Pebble, the popular smartwatch that raised more than $10 million on Kickstarter, is looking to venture capital to help it transition from a side project to a more traditional company.

Design’s boldface names gather in New York to toast this summer’s best art and antiques fair, Masterpiece London

We like to think of our 2 blogs www.ClocksBlog.com and this blog www.GrandfatherClocksBlog.com as the ultimate guide to comparing grandfather clock brands and THE Grandfather Clock Buying Guide, helping consumers to understand the different grandfather clock styles, including traditional vs contemporary grandfather clocks and grandmother clocks, knowing at least some of the differences between the best grandfather clock brands, understanding the features that may or may not be in a grandfather clock, including the grandfather clock chimes, knowing who are the best makers of mechanical grandfather clock movements, understanding the different types of grandfather clocks movements – whether it be quartz chain-driven, cable-driven or tubular chimes, and understanding the more recent and older and ever-changing history of grandfather clock manufacturers and grandfather clock makers.

This is a very tall grandfather clock order, yet we believe we have here a veritable treasure trove of information that would be useful for anyone in the market for a grandfather clock.  Whether you are thinking about purchasing an antique grandfather clock, a vintage grandfather or grandmother clock, or whether you are trying to understand the marketplace in general and whether to buy a new grandfather clock, we at 1-800-4CLOCKS are there for you both with these blogs, with many grandfather clock resources available on our website at 1-800-4CLCOKS.com, and we are always only a toll free phone call away at 1-800-4CLOCKS, and are delighted to talk with anyone who is serious about being in the market for a grandfather clock or grandmother clock, not to mention mantle clocks, cuckoo clocks, wall clocks, atomic clocks, and so much more.

We spend a lot of time to delving into the history of grandfather clocks themselves, the evolution of the major grandfather clock brands and how that has changed over time, and continues to be ever-changing.  We attempt to demystify the many features offered on many grandfather clocks, including illuminated dials, automatic nighttime shut-off, working vs faux moonphase dials and so much more.  The grandfather clock chimes are another key element that any thoughtful grandfather clock buyer will want to understand completely, and we address not only the different mechanical grandfather clock movement makers, as well as triple chime grandfather clocks vs single generally Westminster Chimes Grandfather Clocks, and when and where one might expect to see some of the less common grandfather clocks songs or chimes such as Beethoven’s Ave Maria or Schubert’s Ode to Joy.

Understanding the differences within and between grandfather clock brands, such as Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks compared to the Hermle Grandfather Clock collection, or Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, Kieninger Clocks and Americana Grandfather Clocks.  All have pros and cons, and many have big differences even within their own grandfather clock line.

We even include some of the most popular posts about grandfather, grandmother, wall, mantle, cuckoo, atomic and other clocks on our main website, which we term the Best of, like Greatest grandfather clock Hits of music, for posts that our customers and readers have found especially useful.  We have one post on our grandfather clock blog which is titled Moving Grandfather Clocks, and that page is the single most visited page on our website.  We warrant the advice for what you as a customer pay for it, which is nothing, yet we have never had a negative comment or even any suggestions for changing this grandfather clock blog greatest hit of all time.

Any grandfather clock or other timepiece subjects you would like us to cover?  Just make a Comment to this post, or send us an email, or feel free to call us toll-free.  If you want to become a grandfather clock blog contributor, that is something to which we are also always open.

The Swiss watchmaker collaborates with Hermes on a limited-edition timepiece that runs almost indefinitely

A new design fair showcasing 20th- and 21st-century treasures debuts in New York City

In early-20th-century America, two powerful men were engaged in a contest to possess the world’s most remarkable watch.

As a long-time leading retailer of grandfather clocks, we are frequently asked for our grandfather clock catalog.  This is especially true because of our roots in direct marketing as a grandfather clock catalog retailer with a memorable toll-free number.  Of course we have always sold and featured wall clocks, mantel clocks, cuckoo clocks, grandmother clocks, atomic clocks, antique grandfather clocks, and antique timepieces of all sorts including pocket watches and some amazing antique grandmother clocks, regulators, congreve clocks, inclined plane clocks, automata, sterling silver sundial-compass combinations and much more.

Antique clocks always present a special challenge to market in a catalog, as any experienced auction house knows.  There is almost always just one of the antique clocks or watches for sale, so listing these timepieces with a fixed price can create many headaches.  Yet at the same time, despite the currently appearing ubiquitous presence of auctions online and off, from eBay to Christies to Sothebys, many buyers and sellers prefer the old fixed price antique market model, much like one would find in a fine antique clock and watch shop.

Many readers of this blog post, the fifty and over generations, will remember to some degree the old Sears and Roebuck Catalog, that literally set the standard for the catalog direct marketing revolution that it began.  Even the Catalogs themselves became collector’s items, as did reprints of the original Sears Catalogs.

However, fast-forward one hundred years into the future, meaning today, and the web and individual websites like 1-800-4CLOCKS.com have taken over as the modern-days Catalogs of choice.  New grandfather clocks and wall clock collections can be added daily.  Grandmother Clocks on backorder can be noted as such so grandmother clocks on backorder will not disappoint customers.  Complete new lines and brands can be added in a day.  Consumer expectations about the customer shopping experience have gone through the roof, as grandfather clock shoppers and those searching for wall clocks discounts and mantel clocks on sale expect that anything they see on a website for sale is absolutely in stock.

Grandfather clock makers such as Howard Miller Clocks, Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, Kieninger Clocks, and Hermle Floor Clocks are much better then ever before about providing more current inventory data.  Yet at the same time, this grandfather clock, wall clock and mantle clock data will not be real time.  And some clocks, including Kieninger Grandfather Clocks and wall clocks and mantle clocks, and some of the Hermle clock models, including Hermle Grandfather Clocks and Mantel and Wall Clocks can have a 2-4 month lead time and are generally considered prepaid custom orders.  This is hard to communicate either in an old-fashioned direct marketing catalog and even in a great website like the one we have at 1-800-4CLOCKS.

The good news is that with the advent of the internet, we are able to offer both selection and savings never before imagined even 20 years ago.  More choices, higher discounts on the best grandfather clocks, better pictures of each clock, and even the ability to hear a specific clock chime and offer supersize pictures can all really recreate the grandfather clock gallery shopping experience.  A tradeoff is that many fewer of us bricks and mortar-type stores are surviving, especially as new and competing technologies are vying for some of the same shopping dollars that were previous spent on grandfather clocks and wall clocks.  Not only can one see the current time on most any personal computer or MacBook, but also on iPhones and other mobile devices including the Samsung Galaxy.

Having said that, there is nothing that competes with the old world charm of a grandfather clock or wall clock or mantle clocks, whether a new or antique clock.  A grandfather clock is truly the heartbeat of the home.

Title: Solid 18K Gold Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Moonphase
Subtitle: Possibly the nicest wristwatch ever made, and scarce

On sale at eBay at this link:   http://www.ebay.com/itm/18K-Gold-Omega-Speedmaster-Chronograph-Moonphase-/230924339955?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item35c429caf3  – Read eBay Description for completely accurate description.

All good things must come to an end, and in this case it creates an opportunity for a new owner for this amazing wristwatch. As someone who has owned and worn Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Rolex Watches and numerous other of the highest-end watches, this particular solid 18K Gold Omega Speedmaster with an 18K Gold and SS Bracelet, Automatic, in near-mint condition, has always been my personal favorite of all the wristwatches I have owned. As I am downsizing my timepiece collection, it feels like the time has come for someone who can make more use of it than I to enjoy it fully.

Omega’s best and most sophisticated, complicated Chronometer. Near new condition. Swiss made. Automatic mechanical movement. Waterproof (but would not recommend pushing one’s luck as watch does have some age to it). 18K solid gold case and 18K & SS buckle. Sapphire crystal. 8 hands + moondial. Day, Date, Month mechanical readout. Stopwatch function among others. Raised 18K Roman numerals. Tachometer function. 6 Scales. Marked Maison Fondee en 1848 with gold hallmarks and serial # on back of case.

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER CHRONO, somewhere between Scarce and Rare, SOLID 18K YELLOW GOLD CASE, and BRACELET WITH 18K GOLD & STAINLESS STEEL, TRIPLE DATE, MOONPHASE CHRONOGRAPH WITH FIXED TACHYMETER BEZEL. WATCH WAS MANUFACTURED IN 1991-1994, WATCH IS IN NEAR-PERFECT CONDITION. ALL FUNCTIONS WORK ACCURATELY, THIS OMEGA MASTERPIECE IS ALL ORIGINAL. THE CHRONOGRAPH STOP TIME ACCURACY IS TO THE 1/5 OF A SECOND. WATCH HAS A QUICK SET AND A HACK 45 HOUR AUTONOMY VALJOUX MOVEMENT CAL. 1150 THE MOVEMENT IS A TWO BUTTON THREE REGISTER CHRONOGRAPH. THE DAY AND MONTH ARE ON THE 12 O’CLOCK POSITION INTEGRAL TO THE CRHONOGRAPH’S 30 MINUTE REGISTER. THE DAY NUMBER OF THE MONTH IS SHOWN BY THE LONG SLENDER CENTER HAND THAT HAS A SMALL CRESCSENT MOON PROFILE AT ITS END. MOONPHASE IS SHOWN AT THE 6 O’CLOCK DIAL POSITION LOCATED INTEGRAL TO THE CHRONOGRAPH’S 12 HOUR REGISTER. RUNNING SECONDS AND THE CHRONOGRAPH’S 24 HOUR REGISTER ARE LOCATED AT THE DIALS 9 O’CLOCK POSITION. THE DIMENSIONS ARE 1.46 DIAMETER OF THE TACHYMETRE BEZEL, 1.70″ FROM LUG TO LUG, 1.61″ CASE TO TIP OF CROWN, THIS IS A HIGHLY COLLECTABLE SCARCE-RARE PIECE. ALL OUR WATCHES ARE 100% AUTHENTIC. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY.

18K SOLID GOLD Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Moonphase Wristwatch – DIAL

18K SOLID GOLD Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Moonphase Wristwatch - showing solid gold back and 18K/SS Bracelet with Omega Clasp

Amazing Movement inside this  18K SOLID GOLD Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Moonphase Wristwatch

This watch will be shipped with one extra SS link/piece in the band, to accommodate larger wrists (about 7 inches comfortably), and as shown in the pictures of this actual watch. That and other links can easily be removed by any qualified watch repair person to be sized to your wrist or the wrist of the recipient.

This wristwatch is guaranteed 100% genuine and as described. Original box and papers are unfortunately no longer with this watch.  Some adjustments may possibly be necessary after shipping. Given the risk of counterfeits and parts being lifted, this watch is being sold as guaranteed and “as is” with no returns. Please see our feedback, and our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, to increase your level of comfort.

On payment, Buyer and Seller must both agree and feel comfortable with any transaction payment approach (and by bidding you agree to the transaction being canceled if this standard is not mutually met). If you do not have a lot of positive feedback (e.g. 100+), payment may be required to be made by wire transfer. Having said that, the auction is open to customers worldwide. Serious bidders only please, and if any doubt or questions about anything, including payment, please email to address before making any bid or purchase.

OMEGA is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and symbolizes accomplishment and perfection – qualities that have been inherent in every OMEGA watch since the company’s foundation in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848.  The brand’s reputation for innovation and quality has led to numerous awards over the company’s 150-year history, starting as early as 1900 with the Grand Prix at the Paris World Fair and continuing with the world precision record of 97.8 points at the Kew-Teddington observatory in England in 1936.

OMEGA went on to be official timekeeper at no less than 21 Olympic Games, bringing numerous innovations to Olympic sports over the years, such as the first electronic timekeeping at the Helsinki games in 1952 – the same year in which the company was awarded the Olympic Cross of Merit for its outstanding contribution to sport.

On account of its precision and reliability, OMEGA’s Speedmaster watch was chosen by NASA as its official chronometer in 1965 and 4 years later was the first watch to be worn on the moon, when, on 21 July 1969, Neil Armstrong made his giant leap for mankind.

In more recent years, OMEGA has continued to build on its reputation for precision and innovation, presenting the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with central tourbillon (launched in 1994) and the revolutionary coaxial escapement sur developed in conjunction with renowned English master watchmaker George Daniels first offered in limited series in 1999. With this illustrious watchmaking tradition behind it, OMEGA has an ideal foundation for further pioneering achievements in the new millennium.

Some of my favorite Omega quotes:

1. “Saying that an Omega is the most trustworthy watch on earth is something of an understatement”…”The watch the astronauts have worn on every space trip since 1965 is a standard production line Omega Speedmaster..”

2. “There are moments when wearing an Omega is highly reassuring. When you are taking a walk on the Moon you need to be sure you’ve the best equipment on (and from) Earth”

3. “Only Omega could create a timepiece precise enough to time Concorde. And offer it to you as a watch”

4. “An Omega does more for you than tell you the time”

5. “When gold must do more than glitter”… picture of an Omega in “18K gold”

This year’s Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville honors the legendary interior designer Albert Hadley

The story has been reported, coinciding roughly with the Olympics, that the Big Ben Clock Tower in London will soon be renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth.  We somehow doubt the Big Ben Clock name change will really sink in, as tradition and history play such a vital role in a country, and in this case, the world’s psyche.  The Big Ben Clock Tower in London’s House of Parliament is thought of by much of the globe as the world’s grandfather clock.

The clock history story and perspective and future dedication have a story that goes like this.

The iconic Clock Tower of Britain’s Parliament-home of the famous “Big Ben” will officially be renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.

Shall we rename our upcoming Big Ben Grandfather Clocks collection the Elizabeth Grandfather Clock Collection.  We think we will wait and see what happens in terms of the adoption of the name in horological and the general lexicon over time, both in the UK and globally.

The 315 ft.-high structure, one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, will officially be titled “Elizabeth Tower.”  This is part of a recent effort by British lawmakers to celebrate the monarch’s 60 years on the throne.   A House of Commons Commission statement stated that official actions are being taken to ensure that the new tower name will be implemented in an appropriate manner in due course.  Construction of the tower was completed in 1858.  It houses a four-faced chiming clock and the famed 13-ton Big Ben bell.

British Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that the new name was a “fitting tribute to the Queen and the service she has given our country.”

It was generally agreed by those within British government that the honor was a fitting recognition of Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime of dedication and tireless service.

No date or time yet as to when this Big Ben Tower Clock name change may, or we should say rather will, take place.

London’s Big Ben Clock Tower to be known as Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth