As we ring in 2010, we thought we might look forward in time by looking backwards.  Sound strange?  Well, here is the thinking.  If we know what are the top 10 Features that people most want in their grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, atomic clocks, wall clocks, etc., it will help us all to offer clocks to better meed the clocks sale needs of customers everywhere.

Here is our guess at a Top 10 clocks features list.  We would love input and look forward to sharing it over time.

1.  Clocks on sale or clocks discount.   Sorry, but had to get this one out of the way, even though it may not technically be a clocks feature.  We know it’s top of mind of most consumers shopping for discount grandfather clocks and other clocks, so we thought we would get it out of the way (and remember our Low Price Guarantee!).

2. Atomic time.  Atomic clocks, formerly and still also known as radio controlled clocks, are an incredible innovation in timekeeping accuracy.  Gone are the days when workers argue about when the 5pm quitting time really begins, and gone are the days of hospital workers who may have to note the time of death (sorry on such a cheery subject, but a reality, and a good example) with no issue of accuracy.

3. Automatic night time shut-off on grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, and wall clocks.  Customers who purchase clocks with this feature have the HUGE advantage of having their clock shut off its chime automatically every night at, say, 10pm, and start up again the next morning at, say 7am.  Some customers have commented on how helpful this feature can be if they have a clock in a room in which visitors sleep over.  They have the option of turning the chime off.  Others just love it because they think or fear the sound-chimes might bother them.  it really a personal choice, but it is a great one to have.

4. Illuminated Dials.  While not new in general, this feature is reasonably new to some high-end models of grandfather clocks, most notably some Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks.  Some have illuminated interiors as well.  The big advantage is one can see both the clock’s time, and the clock and dial, even when the light is out.  It is cool!  The only downside is that the clock needs to be near an electrical outlet.  But this is a reasonably new feature many people love.

5. Ave Maria and ode to Joy Chimes.  In very recent years, the high-end clock makers have introduced movements that many times in addition to the Westminster Chimes, offer one or both of the Beethoven ode to Joy and/or Schubert Ave Maria Chimes.  While the Westminster Chimes has been the overwhelming favorite for decades, even when customers have triple chime grandfather clocks, there are many many excited customers eager to also have one or both of their Ave Maria and Ode to Joy Chimes on their Clocks.  And these have been made available not only on quartz movement mantel clocks and wall clocks, but also on some grandfather clocks as well, such as the Howard Miller Clayton Grandfather Clock Model 610-950 (610950) .  We expect this feature with these chimes to be much more popular in the coming decade.

6. Customization of clocks, especially custom or customized atomic wall clocks.  We have seen an increasing desire on the part of businesses and other organization to have atomic clocks, which were addressed above, but with dials that are customized to their needs.  While this might seem simple, many clock manufacturers have stumbled in this area.  We have been able to address this issue with some special design approaches.  And customized atomic clocks for home and office and other organizations will only increase in popularity!

7. Contemporary grandfather clocks.  Many people, and we do not agree with this thought, but nonetheless, many people think of grandfather clocks as very traditional and perhaps out of date for today’s times.  We hear this at 1-800-4CLOCKS.com quite frequently.  Despite the fact that we think there is nothing more beautiful than a traditional or contemporary grandfather clock, and that it adds great home decor value and should be recognized as a treasured piece of furniture, some people are “turned on” only by the contemporary grandfather clocks.  We’ve had clocks of ours of a contemporary nature featured both in TeenVogue as well as on a National NBC Home Rescue show.  Contemporary is here to stay, and will open up many new avenues and new demand.

8.  PC or computer or iPhone or Cell Telephone Clocks.  To be writing about this subject and not recognize the reality that people are seeing the time in many more ways than they ever have before, whether it be on their Apple Mac or PC or iPhone or iPod or simply a basic cell phone (and we’ll mention Google’s Droid phone here too, because we like Google).  Gone are the days of Victorian England when Parliament had to legislate Public Clocks and Pub clocks so the masses would know what time it is.  We believe that the home decor and collectible value of clocks of all types will mean that they will be in homes and offices for many generations to come.  it’s interesting that very recent studies show that with so many sources for time, clocks and watches still receive 90%+ of the views when an individual is seriously interested in knowing what time it is.

9. Clocks for Special Needs or Special Markets.  Technology is allowing clocks to be made which are leaps and bounds ahead in serving individuals with special requirements.  For those who are hard of hearing or have difficulty waking up in the morning, clocks are know available which will not only shake your bed, but they will also have varying forms of strobe lights, AND they have alarms that will knock your socks off, literally and figuratively.  For people who are vision impaired, the shaking and the piercing sounds can be an amazing blessing.  We plan to be carrying these types of clocks very soon.

10. Green clocks.  Would you believe that there is a clock on the market that literally runs on water.  And it’s an LED clock, not tied to a bucket.  We will right more about this amazing clock, and may soon carry it. And solar clocks are making headway in the market.  we expect to see a lot more.

So what do you think?  Will we soon have a solar powered atomic customizable grandfather clocks selection? Which features are most important?  What new ones should we be looking at?  PLEASE share your views with us so that we may serve you better!

Earlier today, I was reading a highly regarded periodical which happened to address the subject of the future of the laptop, pc, Mac, Netbooks, and handhelds in general, and the perception of an inevitable march towards a continuous convergence to handheld devices for all of ones communication and computing needs.

Not that this is a radical new theory.  I remember thinking something similar something like 15-20 years ago, and the landscape has shifted mightily many times during these years.  Remember when some people thought fax machines would be the ever-present fixture in one’s home and office (I do, but I never believed it for a second).

The corporate “bloodshed” as these industries continue to converge, and as the technologies also become more powerful, will finally, i believe (easy to throw these things out when predicting anonymously) more consolidation than we have in previous years.  To date, the effect has been mitigated by the enormous leaps in technological power and capabilities (Moore’s Law, etc.), and the corresponding software, hardware, and devices, including entertainment, which have had the market opportunity to fill these new needs.  No doubt there will still be many applications of technologies that can, and in many cases have not even yet been, simply imagined as products of the future.

The core uses of these technologies of voice, data, and pictures will continue to converge, even as amazing new companies and technologies are born and are brought into fruition.

OK, so what does all of this have to do with clocks, much less grandfather clocks, or wall clocks, or desk or mantle clocks?  Good question.  The Story of The Clock, might be condensed from its history as being a beacon in the industrial revolution, helping to make order out of chaos and an important contribution to a Civil Society, and to a point such as in England where it was mandated by law that public clocks had to be visible in every pub and across any certain number of streets.

Nowadays, one can look at one’s iPhone, or TV, or Automobile, PC or Mac, and possibly even a wristwatch.  Yet studies have shown that people with clocks on their desks still look at them 30-40 times a day!  That says that a clock is more than a fashion or design accessory, but a useful dedicated device.  Now old habits die hard, and it is hard to say what future generation will do and want.  But it is clear that clocks as home decor accents and interior decorating for the home or office are hear to stay!

Grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, wall clocks – started out in a way as a necessity – and now are increasingly being relegated to office and home decor, and to those older fashioned among us whom have a hard time, or simply no desire, to part with conventions.

That’s today’s Story of the Clocks.

We are always seeking feedback from our customers on how we can improve the grandfather clocks and other clocks we offer, as well as input on adding new ones.

We had ventured into the Pet Clocks™ niche, which we are still pursuing, albeit with fewer resources than we had originally planned.  We read today about a prototype in the works for a 100% solar-powered plane that could fly non-stop (except for maintenance) day and night with no other power source.  Quite exciting.  It will have the wingspan of a commercial jet and yet otherwise look a lot like a helicopter without the rotary blades atop.  If this can be done, surely we can make or find some solar clocks that are better than the ones we, at least, have seen on the market to date.  We want to be more green too!

What about a clock that could talk to you in your own voice, or that of a loved one (or hated or feared one), as your way of waking up in the morning.  Or one with a customized chime?  Would you be willing to pay a lot more for a super-high-quality sound you might want to showcase in your own home?

One area we definitely will be beefing up in the near term is for clocks for the visually impaired or those with hearing problems.  We will likely be adding phones as well, as well of course and very large numeral clocks, in the near future.  One manufacturer promised us their clocks could “wake the dead”.  We can guarantee you that we will be making no such claims.  Yet the range of offerings, from alarm clocks which shake the bed to one which also has a line go on and off and on and off, will be quite impressive.  With the phones, we will likely be offering services or features which are somewhat similar to the First Alert (I’ve fallen and I can’t get up) system which has been on the market for many years.

Stay tuned for some exciting additions.

AND please do let us know WHAT YOU WANT.  We know grandfather clocks are the greatest.  we just want to make sure we meet as many of our customer needs as reasonably possible.

A wall clock in one’s office is, studies have shown, looked at an average of 30-50 times a day.  A watch on one’s wrist, also known as a wristwatch, probably looked at a similar number of times.  A clock on one’s computer is certainly noticed, but at least current adult creatures of habit still look at it with less frequency than dedicated clocks or watches.  And as for looking at the clock on your iPod, fuhgeddaboudit.  iPod users, while we have yet to see a definitive study, tend to look at the clocks on their devices with much less frequency than those who own and wear watches.  But on the bright side, who would buy an iPod for the clock feature anyway?

As mobile computing and virtual realities becomes more pervasive, the future of timekeeping, and the devices used by individuals, will no doubt shift to some important degree.

Having said that, grandfather clocks, wall clocks, mantel clocks and the like are frequently as much about home decor, office decor, and interior decorating as anything else, so we don’t anticipate major marketplace changes from that vantage point.

Howard Miller Clocks, Ridgeway Clock Collection, Hermle Floor Clocks, Seth Thomas Clocks, and Bulova watches to grandfather clocks are likely to be brands that are here for the long haul.

We expect their popularity will continue unabated both among collectors and interior designers.  And we see this for both clocks and watches of all types, with some exciting innovations no doubt playing a role as we move forward in time.

Happy New Year to all.

When our children are born – or more accurately, just prior to them being born – we spend a whole lot of time planning the design of their rooms. We plan everything down to the smallest detail in coordinating crib bedding, artwork, paint, and so forth. And the end result is a room that is a perfect in every way. As kids grow, however, their needs change – and sooner or later (more sooner than later) they begin to have very clear cut ideas on what they want their room to look like.

At this point, it may become time to embark upon a complete design renovation – turning what is more kid friendly into something that is more suitable for young adults. This is actually a perfect project to do along with kids as they choose the colors that they want, the fabrics, the furniture – and really infuse their personality and choices into what will eventually define their room.

There are many ways to bring a room to life and the use of color is certainly one of them. But beyond the color and the furniture there are accessories that can help transform a room – including clocks.

Clocks are so powerful because they carry so much design weight in such a small package. They can be everything from traditional to vibrant, classic to funky – and still they can moved from place to place in order to maximize their benefits. Everything from mantel clocks to wall clocks can be placed in a young person’s room – giving them a way to tell time (other than that computer and cell phone) and really elevating the décor of their bedroom to something that is far more grown up and sophisticated.

As consumers we have seen the home-renovation trend essentially explode; there are television shows of every variety dedicated exclusively to making over a particular space in a home or even an entire home from floor to ceiling; there are books and magazines detailing the steps that homeowners can take to renovate their living space without spending a fortune. And so, as the diligent students that we are, we have taken the advice to heart and trained ourselves to look at things differently – to find the fantastic among the simple, to seek out those pieces that are inexpensive and pack a solid punch in terms of design.

So it’s not surprising that many homeowners are rediscovering the benefits of having clocks in their home. Sure, clocks are functional items used for generations to tell time. But in early American societies, clocks were handmade items that were not affordable for many households; and the households that were able to afford them cherished them accordingly. They were more than just ways to stay on top of the time of day, they were parts of the home of which homeowners were fiercely proud.

We may have clocks on our computer and our cell phones and every other conceivable electronic device on which we have come to rely so heavily. But if we remember the origins of the clock – the way that homeowners displayed clocks with such pride – we can better understand how clocks can transform a home. And today most homeowners are able to afford high quality, beautifully crafted clocks; there’s something for every budget. Forget the computer clock; look to the mantel clocks, wall clocks, and even grandfather clocks to infuse a home with a luxurious feeling without spending a mint.

There are those things that are so ingrained in our lives that we hardly give any thought to them; so a part of our everyday daily routine that they are nothing to which we give the slightest consideration. Telling time is a part of the human experience, especially in the modern world where we are always in a rush to do something – keeping to a harried schedule that relies heavily on the passing of the hands of the clock. Of course modern inventions have allowed us to tell time through the clocks on our computers, cell phones, and PDA devices with just a glance. But this does not mean that clocks of a more traditional nature cannot be found in the modern home. And while we often do not give as much thought as we should to what those clocks will look like and how they will further the décor of the home they are something that can often be found in every room in our home.

When we begin to understand that clocks combine form and function seamlessly we will understand that they are actually the perfect accompaniments to our home décor.

* Mantel clocks can grace a fireplace or sit atop a countertop, occasion table, or nightstand.

* Wall clocks can turn plain into pizzazz. Wall clocks can be hung in kitchens, in hallways, in entranceways, in living rooms, and even in bedrooms where timing telling can be transformed into a decorative affair.

* Grandfather clocks are the quintessential double feature, able to offer time telling capabilities with the style and design reserved for cherished pieces of furniture.

The Internet has certainly changed the way in which we do our shopping. Now more than ever, consumers have access to an enormous variety of products and services; all of which are theirs for the taking with just the touch of a few buttons. Even larger items, such as clocks, can be found online through comprehensive websites such 1-800-4CLOCKS where they can be browsed, purchased, and shipped straight to our door.

Through reputable online suppliers such as 1-800-4CLOCKS consumers have access to a variety of clocks such as:

*Wall Clocks – Walls clocks are created in a variety of styles; from simple round faced clocks to those designed to look like miniature grandfather clocks. Hung in hallways, entranceways, and in any room in the home – from kitchens to living rooms – wall clocks, in many cases, are much like pieces of art hung on our walls.

*Mantel Clocks – Nothing is more inviting than a fireplace. And adding décor to the mantel above the fireplace becomes something of an art form in and of itself. Mantel clocks are the perfect way to showcase a fireplace and really set the mood in a room.

*Grandfather Clocks – Not every room – or home for that matter – can handle the size and “personality” of a grandfather clock. They anchor a room, create an unrivalled statement, and often become the most cherished of our family heirlooms. For those rooms that require a little less in terms of size, there are grandmother clocks – just as statuesque but smaller in scale.

*Atomic Clocks – At home on desks, nightstands, and in more casual environments, atomic clocks add a personality all their own. Who says that bedrooms and offices don’t deserve their own brand of flair? Atomic clocks can offer the perfect accessory for smaller rooms.

Clocks are more than just means by which to tell the time; used uniquely, clocks can be a fun and fresh way to add instant décor to any room in the home. While there are a great many people who opted to only tell the time through their computer screens and cable boxes, there are just as many who understand that this shortsighted time telling is robbing a homeowner or renter from the true beauty of time keeping – the clock. They are one of the oldest inventions of humans, the way in which we have marked the passing of time for centuries – and we continue to honor that traditional through a variety of designs that suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

What many homeowners and renters are discovering is just how easy it is to use clocks in every room in the home – not just as a way to tell the time but also as a simple and inexpensive means to creating a design that flows throughout the home. Some of the ways in which we can use clocks throughout the home include:

*A grandfather clock in the entranceway of a home – welcomes visitors with warmth, elegance, and sophistication. And the song of the grandfather clock as it marks the hour fills the entire home with melody.

*A wall clock in a living room. A small wall clock that also strikes the hour can be the perfect way to fill space on a wall and add a touch of elegance to any room.

*A mantel clock in a family room above a fireplace – finishes the fireplace with a clean and sophisticated style.

*Atomic clocks in the bedroom – allow people to tell the time in their rooms and infuse their room with personality.

Decorating a child’s bedroom can be challenging to say the least. There is the child’s taste to consider – especially if they are on the older side, as well as your desire to stay within a design that is in keeping with the rest of the home. One of the ways that decorators can accomplish both goals is through the placement of key elements in the room that will speak to the child’s personal tastes and still fit nicely with the design of the home.

Clocks are a much overlooked but still effective element for use in home decorating. When you consider how much a country styled clock can change the look of the room that has been styled in a conventional format, or how an antique inspired wall clock may look out of place in a country kitchen, you begin to get a sense of how much impact even the smallest pieces can have in a home.

By bringing a well chosen clock into a child’s bedroom you are offering the child a functional piece that can help them keep time. For younger children this is especially important as they learn to tell time on their own; for older children it offers a more traditional alternative to atomic clocks that generally sit on nightstands, or the clock keeping time on their cell phones or computers.

Further, even the smallest clock such as a mantel clock set on a dresser can elevate the room design, finishing it off and giving it a hint of glamour and sophistication. Just because it’s a child’s room doesn’t meant that it shouldn’t have as much appeal as any other room in the home.