Today there are clocks of every kind available through a number of reputable vendors such as 1-800-4CLOCKS; and as modern consumers most of us rely on the more modern technology available through such pieces as atomic clocks. But pendulum technology is still quite popular and is seen in everything from wall clocks to grandfather clocks.

More often than not we connect pendulum technology with the grandfather clock, simply because of the sheer size of the clock, as well as the sound of the large swinging pendulum. A pendulum – as utilized in a grandfather clock relies on its own weight to swing from side to side; and the swing of the pendulum becomes part of the hum of a home.

The pendulum clock was invented in the mid-1600s but its popularity remains strong even today. The pendulum in a grandfather clock is held in the clock’s casing; which inspired the grandfather clock’s original name – the longcase clock. The pendulum inside the case of the clock swings to keep time and many grandfather clocks will even chime or play music upon the hour.

Pendulums, as utilized by grandfather clocks, can be quite accurate; but it’s absolutely essential that the clock is level and kept still, as any movement whatsoever can affect the swinging of the pendulum, and ultimately the accuracy of the time.

We may have more modern – and certainly more accurate methods for keeping time, but the grandfather clock will always have a place in our hearts, as much for its showmanship inside our homes as its history for keeping time.

The tall clocks that anchor our rooms – carved in intricate designs that reflect the style of our home’s décor – are often referred to as grandfather clocks, the accepted vernacular of clocks of this size and stature (generally six to eight feet tall). But grandfather clock was actually a subsequent term to the original name for this clock – the longcase clock.

Long Case clocks, also known as Tall Case Clocks, earned their name due to the pendulum mechanism housed within a freestanding case. The exterior of the longcase clock is how each piece is differentiated from the other; contemporary designs, country designs, antique looking designs, and many other unique manifestations.

The term longcase clock was replaced with grandfather clock based on a song that was penned in the late 1800s. Since then it has become the popular term to reference longcase clocks, although the names are interchangeable.

Grandfather clocks are far less expensive – and certainly more available – than ever before; especially thanks to websites such as 1-800-4CLOCKS. Through these comprehensive websites consumers can search out those grandfather clocks that best reflect their overall style – or the style they wish to foster in their homes.

Renowned grandfather clock makers such as Howard Miller grandfather clocks, Kieninger grandfather clocks, and Ridgeway grandfather clocks produce some of the most high-quality clocks on the market today. Consumers benefit by having a multitude of choices when it comes to bringing clocks into their home.

As long as humans have been in existence we have measured time in some capacity; our modern method for doing so – the clock – has evolved through the generations and has seen a variety of manifestations – from mechanical clocks to atomic clocks. Throughout the years, clocks became less about keeping time and more about creating showpieces that enhance a home’s decor and even become family heirlooms that are handed down from generation to generation.

One of the more respected clocks over the years – the clock that has stood the test of time and stood sentry in many a home – is the grandfather clock. Also known as a longcase clock or floor clock, the grandfather clock is tall in stature – averaging a height of six to eight feet. First created in the late 1600s, longcase or grandfather clocks are noted for their internal pendulum, variety of chimes denoting the hour and even half hour, and often intricately designed exteriors. Those who bring a grandfather clock into their home treat it as a cherished piece of furniture and it often anchors the room in which it sits.

There have been a variety of respected grandfather clock manufacturers throughout the years, but some of the noted modern manufacturers of grandfather clocks include Howard Miller clocks and Ridgeway clocks – represented by 1-800-4CLOCKS. The grandfather clock will likely continue to be a part of our modern timekeeping experience; a grand touchstone to another generation with a modern exterior.

Grandfather clocks have been in existence for generations, often taking up residence in homes as a traditional way to mark time and enhance a room. The grandfather clock – also known as the longcase clock – can set the tone for an entire room, and even an entire home. Their often ornate exteriors are created in a variety of styles by some of the modern world’s most renowned clock makers such as Howard Miller, Kieninger, and Ridgeway.

What many people may not be as familiar with are those clocks known as grandmother clocks. Essentially, what separates grandfather clocks from grandmother clocks is size; those standing clocks that average five to just under six feet are referred to as grandmother clocks, while those clocks that are six feet and over are known as grandfather clocks.

What differentiates the grandfather clock and the grandmother clock is also what unites them; clocks of this stature are certainly unique. Rather than just sitting a mantel clock on a shelf or hanging a wall clock in a kitchen or living room, those who bring a grandfather clock into their home are essentially committing to a piece of furniture. Beyond just telling time – ringing in the hour with the chime that is unique to them – a grandfather clock becomes a part of the family, meant to last a lifetime.

There is so much that defines a truly great grandfather clock; features which prospective buyers must examine in order to find the clock that best suits their personality, their style, and their home décor. That which inspires people to choose grandfather clocks in the first place – over mantel clocks, wall clocks, and atomic clocks – is that which influences which grandfather clock that they choose.

There are many modern manufacturers of grandfather clocks – names that are inexorably linked with premium grandfather clocks; names such as Howard Miller grandfather clocks, Kieninger grandfather clocks, and Ridgeway grandfather clocks. And each manufacturer has their own style of grandfather clock which has developed a following of those to which their designs appeal.

But regardless of their manufacturer, grandfather clocks have a number of things in common, including an internal pendulum, a size of six to eight feet, intricately designed clock face, and a hood that surrounds the face of the clock. Of course the style of all of these elements is unique to each grandfather clock, and choosing a specific clock comes down to choosing those elements that fit the buyer’s personal style.

Some of the features unique to each grandfather clock include their chime and the design of the exterior. There’s something for everyone when it comes to grandfather clocks; for those who prefer contemporary styles or for those who prefer a more antique look.

As consumers we are always looking for reputable vendors from which to purchase those goods and services that are important to us. Those pieces that are chosen specifically for homes are especially crucial, particularly if such pieces are meant to foster a cohesive design that we are attempting to promote. Grandfather clocks are especially critical in this regard, as they do more than simply give a periodic announcement of their time in its own unique voice – deep and throaty, high and sing-song; the grandfather clock sets an overall tone for an entire room, and can become the note around which the song of an entire home revolves.

Grandfather clocks are similar in size – averaging six to eight feet tall. But beyond a handful of similarities, grandfather clocks differ greatly in style depending on the manufacturer. There are grandfather clocks that appeal to those who enjoy the classic elegance of antique designs, and those who prefer the sleeker lines of more contemporary styles. But whatever the preference, prospective buyers have many styles from which to choose. Finding reputable dealers of quality grandfather clocks is now easier than ever thanks to the resources provided by the Internet.

1-800-4CLOCKS.com provides those who are comparatively shopping for grandfather clocks a host of options, provided by some of the most renowned names in modern clock making – Howard Miller grandfather clocks and Ridgeway grandfather clocks among them. Shopping for grandfather clocks is all about personal style and choice; and reputable dealers such as 1-800-4CLOCKS are able to bring all the choices straight to the hands of browsers.

Now you are in the market for one of those really tall standalone (against a wall) clocks, which has a pendulum swinging back and forth every second, and we even have one or more choices of chimes in addition to the hourly gong which strikes on the hour for the number of hours.  OK, so do you want a grandfather clock, a tallcase or tall case clock, or a longcase or long case clock?  The answer, to a large degree, may depend upon the Continent upon which you were raised on.

Natives of the United Kingdom and Continental Europe by and large will still refer to what Americans call a grandfather clock as a tallcase clock or longcase clock.  To put this in some historical perspective, such clocks were known the world over as longcase clocks or tallcase clocks.

It was not until sometime after 1876 when Henry Work Clay wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” that grandfather clocks started to be known by that name.  The song became so popular,  particularly in the USA, to a point where nowadays a grandfather clock is the term of choice.  In merry old England and the rest of the United Kingdom, not to mention the rest of Europe, as is true with many things, tradition trumps change.   One will still hear of tall case clocks and long case clocks most of the time, frequently with the addition of the grandfather clock terminology only to appeal to a broader audience.

Interestingly, in the experience of 1-800-4CLOCKS,  many people refer to large wall clocks as grandfather clocks or grandmother clocks.  A clock really truly does need to be a Floor Clock, yet another term used to describe Grandfather Clocks, to qualify as a Grandfather Clock.  Less interesting but also noteworthy is that many people refer to grandfather clocks as granfather clocks, or sometime granfathers clocks.  We assume this must be because that is how they heard these clocks described most of the time.

When wading one’s way through a grandfather clock purchase, especially if it is for the one and only for one’s home or office decor, many savvy and thoughtful buyers of clocks are torn between antique grandfather clocks and new grandfather clocks by companies such as Howard Miller Clocks, Kieninger Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, Bulova Grandfather Clocks, and more.

It is not an obvious choice, even for those interior decorators and individuals looking to make the so-called correct choice. Antique Grandfather Clocks have obvious appeal because of their potential rich history, generally solid construction, potential fascinating features, usually costing a lot more, which make the clock stand out (e.g. a mercury pendulum, or automata on a antique grandfather clock).

Many clocks experts would also say, and we would agree generally, that if one shops very carefully for an antique grandfather clock, and finds one that is or has the relatively easy potential to be in good working order, has provenance, ideally, and one purchased at a good price, an antique clock will likely, in our opinion, be a better long-term investment.

There are, however, 2 key facts which 1-800-4CLOCKS would advise customers to also consider – and remember we sell both new and antique clocks. The first, and by far most obvious and talked or written about, is that a new grandfather clock, such as a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock or Kieninger Grandfather Clock, will generally arrive with no problems, and relatively speaking, much lower maintenance costs in the years ahead. There is also the much decreased risk that one my be buying a lemon antique grandfather clock which becomes a bottomless pit for restoration and repair. In this regard, buying an antique grandfather clock is not that much different from buying a used car or vehicle. One should have an expert by their side, or at least weigh in based on a solid facts foundation.

The 2nd fact which we see as an ever-increasing change in the years ahead is that more and more so-called antique grandfather clocks one finds for sale will actually be counterfeit reproductions. While this trend has yet to truly reach the mass market, at least with grandfather clocks, we expect it will, and will grow stronger and more powerful, in the next one to five years.

So whatever you do when you are shopping for a grandfather clock, be sure to do your homework, and hopefully as or with a skilled expert by your side.

A fascinating trend in time that 1-800-4CLOCKS had not observed before is the role that grandfather clocks, many frequently just given as Christmas presents, as well as ones that have been around decorating the home for years, are used as a centerpiece on New Years Eve.

At the same time that many have their televisions tuned in to watch the ball come down in Times Square, some of those same people, and many others, use or also include their own grandfather clock as a or the major time marker for counting down the hours and bringing in the New Year.

No single brand seems to lend itself more than any other toward ringing in the New Year, whether Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, or Kieninger Grandfather Clocks. The only specific related trend we have observed is to also have an atomic clock to bring in the New Year with near-perfect timing accuracy.

Any special plans for a New Years party seated around a grandfather clock nearing midnight? Write us with any stories you think may be worth sharing!

And Happy New Year and a Healthy and prosperous 2008 to anyone who is reading this post.

The last post in this blog addressed many of the newer features in high-end grandfather clocks, such as auto night shut-off, the introduction of more chimes, and lit dials.  See the post just below for more on this.

We are very interested in any feedback that our readers may choose to either post or email to us, as to what other new features might make for either better grandfather clocks choices and shopping, or make you and people you know more likely to buy a grandfather clock.

Some examples of features we have thought about and heard include:

1. Atomic Grandfather Clocks, using Atomic Clock Radio Controlled technology, for most accurate keeping of time

2. Ability to make mechanical chimes louder and softer.

3. Ability to order a specific clock with the chime or combination of chimes of your choice.

4. Ability to record your own personalized chime.

5. Choice of “same” model but in different wood choices, such as cherry, oak, maple for otherwise same models.

6. Choice of same grandfather clock model and choice of coordinating color of pendulum, weights, bezel, and even cable wiring for cable driven grandfather clocks – such as in nickel or chrome instead of brass.

7. Importance of price in your purchasing decision.  If drastically lower prices are offered for grandfather clocks, would more of the same types of grandfather clock shoppers be open to purchasing them even if they were not branded with the clock brands they know most well.

Feedback on these points would be valuable to everyone in the industry, shoppers and manufacturers and retailers alike.  Please share your thoughts when you have the time.