocks even come with an instructional video showing how to set it up and take proper care of it.
How will my Grandfather clock arrive to me?
We provide peace of mind with a White Glove delivery service that will deliver your new clock into your home or office and not just outside the front door.
How do you wind them?
Pulling on the chain or using the winding crank lifts the weights up. This should be done once a week.
How do you take care of them?
You should have it professionally cleaned and oiled every two to three years. Also, periodic dusting and general cleaning will keep your grandfather clock in great shape.
Can Grandfather Clocks be turned off at anytime?
Yes, most grandfather clocks have a night shut-off lever which allows you to disable the sounds and movements at anytime, while still keeping the correct time.
What is the difference between cable-driven and chain-driven?
The cable-driven grandfather clock is wound by inserting a key or crank to set the weights, whereas the chain-driven grandfather clock is wound by pulling the chains until the weights are in the correct position.
What is a Pendulum?
A disc-shaped body (bob) suspended by cables from a fixed support that swings freely back and forth under the influence of gravity, which operates the clock and assures accurate time.
What is a Bob?
The bob is the polished round disk at the lower end of a pendulum.
What is the Crown?
The crown is generally referred to as being the top portion of the grandfather clock. The most common crown styles are the split pediment and the bonnet, which has a full arched faￃﾧade. Other common styles are arched, flat top and federal crowns.
What is a Finial?
Decorative ornament, usually in wood or brass, placed on top of the clock cabinet. Used most frequently in between split pediment crowns on grandfather clocks.
What are the Access doors?
The access doors are hinged doors or panel inserts on the upper sides of clocks, which allow access to the movement.
Where do the different chimes come from?
St. Michael Chimes - The melody of the chimes in St. Michael's Church in Galveston, South Carolina.
Westminster Chimes - The melody of the chimes in the Clock Tower at the House of Parliament in London.
Whittington Chimes - The melody of the chimes of St. Mary Le Bow Church in London.
Winchester Chimes - The melody of the chimes in the cathedral in Hampshire, England.
What is a Moon Dial?
A dial usually found at the top of the clock face which tracks the moon's phases through the 29-1/2 days of the lunar month. As the rotating moon dial passes behind the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, the phases of the moon are represented as they appear at each stage of the cycle: new moon, waning crescent, half moon, etc.
What is the difference between a Floor Clock and a Grandfather Clock?
A floor clock is any clock that stands upright on the floor and is not enclosed in a tall wooden cabinet. It may have a pendulum but generally does not have mechanical movements with weights and chains.
What do the weights do?
The weights provide the motive force which drives the clock mechanism in grandfather clocks. They usually have a weighted insert with a brass shell.
Diagram of a typical Grandfather Clock
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Floor Clocks
What is the difference between a Floor Clock and a Grandfather Clock?
A floor clock is any clock that stands upright on the floor and is not enclosed in a tall wooden cabinet. It may have a pendulum but generally does not have mechanical movements with weights and chains.
What are some of the different styles of Floor Clocks?
Floor clocks come in many different styles and shapes. The two main categories of floor clocks are traditional and contemporary. You can also find floor clocks in country casual as well as transitional or antiqued. Like all clocks you can find a floor clock that matches your lifestyle.
What is a Curio Grandfather Clock?
A curio grandfather clock is a floor clock with an oversized glass and wooden case. Inside the case are several shelves for displaying different keepsakes and picture frames.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
What is the Night Shut-off feature?
Most clocks have a night shut-off feature that allows you to disable any sounds and movements at anytime, especially while you are trying to sleep.
How will my Floor Clock arrive to me?
We provide peace of mind with a White Glove delivery service that will deliver your new clock into your home or office and not just outside the front door.
Are Floor Clocks hard to set up?
Actually they are much easier to set up than you might think. This is because you are doing just that, setting it up and not building it. All that is required is a little time and some basic tools. Most Grandfather clocks even come with an instructional video showing how to set it up and take proper care of it.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most celebrated architects in American history. His unique buildings are found all across the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Egypt, Iraq and more. Our line of Frank Lloyd Wright clocks are designed to reflect the great work of this world-renowned man.
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Mantel Clocks
A brief history of Mantel Clocks
The history of mantel clocks begins around 1500, when a spring operated clock was invented by Peter Henlein of Nuremberg, Germany. This spring powered mechanism enabled ordinary households to keep time. Mantel clocks were immediately very popular in France because many of the larger French manors and castles had a great number of fireplaces. The popularity of mantel clocks soon grew throughout Europe and later throughout the world.
Where else can Mantel Clocks be placed?
Mantel clocks are medium sized clocks that are traditionally placed on top of the mantle; however they look good on end tables, desks, kitchen counters and anywhere else that seems fitting. Mantel clocks are just as versatile as tabletop clocks.
What are some of the different styles of Mantel Clocks?
The tambour style mantle clocks have a distinct drum shape with a wide base, whereas an arch style clock is simply arched at the top with a narrow base.
Another unique clock is the anniversary mantle clock. It runs for approximately one full year without winding or changing a battery, hence the name anniversary clock.
Carriage and bracketed are very similar in that they both have a similar shape, the only difference is that carriage clocks have a carrying handle on top. Nautical mantle clocks are named so for they're distinct nautical appearance.
What is Key-Wound movement?
A key winds the mechanical main spring which powers the clock. Key-wound movements generally run the clock for up to eight days before needing manual rewinding.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
What is a Radio Controlled Mantel Clock?
Radio controlled clocks are often referred to as atomic clocks. They are precision clocks that uses radio frequencies to synchronize themselves with the official U.S. radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
What is the Night Shut-off feature?
Most clocks have a night shut-off feature that allows you to disable any sounds and movements while still keeping the correct time.
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Tabletop Clocks
How versatile are Tabletop Clocks?
Tabletop clocks add style and functionality to homes, churches, businesses, schools, restaurants and basically anywhere you might go. Not only do they help organize your day, but they also make great personal or corporate gifts to be enjoyed for years.
What are some of the different styles of clocks?
You can get a clock that is radio controlled, key-wound or quartz controlled. Some are digital face and some are analog. Some have a built-in weather station and others have chimes. Clocks come in a wide variety of themes and styles that fit many needs.
What is the difference between Analog and Digital Clocks?
The analog clock uses hour and minute hands to represent time, whereas the digital clock uses digital figures.
What is a Radio Controlled clock?
Radio controlled clocks are the exact same thing as atomic clocks. They are precision clocks that uses radio frequencies to synchronize themselves with the official U.S. radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
What is Key-Wound movement?
A key winds the mechanical main spring which powers the clock. Key-wound movements generally run the clock for up to eight days before needing manual rewinding.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most celebrated architects in American history. His unique buildings are found all across the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Egypt, Iraq and more. Our line of Frank Lloyd Wright clocks are designed to reflect the great work of this world-renowned man.
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Wall Clocks
How versatile are Wall Clocks?
Wall clocks add style and functionality to homes, churches, businesses, schools, restaurants and basically anywhere you might go. Not only do they help organize your day, but they also make great personal or corporate gifts to be enjoyed for years.
What are some of the different styles of Wall Clocks?
You can get a clock that is radio controlled, key-wound or quartz controlled. Some are digital face and some are analog. Some have a built-in weather station and others have chimes. Clocks come in a wide variety of themes and styles that fit many needs.
What is the difference between Analog and Digital Clocks?
The analog clock uses hour and minute hands to represent time, whereas the digital clock uses digital figures.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
What is a Radio Controlled clock?
Radio controlled clocks are often referred to as atomic clocks. They are precision clocks that uses radio frequencies to synchronize themselves with the official U.S. radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
What is a Geochron World Clock?
The Geochron Global Time Indicator is one of the most unique clocks in the world with its ability to display the correct time, day of the week and date everywhere in the world. The most impressive feature of Geochron is its ability to display the ever-changing duration of daylight and darkness, as it occurs on the earths surface. Click here for more information on Geochron.
What are Melody in Motion clocks?
Melody in motion clocks offer a unique audio-visual display every hour. They are considered modern day cuckoo clocks because they perform various types of movements and sounds at timely intervals.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most celebrated architects in American history. His unique buildings are found all across the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Egypt, Iraq and more. Our line of Frank Lloyd Wright clocks are designed to reflect the great work of this world-renowned man.
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Geochron World Clock
What is a Geochron World Clock?
The Geochron Global Time Indicator is one of the most unique clocks in the world with its ability to display the correct time, day of the week and date everywhere in the world. The most impressive feature of Geochron is its ability to display the ever-changing duration of daylight and darkness, as it occurs on the earths surface.
How does the Geochron work?
As the Earth rotates and each day progresses, the areas on the map showing daytime and darkness will change and update automatically. The left edge of the illuminated pattern indicates the moment of sunrise, while the right edge indicates the moment of sunset. This sunlight distribution pattern changes continuously as days and seasons progress and the Geochron reflects this automatically. The Geochron can also be moved forwards and backwards in time, allowing you to find out the time of sunrise and sunset at any place and on any date.
Are there a lot of technical controls I need to worry about?
No, the Geochron has three simple control knobs. Two are located at the base of the unit and are used primarily for the initial settings. One moves the map horizontally to set the time and day of the week. It's also used to determine the time of the sunset, sunrise and number of daylight hours at any location for any time other than the current. The other knob sets the date indicator and light pattern. And the third knob controls the minute dial located at the upper right hand corner.
What about the Earth's natural changes each year?
The Geochron automatically adjusts for summer and winter solstices as well as the spring and autumnal equinoxes. This feature allows you to notice the sunlight patterns on the longest and shortest days of the year, the first day of winter and when the hours of daylight and darkness are exactly equal.
What makes a Geochron tick?
Each Geochron is hand-crafted and inspected in Redwood City, California where each gear is individually hand-cut to ensure optimum synchronization. Each world map is custom printed on Mylar film using properly formulated inks designed to make the map resistant to ultraviolet light.
How do you install a Geochron World Clock?
The Geochron can be mounted on any flat surface in the same manner as a picture. Surface mounting brackets are supplied with each Geochron. For the ultimate classy look, the Geochron can be recessed into your wall.
Is it easy to replace the lights if they go out?
Yes, the Geochron uses two easily replaceable F15T8D fluorescent tubes. An electric switch at the base turns the lights on or off without disturbing the timing mechanism.
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Atomic Clocks
A brief history of Atomic Clocks
In 1930 a physics professor at Columbia University named Isidor Rabi worked on a technique called 'atomic beam magnetic resonance'. Fifteen years later in 1945, he incorporated this technique to build an extremely accurate clock. In 1952 the first atomic clocks were built. The first clock was called NBS-1 and it became the calibration source for all other clocks. These atomic clocks could be bought for a measly $20,000 each. Today the atomic clock can be found in many homes, schools and businesses.
What is an Atomic Clock?
An atomic clock is a precision clock that uses radio frequencies to synchronize itself with the official U.S. radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology located in Fort Collins, Colorado. These are also referred to as Radio Controlled Clocks.
How does an Atomic Clock work?
Atomic clocks contain a small and relatively simple antenna which decodes the radio signal sent from Fort Collins, Colorado to accurately keep the official time. All that you have to do is set the time zone, and the clock will display perfect time. They also automatically correct themselves for daylight savings.
What is the difference between Analog and Digital Atomic Clocks?
The analog atomic clock uses hour and minute hands to represent time, whereas the digital atomic clock uses digital numbers.
Is there a difference between Atomic Clocks and Radio Controlled Clocks?
No, radio controlled clocks are the exact same thing as atomic clocks. Some clocks focus mostly on the fact that they are radio controlled and others simply have it as a bonus feature. For example, a mantle clock that is radio controlled will not be called an atomic clock, but rather a radio controlled mantle clock.
What if my Atomic Clock doesn't get its signal right away?
Be sure to remove any plastic covering over the battery as well as any insulator strips between the battery and the contact. If the clock still does not work, install a fresh new alkaline battery. Geographic features, weather disturbances, and structural characteristics can affect the strength of the radio signal. The clock may take a while to operate until it receives a signal - it will look for a signal on a regular basis.
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Cuckoo Clocks
A brief history of Cuckoo Clocks
The first cuckoo clocks were made around 1800 in a region of Germany called the Black Forest by a man named Franz Anton Ketterer. Soon after the people of the Black Forest region began to carve and make more cuckoo clocks. The clocks were made all winter long, and then sold across Europe by peddlers during the summer months. Cuckoo clocks were considered works of art and have been collected ever since. Today the wonderful craftsmanship of the cuckoo clock can be enjoyed worldwide.
What is a Cuckoo Clock?
A cuckoo clock is a wall or shelf clock that announces time intervals with the sound and sometimes emergence of a cuckoo bird or other figurines.
How do Cuckoo Clocks work?
Cuckoo clocks are operated by three weights and a pendulum. The first weight and the pendulum provide the clocks timekeeping function, the second weight controls the cuckoo and movements, and the third weight controls the music. The weights hang under the clock by chains and slowly drop as the clock operates. The weights need to be periodically repositioned.
What is the difference between Traditional and Chalet Cuckoo Clocks?
Chalet cuckoo clocks are always cased in a mountain cabin or 'chalet' whereas traditional cuckoo clocks are cased in a variety of other styles and designs.
What is the difference between a 1-day and an 8-day Cuckoo Clock?
With a 1-day cuckoo clock you have to pull the weights to wind it every 24 hours and with an 8-day cuckoo clock you do this every eighth day.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
Can Cuckoo Clocks be turned off at night?
Yes, most clocks have a night shut-off lever located under the weights, which allows you to disable the sounds and movements at anytime.
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Clocktail Tables
What is a Clocktail Table?
A clocktail table is simply a combination of a table and a clock. Typical clocktail tables will have a glass top with an iron or wood frame. These unique clocks make great furniture pieces and family heirlooms as well.
What different styles of Clocktail Tables are available?
You can enjoy antique styled clocktail tables with wrought iron frames, antique dials and Roman numerals. Or you can go for more of a contemporary or casual appearance with a wood frame and standard numbers. As with all clocks, there are different clocktail tables to fit different lifestyles and preferences.
Where do you put a Clocktail Table?
Clocktail tables, as you would expect, will look good anywhere you might normally have a coffee table, cocktail table or end table. They are perfect for living rooms, recreation rooms, dens, office lobbies and many other places.
What do they run on?
Clocktail tables are operated by quartz movement which is powered by batteries.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
How do Clocktail Tables ship?
Many clocktail tables can be broken down to make shipping easier. We ship many of our clocks to you through standard delivery services.
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Alarm Clocks
A brief history of Alarm Clocks
The whole concept of the alarm clock was created when people felt they needed to awake at a specific time. The earliest known alarm clock was said to be an iron wall clock with a bronze bell made in Nuremberg, Germany around the 15th century. This clock was about 20 inches tall and cased with open framework construction. It had a notch into which a lever would fall, releasing gears that drove a hammer to repeatedly hit a bell.
It wasn't until the late 1800's when the first bedside alarm clock was created, allowing people to localize their alarm ringing to a specific area making it manageable from the bed. Today alarm clocks are an essential part of our daily lives. Some will even project the time and outside temperature on the wall or ceiling.
What are some different types of Alarm Clocks?
Some clocks are analog and some are digital face. Some alarm clocks project time on the walls and others give world time and weather information. There are alarm clocks that have bells and alarm clocks that have beeps. Some have radio music and some of nature sounds that offer a more enjoyable sound to wake up to. As with all clocks, you should be able to find the right alarm clock that fits your personality and lifestyle.
What is the difference between Analog and Digital Clocks?
The analog clock uses hour and minute hands to represent time, whereas the digital clock uses digital figures.
What is a Projection Alarm Clock?
A projection alarm clock is essentially a clock that will project time and or weather information onto your wall or ceiling, making it easy and fun to wake up in the morning.
What is World Time?
World time is a function on some desktop clocks and alarm clocks that allows you to see what time it currently is in other parts of the world. For example if it is 12:00 p.m. in New York, than you can see that it is 5:00 p.m. in London.
What is Quartz movement?
Electronic impulses pass from a battery through a quartz crystal powering the movement of the clock at regular intervals.
What is a Radio Controlled clock?
Radio controlled clocks are often referred to as atomic clocks. They are precision clocks that uses radio frequencies to synchronize themselves with the official U.S. radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Desktop Clocks
What is the difference between a Desktop Clock and a Tabletop Clock?
The main difference between the two is that desktop clocks generally have more functions than just keeping time. They often have pen holders, notepads, calculators and world time. Tabletop clocks are usually more decorative and simply keep time.
What is World Time?
World time is a function on some desktop clocks and alarm clocks that allows you to see what time it currently is in other parts of the world. For example if it is 12:00 p.m. in New York, then you can see that it is 5:00 p.m. in London.
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