Mantle Clocks

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 4:23 pm     Post subject: Mantle Clocks

Hi, I just discovered your forum and am hoping to get some advice/assistance. My husband and I want to purchase a mantle clock for my mother for her upcoming birthday. It's something she has wanted for a number of years. However, we no nothing about them and do not know where to start. Are there certain brands that are better than others? Are they mainly American made clocks? Any recommendations on where we could go to see them in person and purchase in store (we live in MA) or is the way to go to purchase online?

We would like to purchase something new (vs. antique) and are looking to spend about $500-$1000. Any help/recommondations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 9:17 pm     Post subject:

Given the price range, you should be able to find a nice mantel style clock which would have a mechanical movement (instead of a battery operated movement). The movement refers to the actual clock (time-keeping) mechanism. There is nothing wrong with battery-operated movements, however mechanical is more traditional and better sounding.

Klockit offers some mantel style clocks, but they are kits (and you or your husband would have to assemble the wood pieces, stain and finish the clock case assembly, and then install the movement). There are finshed clocks out there ("finished" indicating that they are pre-assembled, factory stained/finished, and ready to be given as a gift). Howard Miller offers a variety of finished mantel clocks, and would probably be the best place to start (as there are many independant vendors out there who sell Howard Miller assemblies - both on the internet and in retail stores). You do have to be careful, as some retailers offer clocks that are not made out of solid wood (typically assemblies that are manufactured in China and made from composite materials such as plywood or MDF wood). You can always start on the internet (to get an idea of what you are looking for) and then refine your search to local area retailers for a specific clock assemblies of interest.

Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 2:49 am     Post subject:

You need to decide if you want a mechanical or quartz movement. The mechanical movement will have to be wound weekly, and maintained every 2-3 years. Most people do not like the bother of a mechanical clock.

If you decide on a purchasing a antique clock I would make sure that it is in good mechanical order.