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.

1908 Sears Roebuck Catalog Sold Grandfather Clocks and Watches

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.

So, say you want to start a blog about the Grandfather Clock world, and these grandfather clocks are also known by such names as Floor Clocks, Hall Clocks, Free-Standing Clocks, Longcase Clocks, Tall Case Clocks and I’m sure we are leaving some names out here as well.  Now should this great new blog be called Grandfather Clock Blog, or should it be called Grandmother Clock Blog, Floor Clocks Blog, or maybe even Grandfather Clocks Blog.

Well, some years ago at 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, we faced this very exact dilemma.  We opted to go with Grandfather Clocks Blog, and found on the internet at this very website.  However, at around the same time, we cleverly, if we say so ourselves, reserved the domain GrandfatherClockBlog.com, in case we decided to use it instead, or additionally in some way.  So we are delighted to report the news that as of today GrandfatherClockBlog dot com can now also be found by visiting www.grandfatherclockblog.com.  You can even look at our Best of Grandfather Clocks Blof highlights, as well as Best of Clocks Blog, and Latest 1-800-4CLOCKS Blog Highlights, all from the bottom of the 1-800-4CLOCKS home page and every page on the website.

At Grandfather Clocks Blog, and Grandfather Clock Blog, we will continue to aim to bring to you the best information about all aspect of grandfather clocks ownership and the grandfather clock purchase preceding it.  We not only focus on antique grandfather clocks, but also on vintage grandfather clocks, like Sligh Grandfather Clocks, Seth Thomas Grandfather Clocks, Trend and Pearl Grandfather Clocks, and even Bulova Grandfather Clocks which ceased production a few years ago.

We also look at brands of the best grandfather clocks, and compare the styles, movements, features, and other pros and cons within and between grandfather clock makers and in their own grandfather clock lines.  Featured most prominently are Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, Kieninger Grandfather Clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, Americana Grandmother and Grandfather Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, and of course Kieninger Grandfather Clocks.

We also sell and service antique grandfather clocks and antique grandmother clocks.

We look at traditional vs contemporary grandfather clocks, we look at mechanical grandfather clock movements and compare chain-driven mechanical movements, cable-driven mechanical movements, quartz or battery driven mechanical movements, and even tubular chime grandfather clock movements.  Not only do we look at the grandfather clock cases and their construction and parts and styles, but we also look at mechanical grandfather clock movements, including triple chime movements, which may include either Westminster Chimes, Schubert’s Ave Maria or Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, or the more traditional triple-chime combination of Westminster, Whittington and St. Michaels chimes.

Styles of grandfather clock cases, including split-pediment, also frequently known as swans neck pediment, compared to bonnet top grandfather clocks, and of course the rectangular top, not to mention the many contemporary grandfather clock model options.

We also look at features offered on various clock models, and can advise you, based on your own criteria and desires, on value of the money spent for different grandfather clock options, including automatic night-time shutoff, illuminated dials, illuminated cabinets, chime-silence option, cable vs. chain-driven, faux vs rotating moonphase dial, single chime grandfather clocks, usually having the Westminster Chime, vs. triple-chime models, and many other aspects.

A knowledgeable customer is something we are always willing to help a customer become, if they want or need that help.

Limited Edition Grandfather Clocks

Shopping for grandfather clocks online, particularly if one is thinking of purchasing a grandfather clock from a Store and Grandfather Clocks Dealer who may he hundreds or thousands of miles away, it is only natural that the prudent grandfather clock shopper would have questions not only about the delivery and in-home set-up, but also about whether that Store and Authorized Dealer can be there for them when they have any problems with the grandfather clock or simply want one of their grandfather clocks serviced.

To illustrate how we handle this, below is a slightly edited email exchange we had very recently with a prospective grandfather clocks customer who had some very thoughtful questions.  First the individual’s question, and then our answers following that below:

Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:00 PM
To: sales@1-800-4clocks.com
Subject: Placing Orders

Hello.  I live in the _______, Texas, area and am interested in a specific grandfather clock on your website, Howard Miller Elgin Grandfather Clock 611-190, for $3,237.50.  It appears your site makes ordering simple and easy, and I see good reviews of your company.

However, there is a local clock dealer with a similar price on this clock, and they claim they can set up and service the clock.

Your site states free shipping and free in home setup.  Who does the in home setup, and is it a complete setup or just placing the clock where I want it located?  And if at some point I need service under warranty, who can help me with this?

I do appreciate any clarification you can provide.

John Doe

And our response to this prospective customer follows below:

Hello John Doe –

Thank you for your thoughtful email.

Here is the way we find works best for our customers:

1.       Shipping – In this case, given the logistics, we would ship to you a “factory fresh” brand new (no “seconds”) Howard Miller Elgin Grandfather Clock direct from Howard Miller’s main warehouse in Michigan (where they are headquartered).  We find that if a clock ships only once it minimizes the potential for any shipping damage (and we make sure you are covered 100% … can address separately).  So you know you are getting a brand new factory fresh grandfather Clock from an Authorized Dealer.

2.       Delivery – We use one of Howard Miller’s preferred shipping providers, and they will call you to set up a delivery appointment.  They are required by contract with us to offer an agreed upon 4 hour time window, usually 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm Monday thru Friday.  They will never just show up at your doorstep.  As part of delivery, they:

a.       Will bring the grandfather clock in its original factory container
b.      Put it where you will want to keep it in your home
c.       Completely unpack the clock – which at that point is fully assembled except for the weights at the pendulum being attached
d.      Take away the Container and the fillers, unless of course you want to keep them

3.       Set-up – We make sure all the grandfather clock set-ups (98%+, and no issue in your area) are done by a Howard Miller Authorized technician who is local to you.  We contract with the technician, and then get you in contact with each other.  These individuals are all certified by Howard Miller, and are all great.  We call you first to tell you the person’s name and contact information, so that you do not have a stranger calling you “out of the blue”. [We ask that you call us after the clock is delivered, so that we can arrange for the grandfather clocks set-up usually within 1-3 days of delivery.  Additionally, we discuss what to do if there are any problems of any kind with the delivery, to make sure you are “1000%” covered].

4.       Ongoing maintenance and warranty – Any Howard Miller grandfather Clock purchased from us has the full Howard Miller Warranty of 2 Years.  We are pleased to add an additional Year to any customer who requests it.  If you like the technician who set up the clock, that could be your contact for future maintenance (if you have any problems within the Warranty period, your best bet as the very first step in any event would be to call us first at 1-800-4CLOCKS  — true for all our customers).  Additionally, we can provide you with a list of additional Howard Miller Authorized Service Centers and Technicians in your area, so you would always have that as a resource in any event.

So in summary, we can provide everything a reputable local Authorized Howard Miller dealer could provide, with free shipping, free FULL in-home set-up (by a Howard Miller Authorized Technician … and a contact list of other Howard Miller certified technicians in your area who could also provide any service wanted in your area), no sales tax, an Additional 3^rd Year of Warranty, and be only a phone call away should you have any issues or problems, which we can certainly get resolved locally to you.

Hope this helps.

Please feel free to call or email me directly with any additional questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Customer Service

America’s Top Grandfather Clocks Shop™

p.s.  thought you might possibly be interested in an article that appeared about us (as one topic) in a not so recent New York Times article, which can be seen at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/04/garden/04ape.html?ex=1304395200&en=9f2c3971bbba85d8&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Tel. 1-800-4CLOCKS (800-425-6257) [OPTION 1] and cell is 212-WATCHES (212-928-2437)

We get many calls from owners and recent purchasers of pre-owned Sligh Grandfather Clocks wanting to know more about their clock.  Is it a good clock?  Well made?  A highly regarded grandfather clock brand?  Heirloom quality?  What could I sell it for, also known as what is it worth?  For how much should I insure it?  Is it possible to purchase the same grandfather clock model today, if not made by Sligh, then perhaps by another grandfather clock company.

Sligh clocks were well made grandfather clocks, with most of their grandfather clock line being reproductions on antique grandfather clocks that the Company found especially appealing and/or salable.  The parent company, which still exists today, is Sligh Furniture.  However, Sligh exited the grandfather clock market perhaps 10 years ago and no longer makes any SlighGrandfatherClock.com .  The grandfather clock cases were generally well made with solid wood grandfather clock cases, and the movements were generally German, mostly mechanical movements made by Hermle Clocks.

Some time after Sligh exited the grandfather clock market, the American Clock Company Bulova Clocks bought, as we understand it, not the company per se, but rather the design rights to the same models that had been manufactured by Sligh.  Additionally, the same manufacturing facility was still available to Bulova for many of the Sligh Grandfather Clock models.  So Bulova Grandfather Clocks were born, or rather reborn, with the old new or new old Sligh models.  That lasted for about 5 years, with many beautiful well-made grandfather clocks being sold made by Bulova and branded as Bulova Grandfather Clocks being sold by us among other leading high-end grandfather clock retailers.

The grandfather clock history for Sligh and Bulova gets even more confusing as time goes by.  After Bulova exited the marketplace, many grandfather clock retailers, including 1-800-4CLOCKS, continued to sell our inventory of Bulova Grandfather Clocks, and we still have fewer than a handful remaining.  To simplify the history from here, we will only highlight select but relevant details to us.  1-800-4CLOCKS was fortunate enough during this time period to offer many of these same models, made the the same people with the same movements in the same cases, and keep them “alive”, and they were branded Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks.  The Museum Grandfather Clocks line by Museum Clocks™ was successful and we were happy to be able to offer these great American made clocks with German mechanical movements to the public when they might not otherwise have been available.

Another more recent development is that Hermle Clocks actually purchased the semi-independent manufacturing facility that had been manufacturing solid wood cases for Sligh, Boluva and Museum Clocks™.  It has enabled Hermle Clocks to offer their “Made in America” Hermle Grandfather Clocks line, which is a great grandfather clock line and one which we sell proudly.

Any questions?

Hermle Made in America Grandfather Clocks

One question we get fairly regularly from our grandfather clocks shoppers is: do you have the such-and-such model of the Howard Miller Grandfather Clock available, or the Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks or Hermle Floor Clock, so I can come in and see the actual clock model before I place my order.  The grandfather clock reality is that it is highly unlikely that either we or any other Authorized Dealer for the major clock companies will have any specific grandfather clock model on display.  While a few grandfather clock dealers around the country still stock large numbers of high-end grandfather clocks and grandmother clocks, the reality of grandfather clocks economics in recent decades is that there are fewer and fewer dealers both around in general, and of those that are still around, even fewer who may stock more than at most a handful of high-end grandfather clock models by any specific high-end maker.

For many years in our NYC Grand Central Station showroom, we typically at most would have 3-4 Howard Miller grandfather clocks on display at any one time.  In our case, it is also importantly because we deal in and with antique clocks as well as new clocks, and from the very smallest miniature clocks to the largest tower clocks and street clocks in the world, doing service and having dome for many years most all of our clock repairs on-site as well.  So when you add all of that up together, for any specific niche clock, e.g. an antique grandfather clock or a new mantel clock, the many categories and permutations mean there is that much less room for any specific clock category, much less any specific maker of grandfather clocks or floor clocks in this case.

Whenever we can, we find it makes the most sense to ship a factory fresh grandfather clock directly from the manufacturer’s warehouse, assuming they are in fact in stock there.  This is also true for higher end wall clocks and mantel locks.  The reasoning is that if the grandfather clock, or the wall clock or mantle clock, ship only once, that minimizes the chance of any potential shipping damage, which is rare, but each time a clock ships the chance of shipping damage increases if not exponentially then still significantly.  Additionally, the customers knows that he or she is getting a 100% brand new factory fresh grandfather clock, and that it is authentic, and that it is not a seconds or floor model or anything like that – we would never sell a Floor Model to a customer unless the customer were made explicitly aware that was the history of the item and that they were OK with it.  Additionally, not well known, but important for all grandfather clock shoppers to know, is that some grandfather clock maker warranties include a calculation based on the actual date of manufacture, so that if, say, a clock was made more than 4 years ago, even if it were bought from an authorized dealer yesterday, the manufacturer’s warranty would no longer be valid.  We are always very upfront with our customers about this fact, so that there are no grandfather clocks warranty surprises for anyone.

Because we must pay State sales tax on any grandfather clocks we sell shipped to New York (not many are “carried out”), the vast majority of our sales are to individuals and organizations outside of New York State.  Those grandfather clock customers, whom like any smart shopper nowadays is looking the grandfather clocks on sale and looking to maximize the discount grandfather clock possibilities, are the ones who frequently beat a path to our door.

Grandfather Clocks Factory Direct sometimes ship on pallets

When one thinks about Amazon Grandfather Clocks, does it make you think of the largest of the large grandfather clocks, or does it immediately bring to mind the clocks sold on Amazon dot com.  At the bottom of this post, you can see a picture of what many describe as the world’s largest grandfather clocks.  It is located in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and has been estimated to be as tall as 25 feet.  Others also claim the title for the “Amazon Grandfather Clock”, or the world’s largest grandfather clock.

At 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, we used to list many of our grandfather clocks in the Amazon Store or website.  This year we chose not to, but may once again list our grandfather clocks collection on Amazon.  We found it hard to distinguish ourselves from the crowd of other Sellers on Amazon, because the way it is currently structured so much of the focus is on price.  And while we strive to only offer the lowest price available online, and even have a Low Price Guarantee, we at 1-800-4CLOCKS believe the reasons to buy from us are additional to price, and include free in home set-up of your grandfather clock by a technician authorized by one of the grandfather clock companies for whom we are Authorized Dealers, as well as a delivery approach that surprises and delights our customers and is more than what many refer to as their white glove service, free shipping, and no sales tax to our customers outside of New York State when the clock is shipped outside of New York.

We also are grandfather clock experts, and are happy to take the time required to answer and educate any customers who have real questions and are serious about grandfather clock shipping.  So when customers are looking for grandfather clock discounts and grandfather clocks on sale, when they come to us, they are rarely disappointed but rather frequently become long-term customers.

We take the time to discuss the advantages of different brands, the difference between chain-driven and cable driven mechanical grandfather clocks, quartz or battery operated grandfather clocks, and the many features including faux vs rotating moonphase dial, automatic night shut-off of the chimes, chime silence options, illuminated dials, cabinet lighting, and triple chime vs single Westminster chime grandfather clocks.  Nowadays, the chimes on grandfather clocks can include include one or more of Westminster Chimes, Schubert’s Ave Maria Chime, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy chime, the more classic Whittington and St Michaels Chimes, and the simple two note bim bam chime.  The quality and maker of the grandfather clock movements are also critical in assessing whether your clock will truly be an heirloom grandfather clock.   Many people say I want a German grandfather clock, without always knowing what the available options are, along with their pros and cons.  The quality and construction of the grandfather clock case is as critical as the quality of the mechanical grandfather clock movement, which typically is an 8 day movement.

We carry only the grandfather clock brands that we believe offer the best overall value to our customers, and these include Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, the Howard Miller Grandfather Clock Collection, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, Americana Grandfather Clocks, and of course Kieninger Grandfather Clocks.  Each may have their own pros and cons, but among these brands we find we can meet the need for anyone serious and in the market for a quality grandfather clock built to last and of heirloom quality.  Additionally, grandmother clocks are offered by all these makers, and are generally simply categorized that way based on their height, with 82 inches in height as the rough cut-off size of a grandmother clock vs a grandfather clock.

We also carry antique grandfather clocks and antique grandmother clocks, and yet never quite know what we will or will not have in stock at any one point in time.

Now if you have read this far in this post, you are likely someone who has or will do their homework when grandfather clock shopping, and will likely find 1-800-4CLOCKS if not in our Stores then at our website online, or in one of our eBay Stores.  As a shopper myself, I have been fond of Amazon dot com’s Prime Service, which includes free delivery.  Yet we offer that and so much more, that even that gets lost on Amazon.  If you think we should be listing our clocks on Amazon, we would very much like to hear from you.  You may well see our selection of grandfather clocks there next year.

Amazon Grandfather Clock – perhaps largest in world at 25 feet, in Kewaunee Wisconsin. photo credit Mark Burio

When shopping for grandfather clocks, there really is a difference between discount grandfather clocks and grandfather clocks on sale vs cheap grandfather clocks.  A poorly made grandfather clock, even if it has the same look as the grandmother clock or the grandfather clocks made by the highest-end makers, such as Howard Miller Clocks and Ridgeway Clocks and Hermle Floor Clocks and Kieninger and Americana Grandmother and Grandfather Clocks, it does not mean they are built to last.  All too many of these floor clocks are modeled to look just like the real thing or genuine article, with the problem being that they are poorly made, have inferior movements that will not work well or last long, and the cases are not solid wood, but rather thin plywood if they are not plastic imitations of a particular model of a high quality grandfather clock and its look.

This Holiday Shopping Season is the first where there are widespread offerings of grandfather clocks in the $200-$500 price range.  While one should not judge the quality of anything based on its price alone, it is an excellent bet that if this is a new grandfather clock that is being sold at that price point that it will likely be a piece of junk, if not immediately then after a couple of years.  We get too many calls from customers who have purchased these clocks, and for many of them subsequently finding out that there is major assembly required, and in many other cases they just cannot get the clock to operate and guess what, there is no contact information or customer service to call to get help.  Even the retailers, including some of the national major retailers, will not offer any assistance, even if they could, or allow the customer to return the poor quality grandfather clock for a refund or even a store credit.  We hear so many times, but it looked so nice on the internet, or it looks just like the Howard Miller such and such Grandfather Clock or like one of the so and so Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks.

Looking at the weight of the grandfather clock is one easy way to weed out the ones that are poorly made.  Sometimes a model weighing 10 pounds may look a lot like a grandfather clock by Howard Miller or Ridgeway that weighs, say, 150 pounds.  Also, who made the clock movement is key, and whether it is a mechanical movement or quartz driven movement.  Unfortunately, there are poor quality movements made very cheaply in both quartz grandfather clock and for mechanical grandfather clocks.  If a grandfather clock has a clock movement made by Hermle Clocks or Kieninger Clocks, then you know you are almost certainly getting a high quality movement.  Evaluation and smart shopping about the grandfather clock case is another element.

The grandfather clock chimes is another element.  Some mechanical movements will have a Westminster Chime, but it will sound nothing like the quality sound of a Westminster Chime, or the Whittington, St Michaels, Ave Maria and Ode to Joy Chimes that are included in different mechanical grandfather clocks as well as quartz wall clocks by Howard Miller or Ridgeway Clocks.

The old idioms and adages “You Get What You Pay for”, and “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is the case” is true for grandfather clocks as well.  And unfortunately, it is not a high quality grandfather clock case.

Grandfather Clocks and related Idioms Adages and Proverbs

Franz Hermle started the Hermle Clocks Company in the Black Forest region of Germany in the early 1900s.  Today, Hermle Clocks makes some of the finest and highest quality grandfather clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks available today anywhere in the world.

Time never stands still and is becoming increasingly precious. Ever since its founding in 1922, the company, started by Franz Hermle in Gosheim, has developed constantly.  With its three German cornerstones – Uhrenmanufaktur, Mechanische Uhrwerke, and Drehteile – Hermle serves diverse markets and customer groups worldwide.  Fully in keeping with its mission to ensure that with each product, it develops, manufactures and delivers the very highest in clock making quality.  Grandfather clocks have been one of their special offerings throughout, with Hermle Grandfather Clocks, Hermle Grandmother Clocks, and Grandfather Clocks made by other makers with Hermle’s mechanical grandfather clocks movements inside their cases, all being extremely sought offer and collectible.

Hermle clocks, including Hermle Grandfather Clocks, are made by hand to a large extent and enhanced with interesting technical as well as visual details, making them highly sought after.  Whether floor grandfather clock, wall clock, table clock, ship’s clock or a regulator, Hermle Clocks masterpieces  represent time in its finest form all over the world.  There are many Hermle clocks out there in the world that are considered antique grandfather clocks, antique mantel clocks, and antique wall clocks.  Hermle has been around long enough to have earned that distinction with its earlier clock models.

In 1922, the founder Mr. Franz Hermle founded the Franz Hermle Clock Company located in Gosheim in Baden Wuerttemberg, a small town in southern Germany’s Black Forest region. Within 10 years the company became known as one of the most efficient manufacturers of clock movements in the clock industry.  Even though the first half of the 20^th Century brought with it many difficulties to overcome, including the complete dismantling of the factory after the World War II, Franz Hermle and his sons’ dedication allowed them to prosper while other companies struggled.

Here is a sampling of some of our favorite Hermle Clocks:

Hermle Wall Clocks

Hermle Mantel Clocks

Original Founding Hermle Clocks Location in Old Gosheim Germany

Curio grandfather clocks are sought after by many grandfather clocks shoppers and collectors who want to also be able to display collectibles or other keepsakes or mementos inside the shelves of the grandfather clocks with shelves, also known as Curio Grandfather Clocks.  One type of curio grandfather clock which used to be made, but we have not seen on the market in the last 10 years, is corner curio grandfather clocks, which were built to physically slide into the corner of a room.  Apparently, the demand must not have been there for the clock manufacturers to keep making this model.  But Howard Miller Clocks and Hermle Clocks and Ridgeway Clocks and Americana Grandfather Clocks and Kieninger Clocks take note – we do get several requests each year for corner curio cabinet clocks.  This suggest at least a thousand times of that type of curio grandfather clock could be sold in the marketplace.

There are a lot of very poor quality curio grandfather clocks, not to mention grandmother clocks and grandfather clocks in general, which may not only stand the test of time, or meet your level of satisfaction for chime quality or grandfather clock cabinet construction, but they might not even be strong enough to hold some of your collectibles safely over many years.  We only carry grandfather clock brands that we know are heirloom quality and will meet or exceed the expectations of customers with high quality standards.

Many people put statues and figurines on display in their curio grandfather clocks, as well as dishes, family photos, vases, sterling silver candlesticks, trophies, bowls, mementos of all kinds, and even collections of other clocks, including miniature grandfather clocks.  We would love to hear from you if you keep something else in your grandfather clock curios.

Many readers of our grandfather clock blog know this already, but many others will not, which is that Howard Miller Clocks and Ridgeway Clocks are now the same grandfather clock company.  Howard Miller purchased Ridgeway about 10 years ago, and about 8 years ago moved Ridgeway Clock’s manufacturing from Virginia to Howard Miller Clock’s production facility in Michigan, and since then, comparable grandfather clocks, including Ridgeway Curio Grandfather Clocks and Howard Miller Curio Grandfather Clocks, are all made in the same place by the same people, and comparable models have the identical Kieninger Clock German mechanical grandfather and grandmother clock movements.  Howard Miller was smart enough to recognize the value of the brand equity in Ridgeway Clocks, which has both such a rich history and loyal following, that the Ridgeway Clock name was kept, in essence, as a separate product or model line for Howard Miller Clocks.

Here are some of the more popular Howard Miller Clock and Ridgeway Clocks Curio Grandfather Clocks:

Howard Miller Majestic Grandfather Clock

Howard Miller Majestic II Grandfather Clock

Ridgeway Decorah Curio Grandfather Clock

Ridgeway Richardson I Curio Grandfather Clock

Ridgeway Richardson II Curio Grandfather Clock

Most all of these clocks have 8 day mechanical movements made in Germany, and have at least the Westminster Chime as well, with some models having additional chimes from which to choose.  Additional special features, like a working rotating moonphase dial , automatic nighttime shutoff, and chime-silence options are also included on many of these curio floor clocks.  These clocks also make wonderful wedding gifts and anniversary presents, when one has a very special milestone, with the wedding presents usually coming from parents, and the anniversary gifts coming as frequently from “the children” as they do from one of the spouses.  We also sell many of our grandfather clocks on eBay, and offer zero percent financing for varying length, up to 18 months, for qualifying customers.

Clicking on the links to the right of each picture will take one to the product page describing each of the Curio Grandfather Clocks in greater detail.  We welcome any and all inquires from anyone who is thinking about purchasing one of these clocks, or wants to have a more basic understanding of the differences between different models and makers.  There are other Curio Grandfather Clocks out there, some of which we sell as well, including those by Hermle Clocks, and we are pleased to take the time to discuss with any serious customer the pros and cons of different makers and models.  We also know grandfather clock shoppers are always looking for grandfather clock discounts and the best deal or grandfather clocks on sale.  We sometimes offer unadvertised grandfather clocks discounts and specials in our Store.  Always feel free to cal us to inquire.

Zero Percent Interest Free Financing on Grandfather Clocks

At 1-800-4CLOCKS, we strive to add value to meet all of our customers’ needs, and to make ordering from us as positive experience as possible.  That is why we offer the 0% APR 12 Month Interest Free Financing [as well as Free In-Home Set-Up on all new Grandfather Clocks (except quartz models, for which the set-up is so easy to do by oneself), and Free Shipping in USA and Canada] on all orders for new clocks over $100].

We are currently offering 2 (TWO) 0% Financing Options:

OPTION 1 – NEWEST AND EASIEST:

If you purchase a clock from our eBay Store, and clicking on this link will take you there ->
1-800-4CLOCKS Store on eBay, simply purchase the clock on eBay, choose PayPal as your Method of Payment, and then Choose the BillMeLater payment option. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A CURRENT PAYPAL USER, OR EVEN EBAY MEMBER [although you would need to "join" or register with eBay (which has no cost and is a quick process)]. Depending upon the price point and subject to their Credit Approval, you will be eligible for:

(a) 6 Months of 0% Financing — No payment for 6 months, with Zero Interest (full payment due at end of 6 month period)

(b) 12 Months of 0% Financing, with monthly payments due

(c) 18 Months of 0% Financing, with monthly payments due

We are able to offer this at this time through purchases from us on eBay only through promotional financing we have in place with BillMeLater. Please read the BillMeLater Terms and Conditions carefully before agreeing. If you are not approved for the 0% Financing via BillMeLater via your eBay purchase, and want to cancel your purchase, we will work with you to do so in a way that there is no obligation on your part. You are then free to apply for the Second Financing Option we offer, described below. You can also choose to buy from us or our website directly, with no eBay usage or involvement whatsoever, with our alternative Financing Approach, described just below, which can of course also be your first choice for zero percent financing.

OPTION 2 – OUR MORE TRADITIONAL FINANCING APPROACH:
Our more traditional 0% APR Financing application is a very short and painless process, yet involves multiple steps, which is why we suggest the first approach be tried first. We work with a highly reputable financing company.  There is a half-page form which we provide to you (simply call us or email us to request it!) to fill out.

We work with a highly reputable financing company.  There is a half-page form which we provide to you (simply call us or email us to request it!) to fill out.

During weekday “normal” business hours, we will normally get a response to you within 1 hour.  90%+ of applications we receive are in fact approved for the 0% Financing.

You WILL RECEIVE your Grandfather Clock (or any new clock over $500) BEFORE you even make the first of your 12 monthly payments (twelve monthly payments — simply the purchase price divided by 12 — NO HIDDEN FINANCING CHARGES!!!).

Generally, if one pays their credit card bills reasonably on time, one will qualify for the 0% 12 month interest free 0% APR financing.  In some cases, you may choose to, or we may request, a small % down-payment.

Regarding sharing your information, please note we are members of the Better Business Bureau and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.  Also, if you do a search on Google for 1-800-4CLOCKS, you will see something like 15,000+ search results for us [WE ARE CURRENTLY THE NUMBER 1 NON-PAID SEARCH RESULT FOR "GRANDFATHER CLOCK" ON www.GOOGLE.com!].  (ALSO, see an article in The New York Times (on their website) — link below — that features us importantly):

New York Times Link to Article Importantly Featuring our Store ->

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/04/garden/04ape.html?ex=1304395200&en=9f2c3971bbba85d8&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

We have a Store in Grand Central Terminal.  We are a well-established and highly reputable company.  WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION 100% CONFIDENTIAL (and we literally destroy the paperwork after your application is approved).

Feel free to call us [at 1-800-4CLOCKS (1-800-425-6257), Ext 1] to make sure we have the Grandfather Clock, or other clock over $500 in which you are interested, in stock.  We could also answer any additional questions you may have, and send/email you the application form.