It is amazing to look on YouTube or Google or search around the web more generally and to see how many people are buying grandfather clocks or grandfather clock chiming sounds of the virtual variety.  There are a gazillion of widget and other file type sound downloads that not only are customizable, but also replicate the sound, for example, of the most popular grandfather clock chime of all, the Big Ben Tower Clock Westminster Chimes.

People, at least some of them, always like to mix the more traditional with the latest and greatest, whether it is in technology or something else.  Hence flash clocks and flash grandfather clocks and wall clocks and mantel clocks have made a comeback in popularity, in addition to real life, in the world of cyberspace.  There are even desktop applications where one can have the sound of mechanical movement Westminster Chimes recorded from Big Ben Clock Tower itself, or your PC or Mac or iPad can be programmed to wake you up to that any many other chiming clock choices.

Now most connoisseurs of grandfather clocks or timepieces in general will always want the real thing and find there is no substitute for a genuine Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, or one made by Hermle Clocks, or a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, one of our Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks, or a Kieninger Grandfather Clock.While many of us might like to spend time in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, all of us would ultimately rather live in the Castle equipped with a genuine contemporary grandfather clock or one of the more traditional types of grandfather clocks.

While the economy appears to continue to be strengthening, smart shoppers are always looking to purchase grandfather clocks on sale or get as much off as they can on a discount grandfather clock.  While we always try to address that need, we believe as much in top notch service, including free in-home setup by an authorized technician instead of a moving company, and we are always willing to take the time to educate any prospective grandfather clocks shopper on the difference within and between brands and makers, as well as different types of movements such as cable-driven vs chain-driven, and whether a grandfather clock kit should be considered, along with the pros and cons.  New vs. antique grandfather clocks, grandmother clocks and grandfather clocks, grandfather clock plans, Kieninger vs. Hermle movements, and clock kits and grandfather clock plans, much less cheaply made imports which may be dead on arrival, are all aspects of the purchase of grandfather clocks that we consider.

Most all grandfather clock shoppers want an heirloom quality grandfather clock or grandmother clock.  We aim to see these consumers get their moneys worth and are satisfied with their purchase not only for years but also for generations to follow.

Here are some of the grandfather clocks that have been very popular as of late:

Howard Miller Triple Chime Grandfather Clocks

Museum Clocks Grandfather Clock Collection

Museum Clocks™

Table of

Contents

I. Location for the clock………………….5

II. Unpacking the clock…………………..5

III. Putting the clock into operation………….6

A. Remove the shipping material………..6

B. Unpacking the pendulum……………6

C. Hanging the pendulum……………..6

D. Attaching the weights………………6

E. Setting the moon phase (if applicable) …. 7

IV. The Movement………………………8

A. Shut off………………………….8

B. Night shut off…………………….8

C. Chime selection……………………9

D. Setting the time……………………9

E. Starting the pendulum……………..10

V. Regulation of the clock……………….10

VI. Winding the clock……………………11

A. Chain driven movement……………11

B. Cable driven movement……………11

C. Autowind™ movement…………….12

VII. Disturbances……………………….12

A. Synchronization hour strike…………12

B. Hammer adjustments………………13

C. Volume of chime/strike…………….14

VIII. In case you move……………………14

IX. Care and Maintenance………………..15

IMPORTANT: PLEASE USE COTTON GLOVES WHEN HANDLING BRASS COMPONENTS OF CLOCKS

I. Choosing a location for your clock.

When choosing a location, please consider the following: The clock must have a flat and level surface. Please check this with a box beam level. Avoid placing the clock in direct sunlight. The volume of the chimes is affected by the size of the room, carpeting, drapes, etc. (The volume is louder in an unfurnished room).

II. Unpacking the clock

Please use 2 people to unpack the clock. After unpacking from the carton, place the clock next to the final position.

1) The weights are packed in a separate box, underneath the clock in the clock carton. Be careful when handling the weights as these are extremely heavy. (Remember to use the gloves before handling any brass parts.)

2) The pendulum is packed separately and is attached to the back of the clock cabinet.

3) The tubes (if your clock is equipped with a tubular movement) are packed in a separate box.

4) Winding crank (only needed for cable driven movements) is placed inside the clock carton at the top of the clock. If the clock has a finial, you will also find it in this box. The door key is also in this carton.

5) Make sure that you do not discard any parts accidentally.

6) We suggest that you save the original packing material for future use, in case you move.

III. Putting the clock in operation

A. Removal of the packing material

Open the door or panels located on the upper sides of the clock. This gives you access to the movement and enables you to remove the packing material. Remove the packing material on the gong rods by sliding it down. Cut and remove the rubber band between the movement and the pendulum leader. It will be necessary to run your clock for 3 days so that the packing material will be completely accessible and easily removable.

B. Unpacking the pendulum

Carefully open the box so that you won’t damage the pendulum. Remove the protective film on the bob face before hanging the pendulum onto the leader.

C. Hanging the pendulum

Be careful when hanging the pendulum on the leader. (See figure B) There is a small suspension spring located above the leader that could break if the leader on the pendulum is handled roughly.

D. Attaching the weights

• Chain driven movement

Remove the wire which was used to secure your chains

during shipping. The clock must be in an upright position so that the chains will not fall out of the movement. Your clock is equipped with 3 weights. The heaviest weight always needs to be on the right hand side (while facing the front of the clock). Remember to use cotton gloves when handling any brass parts.

• Cable driven movements It will be necessary to run your clock 3 days prior to removing the packing material between the cable pulleys and the movement. Keep the packing material for future use. Make sure that the heaviest weight is always hung on the right hand side (while facing the clock). See figure A.

• If you have an Autowind™ movement follow the steps listed above in the “Cable Driven Movement.” Also see the Autowind™ section on Page 12. If not, move on to the next bullet point.

E. Setting the moon phase

The moon dial corresponds with the lunar month (29 1/2 days) and not the calendar month. As long as the clock is in permanent operation, the moon dial will operate automatically. If the clock stops, you will have to reset the moon dial.

CAUTION: If you attempt to set the moon disc and it does not move easily, the gears are in the process of making a moon change. Do not set the moon disc during this moon change that occurs every night between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am.

To set the moon dial, rotate the moon disc (in the upper part of the dial) clockwise (right) until the moon face is below the 15 on the dial. Check with your calendar for the date of the last full moon. Using a soft cotton cloth or cotton gloves, rotate the moon disc to the right (clockwise). As you rotate the disc you will hear a clicking sound. One click represents a 24 hour day of the lunar month. Example: If the moon is six days after the full moon you have to move 6 clicks. The setting of the moon dial is your responsibility and is not covered under our warranty.

Moon Dial Back side of dial-Moon disc

IV. The movement

A. Chime Shut off

Every Hermle grandfather clock is equipped with a chime shut off lever. The shut off lever is located on the dial near the 3:00 position. Note: When the movement is in the shut off mode, the two outside weights will not drop.

B. Automatic Night shut off (if equipped)

When activated, the automatic night shut off will shut off the chime and strike from 9:45 pm to 7:00 am. The night silence lever is located below the movement to the right and underneath the dial. See figure C. Please note: top position^night silence on (no chiming), lower position=night silence off (clock is chiming 24 hours). If chime stops in the morning (a.m.) and restarts in the evening (p.m.) please advance the hands 12 hours. Note: When the movement night shut off is activated, the two outside weights will not drop during the shut off period.

C. Chime Selection

Hermle clocks feature different melodies. Some models only have Westminster chime, while others have 3 melodies (Westminster, St. Michael and Whittington).On clocks with 3 melodies, you can select the melody you prefer with the selector lever which is located at the 3:00 position on the dial. See figure D. Make sure that the lever has a fixed position and is not between 2 melodies. Always wait until the clock has finished chiming before changing to a different melody. Failure to follow these instructions may cause movement malfunctions not covered under our warranty.

D. Setting the time

Set the clock to the correct time by turning the minute (longest) hand clockwise or counter clockwise. After you have set the time, the quarter chime may be off. If this happens, the clock will synchronize itself within 1 hr and 45 minutes. Always avoid turning the hour (shortest) hand. If the hour hand is moved out of position, your clock will strike the wrong hour. If this happens, see section VII A.

E. Starting the Pendulum

Move the pendulum to the left or right side of the cabinet (without letting the bob touch the sides of the case) and release. You will hear a tick tock sound. After a few minutes the swinging motion will settle into its rhythmic beat. We recommend that you follow this procedure whenever you wind the clock.

V. Regulating the time

The distance between the pendulum bob and pallet anchor is very important. You can adjust this distance by turning the regulating nut found below the pendulum bob. If you turn the nut to the right, the bob will raise and the time will speed up. If you turn the nut to the left, the bob will lower and the time will slow down. Whenever you make this adjustment, please hold the pendulum with your other hand to avoid any damage on the suspension spring. See figure E.

:

Pendulum Bob

Regulating Nut

Figure E

ATTENTION: One complete turn of the regulating nut in either direction=approximately 1 minute every 24 hours.

VI. Winding the clock

The weights create the energy to operate your clock. In order for your clock to run continuously, you must wind (raise) the weights before the weights rest at the bottom of the cabinet. Follow either option A or B depending on what movement your clock is equipped with.

A. Chain driven movements

1). Hold the free end of the chain firmly and gently pull it straight down. CAUTION: Avoid pulling the chain towards you. This will cause the links of the chain to open. Do not attempt to lift up the weight by hand while winding as this will cause the chain to come off of the chain wheel.

2) Use a slow even motion when raising the weights. Do not jerk the chain or release the weight suddenly as this could break the chain. Gently raise the weights until it is not possible to raise them any higher.

3) If you plan to be away from home for more than a few days, stop the pendulum from swinging until you return. The clock will then need to be restarted as described under section IV. (Don’t forget to set the moon and calendar if equipped.)

B. Cable driven movements

1) While winding the clock do not touch or lift the weights. Also do not allow the weights to swing. If you do not follow these instructions carefully, it may result in overlapped or broken cables which are not covered under our warranty.

If you have an Autowind™ movement, please see the Autowind™ section on winding your movement manually.

2) Insert the winding crank onto each winding arbor and turn slowly until you come to a stop. It is impossible to over wind a cable driven movement.

3) If you plan to be away from home for more than a few days, stop the pendulum from swinging until you return. The clock will then need to be restarted as described under section IV. (Don’t forget to set the moon and calendar if equipped).

4) Store the winding crank in a safe location. C. Autowind™ movement

1) Read the previous steps in this manual for setup and startup instructions.

2) Let your new Autowind™ clock run for 48 hours under normal power of the weights.

DO NOT PLUG your clock into a power source before completing step #3

3) Carefully remove cardboard inserts from around the cables and pulleys.

4) Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

5) Once connected to an outlet, the clock will start to Autowind™ and do so approximately every 3 days.

Caution: If you feel the need to manually wind your clock, use the enclosed key and wind only until the top of the weights and the pulleys are still visible through the glass.

Warning: Failure to follow these instructions will result in permanent damages and void your warranty.

VII. Disturbances

If the clock stops during setting or winding, start the pendulum again. (See section IV. E) A. Synchronization of the hour strike

If the hour strike and hour hand do not correspond you will need to make this adjustment. Example: The clock shows 4 but it strikes 3 times. Follow these instructions to correct this issue.

1) Do not silence the chimes while making these adjustments.

2) Move the hour hand (shortest) clockwise or counterclockwise, whichever is more convenient, slowly to the hour that has actually struck. Example: If the clock strikes only 3 times, move the hour hand slowly until it points directly to the 3. You will notice that the hour hand turns independently of the minute hand.

3) Then turn the minute hand (longest) counterclockwise, slowly until the proper time setting is reached. Be careful, do not touch the hour hand and misadjust it again.

4) The chime will now synchronize itself automatically. This could take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

B. Hammer adjustments

These adjustments are made at the factory; however, if during unpacking or handling the hammer becomes misaligned, they may need to be readjusted. When adjusting the hammers to the gong rods, each hammer should be 2mm from the gong rod. See figure F. Make sure that the hammer hits slightly below the taper of the rod. If an adjustment needs to be made, be sure to make the adjustment by only bending the upper 1/3 of the hammer wire. •

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION COULD CAUSE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY.

C. Volume of chime/strike

Below are suggestions on how to change the volume of your clock.

1) A clock placed on carpet has a softer sound than one placed on tile or hardwood floors.

2) Placing the clock flat against the wall will cause the chime to be louder.

3) The hammer heads should be approximately 2 mm from the gong rods. The more space you have between the rods and the hammer heads, the less sound you will have. See figure F.

4) The size of a room makes a difference in the volume of the chimes. A clock placed in a hall or foyer will sound louder than the same clock placed in a large room with carpet and drapes.

An aspect about the chimes:

Your clock was primarily made to tell time. It is not a musical instrument. Chime tone will vary from clock to clock according to the wood used to make the sound board and how much moisture is in the wood. The gong rods are automatically tuned and no adjustments are necessary.

VIII. If you move

NOTE: Please use cotton gloves when handling the brass parts.

1) Stop the pendulum from swinging.

2) Wind up clock (do not wind until you read instructions below.)

CAUTION: NEVER WIND THE CLOCK WITHOUT THE WEIGHTS ATTACHED. When arriving at your new location, follow the set up instructions as described at the beginning of the manual.

* Chain driven movement

Wind the weights 1/2 way to the top. Attach a wire through the chain links to secure the chains. Make sure that the chain does not scratch the case during transport. Use the packing material that came with your clock.

• Cable driven movement

Using the packing material which came with your clock, wind up all three weights. See figure A.

3) Remove the weights and place them back in their shipping box.

4) Remove the pendulum and package it back in its shipping box.

IX. Care and Maintenance

Your new Hermle Clock does not require very much maintenance. However, you may wish to follow the suggestions listed below.

A. Wind your clock once a week, unless you own an Autowind™ clock.

B. Polish or wax the wooden components of your clock case just like you would any other fine piece of furniture. Avoid direct sunlight. This could cause the wood to split and the finish to fade. Do not use any type of cleaner, polish, water, etc. to clean the brass parts of your clock. If necessary, clean the brass components with a lint free, dry cloth. Clean glass, as necessary with a glass cleaner.

C. Periodically you need to make sure that your clock is still level. You can make adjustments by turning the leveling feet

located underneath the clock case.

>

D. Periodically check to make sure that your weights are still tightly assembled.

E. Approximately every 3-5 years, it will be necessary to

15

An absolutely amazing article recently in CNN’s Technology Section profiled the world’s smallest working car that is made of single molecules, and responds with movements, such as moving forward, based on the electrical impulses from a nano-grid just beneath it.   When one stops to think about the implication for having an albeit prototype working vehicle in which lo living animal could ride, of course, at this collection of single molecule molecular size, it is simply mind boggling in terms of the far-reaching consequences this technological breakthrough may have on perhaps just about every aspect of our life.  This is said without exaggeration, at least on the part of the author of this blogs post.

Wonderful testing of nano technology can be done with clocks, regardless of the size, but in the style of grandfather clocks, wall clocks, mantle clocks, atomic clocks or as they used to be known as radio-controlled clocks.  Imagine clocks that can accurately tell time that have the shape of, say, a full-size howard miller grandfather clocks model, but is comprised of single molecules and powered by a nano-electric grid.  Imagine the molecular pendulum swinging back and forth on the grandfather clock, and the 3 weights descending on cue.  Whether grandfather clock chimes, such as the Westminster Chime, might be difficult in early stages, over time nothing would be impossible.  It is simply an incredible concept.

And the tools that could be used to fix the nano-grandfather clocks would also be made of a small number of molecules.  For a keywound chiming grandfather clock, one would need enough molecules of enough materials, assuming the design proportions of a clock are constant for smaller scale molecules and models, to enable, for example, a molecular winding key and a molecular chiming rod or bells or strike gong.  One would probably want an amplifier for the chimes, or they likely would not be heard by any current living human ear.

While writing about the application of nanotechnology for grandfather clocks and mantel clocks and wall clocks and atomic clocks, and reproductions of the great clocks and timepiece masterpieces, it is obvious that this technology can usher in a new era of advances which are truly unthinkable today.  The potential benefit to mankind would seem to be as great as the Industrial Revolution, the advent of the personal computer, or the widespread adoption of the internet.  Hopefully we will all live to see the many benefits which it seems, inevitably, will be presented over time.

Perhaps not practical, but we still hope the next prototype will be of a nano grandfather clock, and they we may be consulted in its design and construction.

World’s smallest car fuels nanotech advance

By Matthew Knight, CNN updated 11:49 AM EST, Mon November 21, 2011

Here is a grandfather clock question which is weighing heavily on our minds as a major retailer of grandfather clocks.  We very much want the input of grandfather clock shoppers, especially those with a keen eye for grandfather clocks on sale and who are looking for grandfather clock discounts, but who still want the highest quality.

Grandfather clock shoppers, at least the ones we target, want varying combinations of the highest quality and best value grandfather clocks.  We find ourselves at an interesting crossroads in terms of the selections we may be able to offer our grandfather clock shoppers.  At a time when the global economy is obviously in stress, there is the unusual dynamic of some very high quality makers of grandfather clocks who are bringing among the very best in quality and value of grandfather clocks to market.  At the same time, the grandfather clock market is being flooded with cheap and poor quality imports, but that is a subject for other posts in our grandfather clocks blog.

OK, so you are a grandfather clocks shopper, and presumably you are reasonably comfortable shopping at our 1-800-4CLOCKS.com website or one of our stores.  But you also look at other websites.  So, what if we offered grandfather clocks which had our own brand name, which would be the Museum Clocks™ (that we have made and sold in past years, but not in large numbers) brand on the dial.  They would have high-grade well-known brand German mechanical cable driven clock movements, and would have solid wood cases made in North America.  Many of the clocks would in fact be inspired by museum quality grandfather clocks and among the most stunning antique grandfather clocks.  Grandmother clocks too!

Might you be as likely to buy a grandfather clock made with 1-800-4CLOCKS’ own Museum Clock™ grandfather clock brand name?  You would recognize the name of the German maker of the movement.  The case would be solid wood and exactly as described and pictured.  There would be a 2 year grandfather clock warranty against against manufacturing defects.

So how much of a premium, if any, might you be willing to pay for a Howard Miller grandfather clock, or one of the Ridgeway grandfather clocks or Hermle Floor Clocks, when you perhaps could get as good or better value, and different grandfather clock designs or models, by choosing one of the Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks from 1-800-4CLOCKS.

Your input and feedback would be greatly valued and appreciated.  And because we are not providing specific grandfather clock comparisons here from which to choose, we fully recognize it will require just a bit of imagination and extra thought on your end.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia, in the Holy City of Mecca, has introduced the newest largest tower clock in the world, larger even than England’s 4 sided Big Ben Tower Clock in London’s Parliament.  It’s introduction was timed to coincide with the Muslim Holy Fasting Month of Ramadan.  You may be expecting a grandfather clock post here, but this one is very special.

The four-faced clock, atop the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The clock faces are 43 × 43 m (141 × 141 ft).  Saudi Arabia will test what it is billing as the world’s largest clock, the official news agency reported Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. The tallest tower in the complex will stand as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, and the largest hotel in the world, with a planned height of 601 m (1,972 ft), including a 200 ft spire. Upon completion, the structure would have the largest floor area of any structure in the world with 1,500,000 m2 (16,150,000 sq ft) of floor space. (AP Photo/ Saudi Press Agency)

The four-faced clock tower is seen under construction in the Holy City of Mecca August 11, 2011. REUTERS/Hassan Ali

Below is a better picture to give both the look and feel of the actual 4 sided tower and clock being erected:

We will keep you posted as more details about this amazing new tower clock emerge.  We would not be surprised to see grandfather clocks designs that emulate one or more of the 4 dials and design.  It is a natural fit.

Also, stay tuned for further information on the chimes that will no doubt be heard from this tower clock.  We expect some of the typical grandfather clock chimes, such as the Westminster Chime grandfather clock, but we may be pleasantly surprised by also hearing clock chimes of a distinctly different Mideast or Islamic nature.

When trying to both understand and name the visible parts of a grandfather clock, many individuals do not know where to begin.

Most people know that grandfather clocks have a pendulum, and weights, and are in a free-standing case, but when one gets beyond that point, may people, grandfather clock discount shoppers included, become at a loss for words as to how to describe the different parts.  Even having said the above, many people confuse the weights with the pendulum and vice versa.

We came across one excellent diagram, with credit given below, for the various parts of a grandfather clock:

HOME :: SCIENCE :: MEASURING DEVICES :: MEASURE OF TIME :: GRANDFATHER CLOCK

grandfather clock

Grandfather Clocks Diagram

Clock with a pendulum that is operated by weights and housed in a tall (usually over 2 m high) straight body, which stands upright on the floor.

http://visual.merriam-webster.com/science/measuring-devices/measure-time/grandfather-clock.php

The in this case split pediment or swans neck is shown at the top, with the finial sticking out at the very top center of the clock.  The working moondial, although sometimes they are stationary, rotates ones every 29 1/2 days in keeping with the lunar calendar cycle of a full moon.  The dial, hour and minute hands, and in this case a subsidiary seconds dial are also shown.

This particular grandfather clock is a chain-driven model, not a cable driven grandfather clock, and is therefore wound by pulling down on each of the 3 chains, one at a time, to bring up each of the 3 weights to the top of the weight case.  Because this clock has 3 weights, we know that it must be a chiming grandfather clock.  The pendulum swings back and forth as the weights gradually do down over time, most likely over an 8 day period.  And the plinth of the grandfather clock can be seen at the bottom of the case.

We like this grandfather clock diagram, and it’s great to see referenced sources like this available online to grandfather clocks shoppers, whether or not they are looking for a brand name like a Howard Miller grandfather clocks or Ridgeway or Hermle grandfather clock, or so they can just be more informed shoppers when looking for high-quality grandfather clocks on sale.

Many of our best customers, and other consumers simply shopping with general inquiries, ask about what German Grandfather Clocks for sale we have.  In fact, all of the mechanical grandfather clocks we have for sale, those that are cable driven and keywound, and those that are chain driven, current have movements which are made in Germany.  The two remaining high-end movement manufacturers that still make quality movements in any quantity are both German companies, which are Hermle Clocks and Kieninger Clocks.

Hermle clocks currently supplies movements for Bulova Grandfather Clocks and, of course, Hermle Grandfather Clocks.  Kieninger Clocks currently supplies mechanical movement grandfather clock movements for mechanical Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, mechanical Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, and of course mechanical Kieninger Grandfather Clocks.  Kieninger Clocks is owned by Howard Miller Clocks.  Until about seven years ago, most all Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks had mechanical Hermle Grandfather Clock movements installed.

So if you read the above carefully, you will note that all the mechanical grandfather clocks offered by Bulova, Hermle, Ridgeway, Howard Miller and Kieninger have German mechanical grandfather clock movements installed.  Where the grandfather clocks cases are made is a whole another subject entirely.

So to summarize:

Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks with mechanical movements currently have German made movements made by Kieninger Clocks, a German clock company.

Hermle Grandfather Clocks with mechanical movements have German made Hermle grandfather clock movements, made by Hermle Clocks, of course (and another German company).

Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks with mechanical cable driven and chain driven movements, which is all of Ridgeway’s mechanical clocks, have German made Kieninger Grandfather Clock movements installed.

Kieninger grandfather clocks with mechanical cable driven and chain driven grandfather clocks have grandfather clocks made by the German company, surprise, Kieninger Clocks.

Bulova Grandfather Clocks have mechanical movements, both chain driven and cable driven, which are made by Hermle Clocks, a German clock company.

So when shopping for clocks on sale, a better question than “Where can I buy one of those high quality German grandfather clocks?” might be “Are there any grandfather clocks that you sell that might not be considered German grandfather clocks?”

When you’re shopping for discount grandfather clocks on sale, perhaps you will have to call us to find out.

As we near the end of the first decade of this millennium, it is as good a time as any to look back over the last decade in horology, and an especially good time to look forward to 2010 with the coming of the New Year.  The last decade has seen the rise of some great new grandfather clocks features, and the introduction of many new styles of clocks, especially among Contemporary Grandfather Clocks.

Aside from grandfather clocks features such as auto night shut-off and illuminated dials, there has also been the introduction of what we at 1-800-4CLOCKS would consider to be the equivalent quality of disposable grandfather clocks by no-name makers that have just started to flood the market in the last couple of years.  What is more notable, is that several of the most respected discount retailers have started to carry these, pardon the expression, pieces of junk.  We became more and more aware of them when individuals are calling and wanting to know how to get them running, only to be told we never even heard of that grandfather clocks “brand”, frequently named so that it sounds like an established brand.  Frequently, plastic and plywood and batteries are the key ingredients in these generally very inexpensive, and surely cheap, grandfather clock imitations, in our view.  Some even have the customer doing grandfather clocks assembly when they did not realize that was even part of the plan.

Replicas and reproductions of great clocks are nothing new, and by themselves are not indicative of inferior grandfather clocks quality.  Brand like Howard Miller grandfather clocks, Hermle grandfather clocks, Bulova’s grandfather clock collection, along with Ridgeway and Kieninger still offer super-high quality at a good value.  Solid wood cabinetry and mechanical grandfather clock movements made in Germany.   Surely heirloom quality timepieces, which make special wedding and spectacular anniversary gifts, not to mention special birthday gifts and great presents for almost any occasion.

We hope that customers will realize the difference between quality and disposable grandfather clocks.  2009, and no doubt coming at the same time as The Great Recession, seemed to us to be the peak of the plastic plywood battery driven grandfather clocks which most likely won’t make it to see the year 2015 — as far away as that may seem — much less be around for future generations as heirloom quality gifts.

Happy Holidays and quality affordable grandfather clocks to all, and to all a goodnight!

Over the years, many individuals have enthusiastically built grandfather clocks from grandfather clocks plans.  Sometime these plans for grandfather clocks came as a part of grandfather clock kits, including mechanical movements and weights and a pendulum and clock key, and at other times people have actually built the cases themselves from scratch using the grandfather clock plans only, and clock movements and other horological clock essentials from individual suppliers of clock parts.

Companies like Mason and Sullivan, which no longer exist, published many clock plans, and individual grandfather clocks and wall clocks (especially banjo clocks) and mantle clock enthusiasts built many mantel clocks and wall clocks and grandfather clocks from their plans.  The plans which came with parts almost always included mechanical german grandfather clocks or wall clocks or mantle clocks movements made by Hermle, which were also generally stamped Mason & Sullivan on the back of each individual movement.  They also made plans for grandmother clocks.

Some companies, like Kuempel Chime Clocks, sold both individual clocks made to order.  They also sold very popular grandfather clock kits with german grandfather clocks that had Kieninger grandfather clock movements.  In additional, they had kits and plans for mantel clocks and wall clocks too, again of German origin.  Unfortunately, this great company we believe went out of business not too long ago, within, we believe, the last couple of years.

We have as a goal to track down grandfather clocks plans and banjo clocks plans in particular.  Wall clocks plans too.  We know there were several Simon Willard and Aaron Willard banjo clock plans that are floating around out there.

We also want to offer more by way of grandfather clock kits, and are looking for companies which we feel are of high enough quality that we can partner with them, representing their line of grandfather clock kit parts.  After Kuempel Clocks demise, we have yet to find a suitable candidate.

If anyone has any grandfather clock plans or plans for wall clock, banjo clock plans or mantel clocks, please let us know.  We would be delighted to post the grandfather clocks plans and others on our website for everyone to enjoy.  We want your input.

We hope to hear from many of you!