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.

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.

We got a call from a customer today who was looking for a chiming grandfather clock that also had atomic time.  Do we have such a grandfather clock?  No.  Do we wish we did?  Absolutely.

Not one to be deterred, this same customer asked if we had a chiming wall clock with radio controlled or atomic time.  After pausing for a moment, I realized we not only do not carry such a wall clock, but we have never seen such a clock, or standalone clock movement which could be fitted with a case, ever with our vast experience and deep knowledge base.

An atomic grandfather clock with chimes, or an atomic chiming wall clock, both sound to us as something that could be a solid seller.  There would be the issue of keeping the chimes in exact sequence with the timing of the clock, but isn’t that what clockwork is all about anyway.

Seiko Clocks are you listening?  Howard Miller Clocks, what do you think?  LaCrosse Technology and Infinity Instruments, how would you feel about adding such items to your lineup.  Perhaps Seth Thomas Clocks can make these a gangbusters hit and help revive the clock industry to its previous glory days when it was the preeminent manufacturer in the USA.  Hermle Clocks, what do you think? Rhythm Clocks and Bulova clocks would also be logical manufacturers of such innovative products.

The next question is if only one could be developed, should one go for the grandfather clock or the wall clock with chiming and atomic time?  What are your thoughts?  We would be very interested in knowing your points of view.

Do the grandfather clocks make the celebrity, or does the Celebrity make the grandfather clock?  We would like to know.  We are aware that many celebrities are owners of both antique grandfather clocks and new grandfather clocks, and grandmother clocks are quite popular as well.  One way we know this is that we have sold and installed grandfather clocks and grandmother clocks to many people who are household names, so to speak.  Generally, these famous business people, actors, government officials, university president, major network chiefs, religious leaders, heads of state, and heads of state giving gifts to other heads of state and visiting dignitaries, among others, will work through an intermediary.  Yet in most all instances we know who the so-called end users for these great timepieces are.  Usually because they tell us, they visit our shop, or they call for follow-up of certain kinds.

Aside from antique mantle clocks, antique wall clocks, and antiques grandfather clocks, the large majority of the emphasis is on the major high-end clock brands like Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, and Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks.  Seth clocks are also a good seller, as are Movado Clocks, especially for high-end corporate gifts.

We do not sell and tell, so you will never see anything about an individual customer unless the customer wants us to publicize the sale for some reason.  We currently have one client, who is an absolute mogul, known the world over, and he asked us to work with his interior decorator, and plans to have this home, once decorated, shot for Architectural Digest.  I think it’s a fair bet to say that if he wants it, he will get it.  So stay tuned, and we may be able to publicize that one.

Are you looking for the perfect wedding gift? Gift ideas for the bride or the groom, or especially for the couple?

We have seen an increasing trend over the years where clocks are used as integral gifts not only for the groom and bride, but also as presents for members of the wedding party, and sometimes even as a special wedding gift from the groom to the bride.  Wedding organizers, wedding planners, and those thinking about bridal registries take note.  Clocks are a wonderful item to add to a bridal registry.

Perhaps one of the most special gifts a parent or parent can give to their child and son-in-law or daughter-in-law to be, is one of the many great grandfather clocks we have offered over the timeline of our business.  Over time, a grandfather clock or a grandmother clock, or one of the special wall clocks as a gift, or mantle clocks as a present, has grown in popularity.

Even gifts to members of the wedding party, including presents to bridesmaids, and gifts to the Best Man and Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor, and present for all members of the wedding party, we have seen an explosion of this type of gifts.  Some of the most popular presents to wedding party members include Movado Clocks, Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, and Seth Thomas clocks.

We frequently consult with the gift-giver(s), and discuss the pros and cons of different gift giving possibilities.

It is advice we love to give, and hope anyone thinking about a special clock or clocks as part of a wedding or marriage, will call us to discuss the possibilities.  We can always be reached at 1-800-4CLOCKS, or 1-800-425-6257.

Whether you are planning for your home grandfather clock, wall clocks, mantel clocks, or even atomic clocks, you may or may not be aware of the changes afoot this year as to when we return to Daylight Savings Time. After President George W Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, it was planned that 2007 would be the year that Daylight Savings Time would be effective with clocks moving back one hour the first Sunday in November (vs. week earlier in prior years), which is November 4. Daylight savings time in the Spring now moves forward an hour on the second Sunday in March. The 2 am local time change remains the same.

The stated goals of the energy policy is to increase energy savings and increase workplace productivity. Some more cynical analysts have theorized that this change is simply a rouse by the powerful Candy Lobbying Industry to sell more Halloween Candy (we are remaining neutral on that point ).

Not every USA State is adopting the new law, though 48 are, Only Arizona and Hawaii are leaving their clocks alone.

There is no doubt that some confusion took place last weekend, when people’s habits and/or systems were still operating under the old time rules. Even this week software companies are sending out patches to help make the transition this weekend be a smooth one.

One great Safety Tip – every time the clocks are changed back and forth for Daylight Savings Time is an excellent opportunity to ALSO change the batteries in your Home and Office Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector. Better safe than sorry! This life-saving tip has been brought to you by 1-800-4CLOCKS.

What does your grandfather clock signify to you about the meaning of time?  This is a subject so many people comment on when ordering a new factory direct grandfather clocks at wholesale prices, or Antique Grandfather Clocks.   See down below for our basic thoughts and reasons we have heard from our Grandfather Clock customers.

We want your responses and input!

This Grandfather Clocks blog entry is geared toward the many meanings of clocks and time, throughout the history of clocks and timekeeping.  The history of having a grandfather clock in one’s own home, and it was only in the 1700s that clocks started being available in Europe in any numbers in the general population, and only by the most affluent individuals (grandfather clocks were only invented in the mid-1600s).  Back in the ages of sundials and sandtimers, and even from Galileo’s early theories on the ability to keep and tell time, people had no means for a clock even if they were the “Bill Gates” of the Renaissance era!

Christmas shopping and gift giving for the Holidays, is fast approaching, and Grandfather Clause Clocks are more and more on the minds of shoppers – both Antique Grandfather Clocks or New Grandfather Clocks.  Whether a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, one from the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, a Hermle Grandfather Clock, a Seth Thomas Clock or one of the Kieninger Grandfather Clocks or Bulova Grandfather Clocks, or an Antique Grandfather Clock.

Here are some of thoughts we have heard and thought ourselves – please add to or comment on this list:

1.  The 1876 Grandfather Clocks Song by Henry Clay Work, as the lyrics go, suggested that the Grandfather Clock was a kindred spirit with its owner, when the clock was relatively young chiming joyously with 24 Gongs when his new bride arrived, and ultimately, many years later, stopping, and some might say dying, when, as the clock lyrics go, “it stopped, short, never to run again when the old man died”.

2. Some say they love or want grandfather clocks because it feels as though they actually have control over time.

3. Some go even further, and say they feel it gives them some further sense of control with the World in general.

4. Others say they love clocks because time is so ephemeral, and as the Patek Philippe watches ads say, roughly, you are only holding you timepiece for the next generation.  In that context, keeping time offers a sense of continuity.

5. Some see clocks and grandfather clocks of helping them to recognize their own mortality, almost as a countdown clock, helping not only with telling time but also having the clocks seconds minutes and hours almost as a Death Clock, or a time clock telling or reminding them that their days on Earth are increasingly numbered and waning.  Almost like a stopwatch counting down their time.

6. And of course, there are those who are simply looking at clocks from a home decor or interior decorating standpoint.  Others simply remember their parents or grandparents or friends of parents as having a certain special clock, and they want to revive both that feeling of warmth and feeling, many times of awe, from when they were children.

We want to know what you think.  Please respond to this clocks blog listing with your thoughts, and we expect all legitimate post will be added to our blog.

Grandfather Clocks Blog thanks you, and we look forward to your input.

Grandfather Clocks Blog is Pleased to Announce the 2007 Grandfather Clocks Contest brought to you by 1-800-4CLOCKS.

Many people have a favorite among the many grandfather clocks they have seen or may themselves own. The reasons can be many, from antique grandfather clocks with mercury pendulums, astronomical dials, amazing casework and carving, the chimes or even built in music box or automata – whether made by Britian’s J.J. Elliott , Tiffany and Company, Walter Durfee, Winterhalder & Hoffmeier, Seth Thomas Clocks, or one of the new makers like Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, the Ridgeway Clock Collection, Kieninger Clocks or the thousands of other makers of antique grandfather clocks or new grandfather clocks. Home-made grandfather clocks and those built from grandfather clock kits are also welcome.

The 1-800-4CLOCKS 2007 Grandfather Clocks Contest is open to everyone, and will offer two grand prizes of $250 gift certificates good for 1 year at 1-800-4CLOCKS. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 31, 2007. No purchase is required, and each individual may submit one entry only (for each Category). Your ORIGINAL photo(s) AND description (the more detailed the better) must be included with your entry. You do not need to be the owner of the clock you submit, but potential copyright issues may prevent posting more than a description if there are any copyright issues regarding the photo or description. The winners will likely be featured, along with their clocks if desired and as possible, on the www.1-800-4CLOCKS.com website.

There are 2 Categories – one for each $250 grand prize (Gift Certificate at 1-800-4CLOCKS):

1 for Best and Most Interesting Antique Grandfather Clock, and

1 for Best and Most Interesting New or Vintage Grandfather Clock.

Please mail via USPS your photos and description to us at:

2007 Grandfather Clocks Contest

1-800-4CLOCKS

15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Store 31D

Grand Central Terminal

New York, NY 10017

USA

Please remember to include your name and all your contact information. We regret that it will not be possible to return any entries, and ALL must be sent via USPS and postmarked by December 31, 2007. The winners for each category will be decided by the Staff of 1-800-4CLOCKS at their sole discretion. We recognize that grandfather-longcase-tallcase clocks have such a rich history, and we expect picking a winner amongst the many spectacular grandfather clocks will be both a subjective and difficult decision.

Antique grandfather clocks, made by potentially any skilled craftsman anywhere (but geographically concentrated in certain areas of Europe and the USA), are very different animals compared to the new Grandfather Clocks – made by companies such as Howard Miller Clocks, Kieninger Clocks, Hermle Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, Bulova Clocks and others.

When one buys a new grandfather clock such as a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, one can generally assume it will be working “right out of the box”. When buying an Antique Grandfather Clock, which may be smart for investment purposes, one needs to be prepared for a whole host of additional challenges, as well as some trade-offs, compared to a new clock.

When buying an antique grandfather clock, one needs to attempt to know:

1. Is the clock “all original”, or is it in clock terminology “a marriage” (meaning the case and movement are not original to each other), or is it even possibly one of the ever more present complete reproductions of an antique clock (fake antique clocks is a rampant and fast-growing problem). [Despite the USA's increased focus on "Family Values", Clock Marriages are generally deemed to make clocks close to worthless, at least for serious clocks investors, for anything but home decor value]. Generally, in our opinion, one needs a clock expert to tell the difference.

As much as we love eBay (and sell and buy, and plan to continue), we sadly say that our opinion is that eBay has become a haven for fake antique clocks and pocket watches, not to mention vintage watches and most definitely for new watches. Honestly, we fear for the poor clocks or pocket watches collector who is just starting out today with no expertise behind him/her. Historically, and sticking with clocks as an example, one only had to worry about a clock marriage, as described above. Nowadays, we see new movements in old cases, old movements in news cases, and reproduction movements in new cases, which is essentially a wholesale reproduction, yet theoretically branded by a noted clockmaker of yore.

2. Condition of the clock case – a new clock generally would have or should have a “perfect finish”, many times withwood cominations and inlays unimaginable by antique clock makers. An antique clock, unless it is already fully restored (or cared for immaculately over its lifetime), is likely to need some additional woodwork. NOT necesarily a problem, just keep your checkkbooks handy and be prepared forLONG lead times for people who are really skilled in this area. They are in great demand.

3. Grandfather Clock Movement and Strike and Chimes – the movements in new clocks generally give more chime choices, e.g. Westminster Chimes (like Big Ben Clock Tower plays), Whittington Chimes, or St Michaels Chimes). Most antique grandfather clocks, at least clocks in similar price brackets, will simply chime on the hour for the number of hours and once on the half-hour. Antique grandfather clocks with more complicated chiming mechanisms are certainly available, and yet carry a correspondingly higher price tag. Also, the movements, while generally made with what might be considered sturdier movements than new grandfather clocks, will absolutely need to make sure they have a full overhaul to help insure years of continous worry-free operation. Having said that, a “project clock” can be an invitation to a money pit for restoration, while seeking clocksmiths with scarce skills and and qualified woodworkers who are also in very short supply.

4. The Maintenance of an Antique Grandfather Clock, for all the reasons stated above, is likely to be much higher over its life. Having said that, for someone who prefers a genuine antique, with careful shopping and appropriate support lined up, it can be both a good investment and a rewarding shopping experience. Just mak certain you have the appropriate reliable expertise in your corner when it comes the time to make a purchase decison.

5. Anique grandfather clock repair, as with other types of clocks and pocket watches, have a great divide in the standardization and resulting ease of antique grandfather clock repairs both within and between countries. The 2 most important contributing factors to this are: 1. that European Grandfather Clocks are, generally, much older than their American clock counterparts. There were not common standards either across makers or countries, especially in the earlier centuries of Grandfather Clock production post 1650. Even in the 1800s, as there was beginning to be a reasonable amount of standardization with countries and betweeen manufacturers, finding common movements or parts was in most cases a fool’s errand. Many older Grandfather Clocks made in the USA were generally careful to do whatever documentation was required should the clock need to be fixed. If today you are purchasing a new Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, Hermle Grandfather Clock, Kieninger Clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks, or even one of the Seth Thomas Clocks, replacement parts should almost always be readily available and reasonably easy to find for years and years to come.

In summary, we would recommend BOTH new and antique grandfather clocks. Just be sure you do your homework, and go in with your eyes open. Each have their advantages, and aside from doing the homework, it can also very much be a matter of personal taste, or sentimental value of continuing to keep a grandfather clock in the family from generation to generation. BOTH ARE GREAT! BOTH ARE AND WILL BE TIMELESS!

Howard Miller Lindsey Grandfather Clock, Model 611-046, blends traditional antique grandfather clock look and sound with benefits of modern-day clock decorations and functionality

Grandfather clocks are known by other clock names, particularly in Western Europe where they originated. Most people in the United Kingdom refer to grandfather clocks as Tall Case (or sometimes Tallcase) Clocks or Long Case (or sometimes Longcase) Clocks. Other grandfather clock names that are sometimes used that are more or less synonomous with grandfather clocks are Floor Clocks, and less frequently, Hall Clocks. The styles of grandfather clock design cut across all of these names for grandfather clocks. Certain styles of clocks are also or alternatively referred to as Grandmother Clocks, with roughly an 80 inch height break being the dividing line …. but it is a gray area and open to personal and professional discretion (and occasionally debate).

It was not until some time after 1876 when Henry Clay Work wrote “My Grandfather’s Clock” – and known by many as The Grandfather Clocks Song – which became extremely popular especially in the USA, and gradually replaced the names of longcase and tallcase clocks to grandfather clocks to most people. The Chrous of the Grandfather Clock Song is perhaps the part ythat will look and sound most familar to people.

The Chorus is:

Ninety years without slumbering,

His life’s seconds numbering,

It stopped, short, never to go again, when the old man died.

First Verse:

My grandfather’s clock was too large for the shelf,

so it stood ninety years on the floor.

It was taller by half than the old man himself,

though it weighed not a pennyweight more.

It was bought on the morn of the day he was born,

and was always his treasure and pride.

But it stopped, short, never to go again, when the old man died.

Second Verse:

In watching its pendulum swing to and fro,

many hours had he spent while a boy.

And in childhood and manhood the clock seemed to know,

and to share both his grief and his joy.

For it struck twenty four when he entered at the door,

with a blooming and beautiful bride,

But it stoped, short, never to go again, when the old man died.

Third Verse:

My grandfather said that of those he could hire,

not a servant so faithful he found.

For it wasted no time and had but one desire,

at the close of each week to be wound.

And it kept in its place, not a frown upon its face,

and its hands never hung by its side.

But it stopped, short, never to go again, when the old man died.

Fourth and Last Verse:

It rang an alarm in the dead of the night,

an alarm that for years had been dumb,

And we knew that his spirit was pluming for flight,

that his hour of departure had come.

Still the clock kept the time, with a soft muffled chime,

as we silently stood by his side.

But it stopped, short, never to go again, when the old man died.