Grandfather clocks evolved from wall clocks, as a response to astronomers’ need for more accurate clock in the 1500s. The grandfather clock had a face with a longer pendulum and weights enveloped in a wooden case. The clocks were thin and tall.
After several years, the grandfather clock had made many adjustments, making them less astronomer’s-specialized. Today, the antique clocks are enclosed in long cases allowing them to stand on the floor on their own. Because of these long cases, the clocks were called floor clocks.
The improvements made in these antique clocks did not stop after its creation, that, in our time, the refined models are the latest versions. Among the modern manufacturers of grandfather clocks is Howard Miller.
Howard Miller designed the famous President Kennedy limited edition. Its time-telling authenticity can be traced on its clock, which is certified with a number that is shown on its clock face. With its Roman architectural design, the Kennedy grandfather clock makes an exciting family possession.
Another of Miller creation is Satinwood. It is simple and contemporary design with its delicate nickel accents and a curved glass top, which allow viewers to see the inside motion. Its dial is also nickel-finished with bezel, markers and hands.
Hentschel is among the leading manufacturers of grandfather floor clocks. Chinook is famous with its arched split pediment and turned finial. In the evening, this clock shuts off its chime cable-wound movement. Its dial is moon-phased with lunar arch and raised numbers on time ring.
Hentschel Thornbury’s clock has beautifully scalloped beveled 3-piece glass. Its unique feature is the floating dial with raised brass Roman numerals. The chimes are available in Westminster, St. Michael and Whittington. This too has auto night shut off and triple chime cable wound movement.
Brookfield floor clock by Sligh is among the retired clock by its manufacturers. But even when it is retired, it’s still famous with its applied Arabic numerals and midnight blue moon disc. It features three-piece reeded front columns that include decorative turned top and bottom column caps.
Another watch manufacturer that is world-renowned is Bulova. Its Shelbourne grandfather clock has its base designed resembling the bombs. It also has four-tiers. On its feet and center area are ornamentations carved delicately by hands. Also, its midnight blue moon disc and applied Arabic numerals made a stunning contrast.
Colchester, another Bulova grandfather clocks masterpiece has rare antique finish, creative V-grooves border design on front door glass, and bird’s eye maple veneers. It also has fluted and beaded pilasters.
Another Bulova masterpiece is Hallmark, highlighted by its delicate carved base molding. Its unique brass plated moon dial heeds the rhythms of a shiny, brass-polished pendulum and weight shells.
Bulova also designed grandfather clocks for Harley Davidson. Among its features are black dials with raised satin silver-finish roman numerals. The numerals are brushed silver bar and shield logo, and satin silver-finish bezel.
Its cable movement is 8 days and the clock is capable of adjusting itself. Every night, starting at 10:00 to 7:00, its triple-chimed cable wound movement automatically stops. You can choose its chimes like Westminster, St. Michael and Whittington.
The Parliament grandfather clocks of Bulova have 16 hammers, cable-wound triple chimes, and large diameter Corinthian fluted columns on their fronts. They have a three-tiered lower base and beveled glass door on their front.