When shopping for grandfather clocks, one needs to keep in mind the alternate terminology for grandfather clock, such as floor clocks, longcase clocks, tall-case clocks, grandmother clocks, and, yes, sometimes even hall clocks.

So perhaps it is not too surprising that when talking about table clocks or desktop clocks or shelf clocks, all of which can be used reasonably synonymously, there is also the term mantel clocks that is used perhaps most commonly.  Even of more interest and relevance is that the term mantel clocks is spelled just about as frequently as mantle clocks.  Both spellings are about equally popular, and are used both in North America as well as Western Europe with both spellings.  We used to think that mantle clocks was simply a more European spelling for mantel clocks, but careful study and observation suggests both clocks terms have taken hold across a wide swath of geographical locations.

Which term do you find to be most descriptive for this category of clock – table clock, desktop clock, shelf clock or mantle-mantel clock?  We like all and have just somehow assumed that the mantel-mantle clock nomenclature, which seems to be the standard according to most manufacturers of high quality clocks.  What’s your opinion?  Which term best reflects this.  Don’t forget about bracket clocks too!  The bracket clock is a term which we believe was reasonably standard in England during the 1700s and 1800s and early-mid 1900s.  Of course there was-is also the term tambour clock, also known as a Napoleon’s Hat clock, for those with that special design.  While we use the terms bracket clocks and tambour clocks frequently, especially when referring to antique clocks.  Yet we rarely hear American customers, especially those shopping for new grandfather or wall or mantel clocks use the alternate type of clock speak noted above.

And how about wall clocks?  There are gallery clocks, railroad station clocks, atomic wall clocks which are also know as radio controlled frequency clocks, not to mention the specialty wall clocks including cuckoo clocks and wall skeleton clocks.

Let us know which term for tabletop or desktop clocks most speaks to you.  Should we stick with the mantel clock and mantle clock variation, or be more bold and trendsetting in the clock industry.

Over time,  we have weighed in on the strengths, weaknesses, and commonalities of the various makers of grandfather clocks, mantle clocks and wall clocks.

Now we are asking for your opinions as to the best makers of wall clocks, mantel clocks and grandfather clocks.

Here are the categories:

GrandfatherClocks:  and Grandmother Clocks too!

Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks

Hermle Grandfather Clocks

Bulova Grandfather Clocks

Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks

Kieninger Grandfather Clocks

We would encourage you in this case to supply your own criteria for rating grandfather clocks. We look forward to hearing from many floor clocks and grandfather clocks enthusiasts.

Mantle Clocks:  Mantel Clocks maker categories include -

Bulova Mantel Clocks

Howard Miller Mantel Clocks

Hermle Mantel Clocks

Ridgeway Mantel Clocks

Seth Thomas Mantel Clocks

Kieninger Mantle Clocks

Included in this category are mechanical chiming mantel clocks, quartz chiming mantle clocks, quartz time only mantel clocks, and others.  We look forward to your input!

Wall Clocks:

Wall clock categories and makers here include

Howard Miller Wall Clocks

Hermle Wall Clocks

Seth Thomas Wall Clocks

Bulova Wall Clocks

Kieninger Wall Clocks

Ridgeway Wall Clocks

Categories within here include Atomic Wall Clocks, Gallery or oversized wall clocks, mechanical chiming wall clocks, quartz chiming wall clocks, quartz rime only wall clocks, wrought iron wall clocks, decorative wall clocks, and indoor outdoor wall clocks.  We would also include combination barometers and wall clocks in this category.

What do you think?  We very much want your input, and we will figure out the best way to present the results for grandfather clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks.  It will be quite interesting to see how they differ from the best selling brands and types of grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, wall clocks.  Atomic clocks may be a special focus, especially because of their increasing popularity.

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!

Howard Miller Mantle Clocks and Wall Clocks LIMITED WARRANTY

NOTE THAT 1-800-4CLOCKS ENSURES THAT ALL HOWARD MILLER CLOCKS PURCHASED FROM  US HAVE A WARRANTY OF 2 YEARS.  THIS APPLIES FOR CLOCKS for which even Howard Miller only offers a 1 Year Warranty.  1-800-4CLOCKS extends it for an additional year in those cases (applies mostly to quartz or battery operated Wall Clocks or Mantle Clocks).

This product has been manufactured using only the very finest of materials and has been thoroughly tested prior to leaving our manufacturing facility.

Howard Miller warrants to the original consumer/purchaser or recipient that this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from date of purchase.

Howard Miller’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to repairing the product with new or renewed components or, at its option, replacing it with a new or renewed product. This warranty does not include damage to product or components resulting from abuse, accident, alteration, climatic/environmental conditions, damage beyond normal use, freight damage, mishandling, misuse, or unauthorized repair.

HOWARD MILLER DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE IN EFFECT ONLY FOR THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE AND THEREAFTER, THERE SHALL BE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE), ON THIS PRODUCT.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

4

HAMMER

ARM

CHIME

COIL

or

ROD

MOON DIAL

CLICK

SPRING

FIGURE 12

FIGURE 11

5

SERVICE INFORMATION

Before pursuing service, ensure that all instructions provided with your Howard Miller clock have been carefully followed. These instructions will provide detailed information to answer most questions. Contact the Howard Miller web site ( www.howardmiller.com ) for a list of frequently asked questions that may conveniently resolve your problem or answer your question. Most problems can be quickly resolved without returning the clock for service. Before calling, please have these instructions and the following information available:

Model Number: ________________ Serial Number: _________________ Date of

Purchase: ________________ Where Purchased: _________________ The model and serial number can be found on the Product Information Label (see General Information). (A copy of the original bill of sale or proof of purchase or receipt date.) Brief Description of Problem:

____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________

PROCEDURES TO OBTAIN REPAIR SERVICE

. In the unlikely event that your clock appears to be malfunctioning or require repair, IN NORTH AMERICA please call one of our Repair Technicians at (616) 772-7277 (extension #386). OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA please call your distributor or agent.

. Have a copy of the original bill of sale or other proof of purchase or receipt date available.

. Have the Howard Miller model number and serial number and a complete description of the problem available.

. Return Authorization is required for all returns to Howard Miller. If you have been given authorization to return the clock to Howard Miller, you will be given a Return Authorization number (RGA#). Returns without prior authorization may be subject to additional charges and delays.

If a return is necessary, please package clock in the ORIGINAL packaging.

Failure to properly pack the clock may cause damage that is not covered under warranty. You should obtain insurance for the return shipment. If ORIGINAL packaging is not available, you may find it convenient to take the clock to a professional packaging and shipping company (consumer expense). Otherwise, please follow the instructions below.

1. Package the clock into a stiff corrugated carton. This carton needs to be larger than the clock and should have at least 4″ (inches) of space between the clock and each carton wall, to allow for adequate cushion material.

2. Position the clock into the carton.

. Wrap the item in a plastic bag.

Damaged Glass Note: Remove all broken glass before packing the clock for return.

Failure to do so may further damage the clock and would not be covered under warranty.

. Cover the bottom 4″ (inches) of the carton with cushioning material.

Cushioning material may

include foamed peanuts, tightly packed newspaper or other similar material.

. Place the clock in the center of the carton on top of the cushioning material.

. Enclose the following inside the carton with the clock: the reason for returning the product, the RGA#, and a copy of the original bill of sale or proof of purchase.

. Fill the remaining space around the clock, and use enough additional cushioning material so that the clock cannot move or shift in transit.

3. Seal the carton securely with packaging tape. DO NOT use masking or tape intended for gift wrapping.

4. Clearly mark the outside of the carton with the complete Howard Miller Company “ship to”

address. Include your complete address. Please include the Return Authorization number (RGA#), above your name, on the address label.

5. Damage caused by poor packaging or freight handling is not covered under warranty.

NON-WARRANTY REPAIR SERVICE

Charges will result for repair services if a bill of sale or other proof of purchase date is not provided, if instructions were not followed, if the clock is beyond the Limited Warranty period or is otherwise outside the scope of the Limited Warranty.

MINOR ADJUSTMENTS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY Repair service and/or parts to correct the following minor adjustments are at the consumer’s

expense:

1. “Set-Up”. Set-Up instructions have been provided with your Howard Miller product.

2. Mechanical Movement Oiling and Cleaning. The movement in your clock is a mechanical mechanism and, therefore, requires periodic oiling and cleaning depending on climatic and environmental conditions. Under normal conditions a movement requires oiling with high quality clock oil approximately every two years from the date of purchase. Please contact a qualified clock repair person or authorized Howard Miller Service Center for this service.

3. Replacement of Suspension Spring. Please return broken suspension spring to Howard Miller for proper identification. Replacement suspension springs are available from Howard Miller.

4. Pendulum, Timing, and Chime/Strike Hammer Adjustments. Instructions for these adjustments have been provided in this publication.

FREIGHT DAMAGE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY It is the responsibility of the consignee to claim any freight loss or damage directly with the carrier. If the carton indicates signs of “visible damage”, instruct the driver to note the damage on the freight bill. If the carton contains “concealed damage”, notify the carrier and request in writing within 14 days of product receipt a carrier inspection and damage report.

Failure to notify the carrier within 14 days of product receipt may waive your rights to a damage claim.

NOT 100% crystal clear?  Having a wall clock or mantel clock  problem?  please feel free to call us at any time at 1-800-4CLOCKS (1-800-425-6257).  We’ll be here and aim to help!

Dent and Company is perhaps best known for designing the Tower Clock in England’s Houses of Parliament, that has become known over the years as Big Ben (which is actually the name of the Bell in the Clock Tower).

Dent also made bracket clocks and wall clocks, though we see very few of them for sale.  Antique Grandfather Clocks by Dent also no doubt exist, though we believe they are quite rare as we can’t remember the last time we saw an original of  Dent Grandfather Clocks.

Pocket Watches by Dent are of extraordinarily high quality and were made in some large numbers.  The Dent family spanned several generations in clocks and pocket watch making.

The history of Dent & Co. spans three centuries of precision watch and clock making in Great Britain. Established in 1814 by (the very first) Edward J. Dent, the company embraced the Victorian fervor for technological innovation and created precision chronometers to navigate the Royal Navy and guide some of the most intrepid explorers on their voyages. The British Empire was in full expansion and its maritime tradition had produced some remarkable technological breakthroughs from the late 18th century; John Harrison’s triumphant mechanical solution in 1764 to locate a ship’s position at sea won the coveted Board of Longitudes prize money and further consolidated Britain as the horological force in the world.  Propelling the impetus of Britain’s primacy, Dent proved a key player in Victorian horological history manufacturing the Standard Clock at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich which was to keep “Greenwich Mean Time”  the time to which all others in the Empire were referred, (better known today as G.M.T.) and continued to do so until replaced by an electronic clock in 1946.  Dent also made probably the most famous clock in the world – the Great Clock for the Houses of Parliament, familiarly known as Big Ben.

A Chronology of Dent Family Business Premises – all locations are in London, England

1826   E.J.Dent, 43 King Street, Long Acre

1830   Arnold & Dent, 84 Strand

1840   Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand

1843   Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street

1847   Edward J. Dent, 82 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street & 34 Royal Exchange

1851   Edward J. Dent, 61 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street & 34 Royal Exchange

1853  Frederick Dent, 61 Strand & 34 Royal Exchange

1853   Richard Edward Dent, 33 Cockspur Street

1856   Frederick Dent, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1857   M. F. Dent, 33 Cockspur Street

1861   Dent & Co, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1861   M. F. Dent, 33 & 34 Cockspur Street

1864   E. Dent & Co, 61 Strand, 34 & 35 Royal Exchange

1886   E. Dent & Co, 61 Strand, & 4 Royal Exchange

1897  E. Dent & Co Ltd, 61 Strand, & 4 Royal Exchange

1904   M. F. Dent, 34 Cockspur Street

1920   E.  Dent & Co Ltd (consolidation M. F. Dent), 61 Strand, 4 Royal Exchange & 34 Cockspur Street

1921   E. Dent & Co Ltd, 61 Strand, 4 Royal Exchange & 28 Cockspur Street

1936   E. Dent & Co Ltd, 41 Pall Mall & 4 Royal Exchange

1941 – 1977   E. Dent & Co Ltd, 41 Pall Mall

Dent & Co. also acquired a range of titles and appointments. They include:

Makers to and holders of Royal Warrants from Her Majesty Queen Victoria and H.R.H. Albert, Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Edward VI, His Majesty King George V,  Her Majesty Queen Mary, His Majesty Tsar Alexander III, His Majesty Tsar Nicolas II Emperors of Russia and His Majesty Emperor Mejii of Japan.  Makers to the Courts and Governments of France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Germany, Spain, the United States, Japan and no doubt many others.

Tis the Season for many joyous occasions, including discounts on grandfather clocks, wall clocks, mantle clocks and much more.  While plasma and high definition televisions may be high on the list of many people, as well as the latest iMacs, iPods, iPhones, we know that clocks, especially grandfather clocks, show up on peoples radar screens much of the time.

We are asked many times if we have coupons or coupon codes available for checkout from our 1-800-4CLOCKS.com website.  The short answer is that is not something we usually do.  The reason being that we strive to ALWAYS offer the lowest available price and to be one step ahead of our competition as much as reasonably possible.  We do not believe in grandfather clock discounts that “expire tonight at midnight” or other phony sales gimmicks.  We encourage any clocks customer who is at all unsure about the pros and cons of certain clocks, or has any questions, to call us at 1-800-4CLOCKS, and we always strive to share as much detail about our clocks offerings as we can, all the time.

So when Black Friday comes, while it will be as good as any other day shopping for grandfather clocks or mantle clocks or wall clocks, you might want to spend your time looking for the discount lures that are put out there by so many major retailers.  Come visit us or call us, and maybe you will be surprised, or maybe not.

We don’t believe in artificially raising prices, only so we can lower them the next day and offer steeper percent discounts.  1-800-4CLOCKS prides itself on being very approachable, and we are delighted to talk through the pros and cons of, say, cable driven grandfather clocks vs. chain driven grandfather clocks.  Quartz grandfather clocks too.  Even tubular chime grandfather clocks and what they have to offer. We are happy to discuss the different makers, including Howard Miller, Hermle, Ridgeway, Bulova, Kieninger and so many more.  We will even search for a particular clock, whether an antique grandfather clocks or an old bracket clock with nested bells.

We aim to be your one stop shop for all clock needs, both personal and professional.  Increasingly, corporate customers, governments, and other organizations including libraries and hospitals, and coming to us for special order clocks that can be customized to meet their promotional or environmental and decor needs.

We would like to do the same for you, in 2009 and for many years to come.

Have you ever seen a piece of jewelry in the shape of a grandfather clock?  A pin with a wall clock? What about a solid 14k gold pendant of the Big Ben Tower Clock of London to wear on a necklace (I own one of those, actually)? Watches as earrings, particularly from the Art Deco Watches period.  Or what about gears from clocks and watches being used as parts for jewelery.

While we can’t see we see an ever increasing trend toward the uses of horological timepieces in jewelry, we can say for a fact that there has always been a place for the clock and watch in the jewelry market.  Do you see this yourself – please let us know.

We have even toyed over the years with introducing jewelry ourselves in the shape of timepieces of all types, from the basic grandfather clock necklace, pendant or earrings, to similar items with a wall clock or mantle clock design.  Whether to make the grandfather clock actually tick and function, or the wall clock tell time, is another question entirely.  And we see these more as decorative pieces compared to the more functional pocket watches that antique pocket watches or pendant watches that women used to wear much more routinely in the past vs. present.

Let’s not forget about the men out there who may be interested in grandfather clock cuff links, or wall clock studs for that special shirt or tuxedo.

We would very much like your horological and design sense and potential buyer input.  Have you seen much grandfather clock jewelry out there? Any wall clock jewelry you would like to see?

Let us know your thoughts and opinions.

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.

Our Store, 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, is one of the largest clocks retailers in the world.  We specialize in grandfather clocks, but also stock and sell many wall clocks, mantle clocks, atomic clocks, cuckoo clocks, and on and on.  We carry both new and antique clocks.  Pocket watches too.

The brands we carry include Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, Ridgeway Clock Collection, Bulova Grandfather Clocks Collection, and premium Kieninger grandfather parts (custom made to order in Germany and shipped directly to customer, with 2-3 month lead time).  For these same manufacturers, and others crafts makers and artisans, we also carry their lines of wall clocks, mantel clocks, atomic clocks, cuckoo clocks, novelty clocks, and much more.

We have a Low Price Guarantee, where we pledge not to be undersold by any online authorized internet dealer for the major brands we sell (see website for details).  A major problem on the internet today is the plethora of websites claiming to be authorized dealers for the companies they are representing when they are really not.  Some lie outright, and others simply skirt the issue.  The sad reality for people who purchase products from these vendors is that the warranties they think they are getting with their clock will not be valid.  A warranty not only gives piece of mind – it also has the potential to save one many hundreds, or possibly thousands, of dollars in repair bills.

Another ploy used by many marketers include what we call “false calls to action”, with 2 examples being “Sale Ends on Friday” or “50% off” when in the first case the sale may end, only to begin yet again immediately thereafter.  In the second example, we see many retailers artificially raise their prices, even if only for an hour, so that they can them claim significantly deeper percentage discounts than they would otherwise be able to do.  We find both of these practices to be both immoral and highly misleading.  We believe in everyday low prices, and always striving to meet or beat the competition.  Free gifts of a dubious nature or value are also promised by some enterprising sites.

This is less of an issue for the antique clocks we sell, where many items are closer to one-of-a-kind artifacts.  Yet we still see “prices slashed” and tie-ins with giveaways in this market as well, but not the same kind of retail gimmickry we new with the sale of new grandfather clocks, new atomic clocks, mantel clocks, and new wall clocks too.

When purchasing a clock, especially a grandfather clock, many people also do not take into account the many factors in the overall value proposition.  Yes the grandfather clock is important, but how will it be shipped to you, by home, what will they do in your home, will they even bring it into your home or will they leave it at curbside.   What about an in-home clocks set-up — who will do it? How skilled are they?  Might it void the warranty?  What if there is shipping damage?  Manufacturing defects?  Are you fully protected?  How do you know?  These are ALL very critical points, and whom you buy from will determine how well you are taken care of in each of these cases-categories.

Everyday low(est) prices and the best shopping experience and overall value. That’s our recipe for success, and our mantra. Come shop with us.

A grandfather clock has become a very generous, but not uncommon, gift from parents to the bride and groom to be. We have had bridal registry requests for grandfather clocks.  Frequently these are families that have grown up with a grandfather clock in their home, and the parents want their children to have the same heartwarming and heirloom quality feel and presence and warmth that is brought from the addition of a grandfather or floor clock to a living room or some other common area of the new couple’s home.

We have had some customers whom have purchased multiple grandfather clocks, one for each of their children when they got married.  One individual recently purchased his 4th Floor Clock and proudly proclaimed afterwards “I am Done!”  His fourth child was soon to be married.  All had apparently wanted the antique grandfather clock that was in the home in which they grew up, but the parents were neither ready to give up their clock and also did not want to start a family war over this treasured heirloom.  Unfortunately, grandfather clock cloning technology has yet to be perfected , but it’s an interesting idea!  Any genetic scientists out there with a blueprint for how this might be accomplished, please get in touch with us.

A grandfather clock or special mantle clock or wall clock as a present for a milestone anniversary, or even a very special birthday, has also been an increasing trend.  We have seen many couple buy grandfather clocks for 10th, 20th, 25th, 40, and even 50th wedding anniversaries, among others.  Sometimes it is the children of the parents celebrating the special event who purchase this special timepiece.  We have had many purchase high-end grandfather clocks, always looking for a good grandfather clock discount or special clock on sale, for a very special birthday.

We applaud this trend and are excited to share in the joy that these gifts bring to their new owners, as well as the satisfaction of the gift givers and present receivers, whomever falls in whichever category.

Clocks of all types make great presents, and as most people know, are also given by corporations to employees to mark very special employee recognition gift occasions, or as employee retirement gifts. Many of our customers have been buying really nice clocks for years to give as gifts to mark a special time with a special timepiece.  As our registered trademark says, “Add Time to Your Life”™.