Hermle Clocks have long been associated with German clockmaking, mechanical clock movements, and a wide variety of traditional and contemporary clocks. Founded in Germany in 1922, Hermle has been making clocks and clock movements for more than a century. Today, Hermle remains especially noteworthy in a clock industry where many once-familiar clock manufacturers and brands have disappeared or changed dramatically.
For clock shoppers and collectors, the Hermle name can mean several different things. Hermle manufactures complete clocks, including grandfather clocks and floor clocks, wall clocks and regulators, mantel and table clocks, as well as unusual astronomical and specialty clocks. Hermle is also an important manufacturer of mechanical clock movements used in clocks carrying both the Hermle name and other clock brands.
Hermle Grandfather Clocks and Floor Clocks
Hermle Grandfather Clocks are an important part of the company’s clockmaking tradition. The terms grandfather clock and floor clock are frequently used interchangeably by clock shoppers, and Hermle has produced both traditional and contemporary interpretations of these tall case clocks.
Mechanical grandfather clocks may incorporate features such as cable-driven or chain-driven movements, pendulums and weights, moon-phase or other decorative dials, and traditional clock chimes. Case designs can range from highly traditional furniture styles to much more contemporary designs.
Our separate Hermle Floor Clocks discussion focuses more specifically on this part of the Hermle collection.
Hermle Wall Clocks and Regulators
Hermle Wall Clocks range from decorative clocks to traditional and contemporary regulator designs. Some are mechanical clocks in the classic European tradition, while others use quartz technology. Hermle’s long experience manufacturing movements is particularly relevant to its mechanical wall clocks and regulators.
Clocks Blog has discussed this part of the market since its early years; see also Hermle Clocks and Wall Clocks.
Hermle Mantel Clocks and Table Clocks
Hermle also has a long history with mantel and table clocks. Depending upon the clock, these may use mechanical or quartz movements and may range from traditional wood-cased designs to much more modern clocks. Mechanical models can include familiar clockmaking features such as pendulums, visible movements, striking mechanisms and chimes.
The words mantel clock and mantle clock are both commonly encountered, although “mantel clock” refers specifically to the shelf or mantel on which this type of clock traditionally sits.
Hermle Telluriums
Among the most distinctive Hermle specialty clocks are Hermle Telluriums. A Tellurium combines timekeeping with an astronomical display representing the relationship and movement of the Earth, moon and sun. These clocks are as much kinetic astronomical displays and conversation pieces as they are conventional clocks.
For owners and prospective owners, Clocks Blog also has a much more detailed Hermle Tellurium instruction guide covering operation and setup.
Hermle Astrolabiums and Specialty Clocks
Hermle Astrolabiums are another unusual part of the Hermle collection. They incorporate geared and moving astronomical display components representing celestial relationships, but the current Hermle Astrolabium is quartz and battery operated rather than being a mechanically powered clock. That distinction is important when comparing an Astrolabium with mechanically powered specialty clocks.
Hermle has also produced other specialty astronomical and calendar clocks, including perpetual-calendar designs. These unusual clocks illustrate how the Hermle name extends well beyond conventional grandfather, wall and mantel clocks.
Hermle Mechanical Clock Movements
One reason the Hermle name appears throughout the clock industry is the company’s role as a manufacturer of mechanical clock movements. Hermle continues to manufacture mechanical movements in Germany for grandfather clocks, wall clocks and table clocks.
Depending upon the movement, features can include Westminster chimes, additional traditional chime melodies, striking mechanisms and automatic nighttime shutoff. Hermle movements have also been used by clock companies other than Hermle, so finding a Hermle movement inside a clock does not necessarily mean that the complete clock was sold under the Hermle brand.
More Than One Kind of Hermle Clock
There is therefore no single description that encompasses every Hermle Clock. A shopper looking for a traditional mechanical Hermle Grandfather Clock has very different considerations from someone choosing a Hermle Wall Clock, Mantel Clock, regulator, Tellurium or Astrolabium.
That diversity is one reason we expect Hermle Clocks to remain an increasingly important subject here at ClocksBlog.com. We will continue covering the different Hermle clock categories, mechanical movements, specialty clocks and individual models in greater depth.