Whether we are selling Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks, the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, Hermle Floor Clocks, or Kieninger Grandfather Clocks we always work with our customers to provide the very best in service and value, along with our Low Price Guarantee.  Frequently the clincher for many of our repeat customers especially is that we provide in-home set-up of these grandfather clocks.  So while a smart shopper always takes pleasure in shopping for grandfather clocks on sale or the most aggressive grandfather clock discount, one needs to look also at the total value received.  Many of our clients have had bad prior delivery experiences where grandfather clocks or curio cabinets are left on the curbside, and then the truck is gone and the buyer is left with a large and quite heavy item still in its original container.  At least hope this happens on a day when there is no rain or snow, or even worse, also large puddles which could seep through to the prized grandfather clock or other heirloom furniture.

There is another criterion to look carefully at, especially nowadays, when consider discount grandfather clocks.  Try typing that or other similar phrases such as grandfather clock discounts or discount grandfather clock and you will likely be besieged by photos of grandfather clocks which look great in the photo, but if you are looking for an heirloom grandfather clock, you would want to stay as far away from these clocks as possible.  Not only may they require assembly and be particle board vs solid wood, but the movement is not one that will last very long, or sound any good in comparison to the grandfather clocks with German mechanical movements by Hermle and Kieninger, which are the only types of mechanical grandfather clocks we sell.  While you may think you are saving $1,000 or more today, you are really buying something you are likely to want to or have to throw out in the trash in months if not a year or two at the most.  And you may be sorely disappointed by the added initial time investment which will likely be necessary.  Sadly, with many of these clocks, it is almost like throwing your money down the drain and worse.

So how does one know what type of grandfather clock to buy?  Well, we carry only the makers and brands we feel are of the highest quality and workmanship, and also offer a tremendous value to our customer.  We are willing to patiently take our prospective customers through all of the differences between types of grandfather clocks, such as chain driven vs cable driven grandfather clocks, as well as the different features, and differences and similarities between makers, not to mention some times very relevant grandfather clock history.

We would like to take the opportunity at this time to highlight one of the newer Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, which is part of the Howard Miller 85th Anniversary Collection, and is known as the Howard Miller Leighton Grandfather Clock 611086:

Howard Miller Leighton Grandfather Clock  611-086

We just had a grandfather clocks shopping customer call us last week to say he was looking for a grandfather clock as the ideal Valentines Day gift for his bride.  It was also going to be his gift for their 20th wedding anniversary, whose anniversary date was also fast approaching.

Was the grandfather clock to be a surprise gift or should he consult his spouse?  Perhaps his wife’s mother, he thought out loud.  She would know what the daughter would and wouldn’t like, at least as an excellent second opinion to his own instincts on the subject.  While this individual had tentatively picked out a grandfather clock, he was unsure of the grandfather clock makers, the differences in types of grandfather clock makers, the grandfather clocks movement types, the cases, the woods – just about every aspect.

We talked about Howard Miller grandfather clocks compared to Hermle floor clocks and them many grandfather clock models offered by Ridgeway Clocks, as well as Kieninger Clocks, and our very own Museum Clocks&#0153 Grandfather Clock collection.  We addressed cable driven clock movements vs. chain driven grandfather clocks and tubular chime grandfather clocks, as well as the least expensive quartz or battery operated grandfather clocks.

He knew he wanted  heirloom quality grandfather clock, as well as one which fit with the interior design and furniture in their living room and dining area.  He knew he wanted a gold vs silver, or brass vs nickel or chrome, set of weights and pendulum and bezel and other clock operating elements and decorations.  He wanted something that would be modern and yet classic.  Modern yet traditional if that were possible. And the very highest quality, like one of the antique E Howard Clock Company clock.

And of course he wanted it delivered and unpacked and setup and running in his living room, and for it to be a surprise to his wife as close to if not actually on Valentines Day.  He also wanted to take advantage of our using an authorized technician by at least one of the major clock manufacturers for whom we are Authorized Dealers.  And the container and fillers had to be removed and thrown out as well, with no trace of anything – the grandfather clock should simply appear magically as if it had always lived there!

This wonderful man also mentioned that he and his wife were contemplating moving in a couple of years time. He wondered about how easy or hard it might be to move a grandfather clock once it was all set up.  We pointed to a post we have on both our main 1-800-4CLOCKS website and this grandfather clock blog which explains not only what to do, but as or even more important, what not to do when moving a grandfather clock.  The biggest and most common mistake is to move the grandfather clock with the weights and or the pendulum are still attached.  This can almost immediately break the grandfather clock movement, the suspension spring holding the grandfather clock pendulum in place, and to add insult to injury, lead to breaking the glass in the grandfather clock case as well.  A grandfather clock should never even be moved a few inches this way, much less from one home to another house.

So we know that all of you discount grandfather clock shoppers out there always looking for the best discount grandfather clocks on sale want to know which clock this gentleman purchased.  We will not keep you in suspense any longer.  He purchased the very classic Howard Miller Diana Grandfather Clock model 611-082 611082

Howard Miller Diana Grandfather Clock

Model 611082 611-082

Among the many incredible features of the Howard Miller Diana Grandfather Clock, which because of its size we also classify as the Howard Miller Diana Grandmother Clock, is an illuminated grandfather clock dial, and it has Westminster Chimes and an auto-night shut-off feature option.  The cable-driven mechanical movement is made in Germany by Kieninger Clocks.

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

A CGI of the electric-powered nano car created by Dutch researchers

We at 1-800-4CLOCKS were more than a little surprised to learn that many people who are looking for grandmother clocks instead search for grand mother clocks.  It’s not a clocks or clock distinction that would normally come up in a retail environment or during the many years we have also dome catalog sales through our toll-free number at 1-800-4CLOCKS, which is 1-800-425-6257.

Do people also ask implicitly for Grand Father clocks when they are searching for grandfather clocks.  It would be interesting to know.  Perhaps if they are performing a search on one of the leading search engines, they might type in Howard Miller Grand Father Clock or Howard Miller Grand Mother Clock.  Until today, this thought had never even occurred to us.  Maybe we should be introducing our newest introduction of Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks and Grandmother Clocks as Museum Clocks™ Grand Mother Clocks and Museum Clocks™ Grand Father Clocks ?

Should we be listing Hermle Grandfather Clocks as Hermle grand father clocks, as the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock collection instead as the Ridgeway Grand Father Clock collection?

Just how common is this what we will term alternate spelling of grandmother clocks and grandfather clocks?  We would appreciate the readers of this Grandfather Clocks Blog, or perhaps we should also call it the Grand Father Clocks Blog, to offer genuine feedback regarding this clock terminology point.

Perhaps there is some entomological source or horological source to support this alternate spelling.  Just when you thing you might know most all there is to reasonably know about the grandfather clock market and the grandmother clock market, you learn that there may also be in fact a grand mother clocks market and a grandfather clocks marketplace.  Live and learn.

Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks

Howard Miller Grandmother Clocks

or should we be saying Grand Mother Clocks by Howard Miller and Grand Father Clocks by Howard Miller

When considering the purchase of a grandfather clock, the single most important criterion for many is that it be an heirloom quality grandfather clock that can be passed along to their children and grandchildren and beyond.  This is not a far fetched goal.  As the author of this blog post sits here, he has a few feet away from him a chiming antique mantel clock that was made in England in the mid-1700s and looks as though it could have been made yesterday.  Even closer is a grandfather clock made by the Waltham Clock and Watch Company, most known for pocket watches but they also made some super high-end quality clocks, made over a hundred years ago and signed on its dial by Tiffany and Company.  This particular clock was special-ordered by none-other than the founder of Coca Cola as a wedding gift for his daughter.  She kept it for her whole life, including keeping it in the lobby of the downtown Atlanta hotel she lived in during the later part of her life.

Even today it is possible to buy grandfather clocks that with proper care and maintenance should last 100 years and possibly much longer.  While we could guarantee it, it would not be a meaningful guarantee for obvious reasons.  The sad reality is that many grandfather clocks sold today may not last more than a few years.  the good news is that all the makers and brands we carry are of the highest quality and construction, and depending upon the type, would fall into the category of the kind of clock that should truly be an heirloom quality grandfather clock that can be passed along through many many generations.

And this is not to say that you still should not seek grandfather clock discounts, and we frequently have many of these grandfather clocks on sale.  Visit one of our 1-800-4CLOCKS store locations and you may even get a better discount.

So who are the makers of these highest quality grandfather clocks?  One is a brand we introduced and will soon be featuring much more prominently on our website and known as Museum Clocks Grandfather Clocks.  Other brands include Howard Miller grandfather clocks, the Ridgeway grandfather clock collection, Hermle grandfather clocks, and Kieninger grandfather clocks. Grandfather clock makers that people still think of today but no longer, at least as we write this, produce grandfather clocks, include Seth Thomas grandfather clocks, Sligh grandfather clocks and Bulova grandfather clocks.  While these grandfather clock collections featured some clocks which were very high quality, for different reasons each of these makers exited the grandfather clocks market.  We would not be at all surprised if one or more of these brands is resurrected in the coming years once again producing grandfather clocks.

Want to know more about the different types of grandfather clock movements and grandfather clocks brands, please let us know.

Museum Grandfather Clocks™ Grandfather Clock

What if you actually gave customers a choice of ordering the very same grandfather clock model, but in either solid oak, solid cherry or solid mahogany.  And then the clock would be available for shipment 2-3 weeks later.

With our newest line of grandfather clocks, very soon to be introduced on our 1-800-4CLOCKS.com website as the newest Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks Collection, which in many cases will be able to be offered in a choice of solid wood Oak, Cherry or Mahogany, or with a Black Satin finish.  In some cases, even though the large majority of our business is to individuals purchasing grandfather clocks as opposed to selling as more of a grandfather clocks wholesaler, in some cases we may require a minimum special run of 10 clocks if it is not a grandfather clock that we stock or make routinely.  We may be willing the carry the grandfather clocks inventory of 9 for ourselves in those cases, so it never hurts to ask.  Just now, we are making a very special order of 2 tubular chime grandfather clocks using the highest quality mechanical 8 Day German grandfather clock movement available, and in an amazing solid wood traditional grandfather clock case with a split pediment and wonderful inlay on the case.  We will also be offering some Museum Clocks™ Grandmother Clocks.  And do not forget about our previously introduced – and we expect a new run soon of our very own Grandson Clocks™.

We still plan on offering our selection of Howard Miller grandfather clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks which include their own Made in America series, Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, as well as Kieninger Grandfather Clocks on special order.  Very astute observers will notice some similarities between our new Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks, and both the old Bulova Grandfather Clock Collection and those Floor Clocks made as Sligh Grandfather Clocks, neither of which are still produced today or in recent years.

Any special wants for a grandfather clock?  A special reproduction of some amazing grandfather clock, or a rare grandfather clock you may own.  It just might end up as the newest introduction of a Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clock.

Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks from 1-800-4CLOCKS.com

1-800-4CLOCKS.com has always carried only what it considers to be the highest quality grandfather clocks, the large majority of which have high-grade German mechanical movements.  While the cases, while also of the highest quality for their price points, are sometimes not solid wood cases with the same type of wood throughout of the finish in the grandfather clock description.

We know there is an increasing desire, if at can be delivered at good grandfather clocks value price points and discounts, for solid wood clocks, which may have the highest-end German mechanical movements, but also have the cases made in North America.

Before Christmas shopping season with all the attention to grandfather clocks on sale and grandfather clock discounts, we will be introducing two new lines of the highest quality grandfather clocks with solid wood cases of the type of wood described that will be as pleasing to the eye as they are to one’s wallet or purse.

Museum Grandfather Clocks™ will be one of these new lines.  While we have sold clocks under this brand before, these designs with be all new for our label, and will have more choices of the type of solid wood, such as solid cherry, oak or mahogany, in the same exact design.  We also will be able to ship these clocks with 3-4 weeks of a confirmed order being placed, which means on average an additional 1-2 weeks for free delivery and in-home set-up across the Continental USA.   We look forward to being able to share these clocks in general and on our website in the coming days and weeks.

The other main introduction along these lines is the Hermle Grandfather Clock Made in America series, which will also feature solid wood clocks with cases made in North America and Hermle Clock’s fine German movements.  Until we have more specifics on these grandfather clocks, which should be available very soon, that is all we will share for now.

Finally, we are excited about introducing and adding the Americana™ Grandfather Clock Collection to our line.  These grandfather clocks will add another super high quality selection to consider when deciding between the above makers and the more familiar-sounding Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks and Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, as well as Kieninger Grandfather Clocks.  While Bulova and Sligh Grandfather Clock models are no longer made by those respective companies, you will see that we will be offering many but not all of the more popular grandfather clock designs, with comparable quality and worksmanship, in other parts of our complete grandfather line.  That is something that a prospective customer may want to call us about at 1-800-4CLOCKS (1-800-425-6257) to pursue or better understand the grandfather clock design possibilities that may be presently available.

All in all, look for some great new grandfather clock models to be introduced and added to our line in coming weeks and in time for the Christmas Holiday shopping season.

Example of quality of Museum Grandfather Clocks

Helpful clock information about grandfather clock types, whether researching antique grandfather clocks, or trying to get on a great deal and understand which are the best deals, most reliable clock brands, and even understand the basic information of grandfather clock types and features, there are precious few reliable grandfather clock shopping and discount resources to which to look.

At 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, whether in one of our stores, or a toll-free phone call to us, we spend a lot of time talking with our customers to help them understand the types of grandfather clocks available, different grandfather clock styles, the many optional features of grandfather clocks, not to mention the difference between a Howard Miller grandfather clock and a Hermle Grandfather Clock or Ridgeway Floor Clock, or one of our own Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clocks.

The choice between a new Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, or one of the newer Americana Grandfather Clocks, or one of the Kieninger Tubular Chime grandfather clocks, and an Antique Grandfather Clock, can be quite daunting.  To whom do you turn?  What are the pros and cons of each type of grandfather clocks?  What about the grandfather clock styles? The quality?  The mechanical grandfather clock movements and the differences between them.  The differences between a grandfather clock and a grandmother clock. The different grandfather clock chimes?  the differences between mechanical grandfather clock movements and quartz-driven grandfather clocks.  It’s a long checklist of questions a smart grandfather clock shopper would be want to be sure to ponder, separate from looking for that special grandfather clock on sale or discount grandfather clocks.

Our clocks blogs are also special resources that we have put many thousands of hours into to help online grandfather clock shoppers.  We encourage you to visit each of our blogs on clocks, as well as our main website which features posts or clock articles we feel may be most likely of interest to grandfather clock shoppers and researchers, and those deciding between a new and antique grandfather clocks.

Any special subjects you might like us to cover?  A special post on Ty Pennington and Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, or Hermle’s upcoming new line of Grandfather Clocks Made in America, or more features on our own Museum™ Grandfather Clock Collection.

We also focus on wall clocks and mantle clocks, by all the highest end makers, including Howard Miller Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, Hermle Clocks and many more.

Let us know how we can Add Time to Your Life™.

Grandfather Clock Information and Advice

What is the value of my grandfather clock?  This is one of the most frequently asked questions, or FAQs, we receive, particularly by telephone.  More often than not, the caller will have little or no available information about the grandfather clock, or even the markings that may appear of the grandfather clocks dial or face or on the back of the clock movement.

Our general advice in valuing the replacement cost of a grandfather clock is to find the most comparable grandfather clock we currently have for sale.  Sounds easier than it is for many people.  Aside from the grandfather clock brand or maker, most people do not know the difference between a chain-driven grandfather clock (which is wound by pulling down on the usually 3 chains in the waist of the grandfather clock to bring up or effectively therefore wind the weights) and a cable driven grandfather clock (which is wound in the dial or face).  Then there is the question of whether the clock is a single chime grandfather clock, generally with the Westminster Chime (like the one in the Big Ben Tower Clock in London’s Parliament building), or a triple chime which generally includes the Whittington and St Michaels chimes, or very occasionally, the Schubert Ave Maria and Beethoven Ode to Joy clocks chimes.

Then there is the condition of the grandfather clocks both inside and out.  Most people who want a grandfather clock value don’t even know if their clock is in good working condition, or whether it has all of its grandfather clock parts.  Can you imagine trying to attain the value of a car without even knowing if it is in working condition!

The age of the grandfather clock is also critical.  A true antique grandfather clock, one that is over 100 years old, will have varying degrees of additional intrinsic value based on its maker, what we will call its inner substance, including the quality of the grandfather clock movement, and what special grandfather clock features it may have, such as nested bells, spiral gongs, tubular chimes, mercury pendulums, rocking ships or other grandfather clock automata or unusual features.  Some antique grandfather clocks or grandmother clocks have 30 hour movements vs an 8 day movement, which generally makes them less valuable.  Occasionally one may come across a grandfather clock regulator that may have a 30 day movement.  Who made the clock, whether it is all original, and whether and where it was signed by the maker also can make a huge difference.

There are many inquiries where people somehow expect us to telepathically tell them the worth of their grandfather clock.  It is not possible.

An inherent conflict of interest can also be present when individuals ask us to do grandfather clock appraisals.  How can we appraise a grandfather clock when we might also be making an offer to purchase the clock.  This is stark conflict of interest to which we or any reputable arts or antiques dealer needs to draw clear boundaries.

But thanks for asking us about the value of your grandfather clock.

Should a prospective grandfather clocks shopper who is considering purchasing either a new grandfather clocks or perhaps a special antique grandfather clock spotted at a local antique clock or general antiquities store treat them as equivalent purchases.  Not at all.  An antique grandfather clock can have certain advantages, including perhaps a rich provenance, a likely much louder gong or strike sound on the hour or half-hour, perhaps greater investment potential, and maybe even some unique design, or less likely special grandfather clock feature, which would make it especially endearing to a floor clocks shopper.

At the same time, when one is buying an antique grandfather clock, the first phrase that comes to the mind of this experienced grandfather clock shopper is caveat emptor.  Two of the biggest and very real risks are, first, and perhaps most likely, that one will end up purchasing a grandfather clock that ends up becoming a project clock, and at the same time a money pit, and may not ever work as well as the way a brand new grandfather clock would work.  In these circumstances, it can not only be harder and much more expensive to find a qualified repair person to fix the clock, but then the risk of parts not being available, or need to be custom-made at some real expense and likely time delay, starts to come into play.

The second biggest risk when considering the purchase of an antique grandfather clock is that the clock may in horological terminology be known as what is called a marriage.  Now while in our civil society “a marriage” is generally considered a good thing adding value to society-at-large, in serious clock collecting and investing nomenclature, a “clock marriage” is a “dirty term”.  It means that the case and the movement, and/or perhaps other parts as well, were not together when the clock was first made, but were put together at some point more recently.  While there can be many good reasons to do this, such as if a clock is in a fire and is rebuilt in a new grandfather clock case or fitted to an older one, it will not be considered a “genuine clock” by serious collectors, and any investment value may essentially be lost.  While many marriages can be skillfully hidden, most real expert clockmakers will be able to spot a marriage if they take apart the clock and look inside.

Antique grandfather clocks will also likely not have the same great chime selection, the vast majority being time and strike only, not will the have what we refer to as the “bells and whistles” that many of the new clocks have, such as automatic nightime shutoff, chime-silent option, lower volumes overall, more of a choice or perhaps any actual chimes, and working right out of the container, just to name some of the highlights.

New clocks, such as those made by Howard Miller grandfather clocks and Hermle Clocks, and Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, Bulova Grandfather Clocks,  the Kieninger grandfather clock collection, and the soon-to-be-unveiled Americana Grandfather clock collection (which we are very excited about).  Most all of the mechanical grandfather clocks have German 8 day movements, and are highly reliable, and have solid wood cases.  What you pay for is what you get, and a grandfather clock customer knows what he or she is getting.  Other options can include illuminated dials, chimes including in addition to the most popular westminster chime, also the Ave Maria and Ode to Joy chimes, which were only even introduced on grandfather clocks in recent years.

When purchasing a new clock, there is also the possibility of purchasing a Limited Edition Grandfather Clocks, many of which are quite spectacular, and even Howard Miller’s Limited Edition Tubular Chime Clock known as the JH Miller II Grandfather Clock.  The Howard Miller Presidential Grandfather Clock Series and the Ambassador Collection made by Howard Miller also offer the highest-end grandfather clocks they make available, and are probably the most highly sought after brand of grandfather clock today.

The reasonably recent introduction of grandfather clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks designed by Ty Pennington for Howard Miller as certainly added to the cache of the brand.

New grandfather clock vs. antique grandfather clocks – it’s a combination of personal preferences and a role of the dice.   In any event, first do your grandfather clock research, ideally with the help of an experienced professional.

Below is a picture of a Hershcede Antique grandfather clock in a Gothic style that stood in a large Church in New York City for probably at least the last 80+ years.  We will soon be putting this clock up for sale, but here is a sneak preview:

Hershcede Antique Grandfather Clock Gothic from NYC Church Westminster Chimes

Howard Miller Reagan Presidential Grandfather Clock