9 Best Grandfather Clock Brands for Every Home

Are you constantly wondering what time it is and asking your family for the time? If so, getting a clock for your home is a good idea. So what’s a wonderful clock that will make your house shine? The grandfather clock, of course!

Yet, you may not know what type to get for your residence. If you’re feeling lost, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will detail the nine best grandfather clock brands on the market.

We also provide answers that will help you better understand the features and costs of grandfather clocks. Ready to learn all about them? Let’s get started!

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1. Howard Miller Clock Company

Founded in 1926, the Howard Miller Clock Company is the largest grandfather clock manufacturer in the world. It was not until 1960 that the company began building and manufacturing grandfather clocks. At this point, the business has changed hands down through three generations.

The strong reputation of the Howard Miller Clock Company means you won’t get let down if you purchase a grandfather clock from this business. The organization has excellent craftsmanship and quality. Manufacturers handcraft these clocks in the United States.

2. Ridgeway Clocks

Ridgeway Clocks is a subsidiary of Howard Miller and has its own division within the company. Since 1960, Ridgeway Clocks has been solely developing grandfather clocks.

Manufacturers build these unique pieces to meet high-quality craftsmanship standards.

Ridgeway Clocks is also the oldest business in the United States, manufacturing grandfather clocks. The only downside is that there is less variety in grandfather clock types at Ridgeway Clocks.

3. Bowery Hill

The company Bowery Hill sells furniture of all kinds, including grandfather clocks, to create an elegant accent for your home. There are two different types of clocks sold at Bowery Hill.

One is known as the Bowery Hill Hand Painted Wall Clock, and the other is the Bowery Hill Grandfather Clock in Oak. You can get the oak grandfather clock for $449.77, while the wall clock costs only $128.61.

4. Hermle Clock Company

Franz Hermle founded the Hermle Clock Company close to 100 years ago. The company is the leading manufacturer of grandfather clocks in Germany. You can find Hermle Clock Company products in more than 80 nations around the globe.

Best of all, the quality of these grandfather clocks is superb. The business is one of the most prestigious and famous corporations making these types of clocks.

5. Seth Thomas Clock Company

The Seth Thomas Clock Company sells quality grandfather clocks at an affordable price. Seth Thomas was a famous clockmaker in the 19th century. That’s where the name of this particular clock business comes from.

In May 2009, the Seth Thomas Clock Company opened again under The Colibri Group. You will love the timeless design of these grandfather clocks and their fine craftsmanship. These clocks offer a good choice at a great value.

6. Kieninger Clock Company

Founded in 1912 in Germany, the Kieninger Clock Company hired expert Black Forest clock makers to develop a unique brand of grandfather clocks. The company leaders ensured that their clocks were incredibly precise as well as eye-catching.

By 1993, the Howard Miller Clock Company had acquired the business. The Kieninger Clock Company is one of the oldest brands of grandfather clocks on the market.

The business uses some of the highest-quality manufacturing and craftsmanship processes.

7. Sligh Grandfather Clocks Company

Charles Sligh founded the Sligh Grandfather Clocks Company. The business first started as a furniture-making company in 1880. Currently, the Bulova Clock Company owns the Sligh Grandfather Clocks Company brand and designs.

You can expect quality craftsmanship when buying grandfather clocks from this organization. Many consider Sligh grandfather clocks luxurious enough to get sold in auctions, such as the auction at a Membership Dinner for the Cobblestone Museum in Albion, New York.

8. Bulova Clock Company

Founded in 1875, the Bulova Clock Company is named after Joseph Bulova. The manufacturers made the grandfather clocks in a privately owned factory in Canada. However, the factory closed in 2010.

The Bulova Clock Company designs some of the best grandfather clocks on the market worldwide. The organization uses high-quality materials to build its clocks.

While expensive, you can find grandfather clocks of all kinds with different design styles from the Bulova Clock Company.

9. Musicbox Kingdom

The Musicbox Kingdom sells a variety of gadgets, such as music boxes, jewelry boxes, and snow globes. Furthermore, you can find a very affordable grandfather clock from the Musicbox Kingdom for only $57.30. The clock is one of the best-selling floor and grandfather clocks on Amazon.

However, the Musicbox Kingdom grandfather clock is small and more decorative, weighing only one pound and standing at a height of nine centimeters. Yet, you will love the beautiful melody it plays after opening it.

What Features Make a Good Grandfather Clock?

One of the most important things to consider when buying a grandfather clock is its superior mechanical features. Ensure that the clock is working well and will not fail anytime soon. The mechanical parts of a grandfather clock include:

• The escapement
• The weight
• The setting mechanism
• The gears

The escapement determines how fast the other gears in the grandfather clock work. The weight provides energy for the pendulum and ensures it swings at a constant rate. The setting mechanism stops the clock from moving and allows you to reset the clock. 

You should also consider the physical features of a grandfather clock to ensure it has an eye-catching design. Check the condition of the case to see if there are any scratches or other damage.

Lastly, you may want to see if you can get a grandfather clock at an auction or find other places selling more affordable grandfather clocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most valuable grandfather clock?

The Duc d’Orleans Breguet Sympathique Clock is the most expensive and most valuable grandfather clock sold at the Sotheby auction. The grandfather clock was sold for $6.8 million. The manufacturer designed the beautiful clock in 1835. The clock also has a gold pocket watch positioned at the top of the design.

What should I look for when buying a grandfather clock?

First, you should consider the amount of space you have in your home for a grandfather clock. Measure the area you plan to put the clock and purchase one that can fit the space. Next, you should figure out whether you prefer an antique or a reproduction. Lastly, you will need to get an affordable and attractive clock that functions well.

Who made the best grandfather clocks?

The best grandfather clocks are made by Franz Hermle and Howard Miller (which also owns Ridgeway). Howard Miller, an American Clock Manufacturer based in Michigan, is known for producing top-quality grandfather clocks nowadays.

Who made the most accurate clock?

The most accurate clock was made by Jun Ye, a physicist who made instrumental advancements in the development of optical lattice clocks, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado Boulder.

What are the most sought after antique clocks?

The most sought-after antique clocks are those from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries that retain their original components. E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company, and Simon Willard are among the highly desirable clockmakers favored by antique collectors.

How do I choose a grandfather clock?

To choose a grandfather clock, consider the style that best suits your home’s aesthetic. Additionally, measure the space where you plan to place the clock to ensure it fits appropriately. Look for features such as different chiming melodies and options for night-time shutoff. Lastly, consider the price, keeping in mind that our top-quality clocks have a lifetime cost of less than $80.00 per year.

What is the golden age of grandfather clocks?

The golden age of grandfather clocks refers to the period from the 1660s to 1730s when English longcase clocks were made and are highly prized today. These clocks were crafted in London for the wealthiest nobility, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Who makes colonial grandfather clocks?

Colonial grandfather clocks are made by the Howard Miller Clock Company, which is known for producing a diverse range of high-quality grandfather clocks, including those designed in the style of the American colonial period. The reputation of Howard Miller clocks in the market is exceptional, as they are renowned for crafting some of the finest grandfather clocks available.

Who is the oldest clock manufacturer?

The oldest clock manufacturer is J. B. Joyce & Co, clockmakers, which was founded in Shropshire, England. The company asserts that it is the oldest clock manufacturer in the world, having been originally established in 1690. Since 1965, they have been a part of the Smith of Derby Group.

Are Howard Miller grandfather clocks any good?

Howard Miller grandfather clocks are indeed good, as they not only possess excellent quality but also include some models that are crafted with unparalleled high-end craftsmanship, unmatched by any other clocks available in the market. The brand continues to excel with its timeless features, distinctive designs, and remarkable aesthetics, along with their impressive functionalities.

How long should a grandfather clock last?

A grandfather clock can last for a significant period of time if it is properly maintained. There are examples of 200 and 300-year-old grandfather clocks that are still functional today, although they have undergone repairs and had parts replaced over the years. However, it is important to note that like any mechanical system, a clock movement will eventually experience wear and tear.

Who made the best antique clocks?

The best antique clocks were made by E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company, and Simon Willard, are highly sought after by antique buyers, especially those from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries that still have their original components intact.

Who makes Baldwin grandfather clock?

The Baldwin grandfather clock is made by Howard Miller.

Are Howard Miller clocks worth the money?

Howard Miller clocks are definitely worth the money. These grandfather clocks have gained a reputation for being one of the most renowned and sought-after brands in the market. With a history dating back to the 1960s, they have established themselves as the benchmark for exceptional quality and are often considered valuable collectible heirlooms.

What are the most sought after clocks?

The most sought-after clocks are those from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries that have their original components still intact. Clocks produced by E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company, and Simon Willard are among the most desired by antique buyers.

Are any Howard Miller clocks made in China?

Howard Miller clocks are made in both the USA and China, depending on the specific timepiece and collection. Typically, floor clocks and grandfather clocks with mechanical and key-wound mechanisms are manufactured in the U.S., while other types of clocks are produced in China and Southeast Asia by the brand.

Is Howard Miller and Ridgeway the same company?

Howard Miller and Ridgeway are the same company as Ridgeway Clocks operates as a division of the Howard Miller Company. They specialize in producing longcase clocks, mantle clocks, and wall clocks. The company is based in Zeeland, Michigan, and is recognized as one of the three main manufacturers of floor clocks in the United States, according to Furniture Today magazine.

What is the most accurate clock built?

The most accurate clock ever built is the optical atomic clock, which is capable of maintaining its accuracy for the entire duration of the universe’s existence, spanning over 13 billion years. This remarkable precision is achieved by synchronizing the clock’s frequency with a laser that is finely tuned to match it.

Where is Howard Miller clocks made?

Howard Miller clocks are made in the USA. The factory where the clocks are built is situated in Zeeland, Michigan, a small town. It has remained in the same location since its inception and has been in operation for more than 80 years.

How often should you wind a Howard Miller clock?

You should wind a Howard Miller clock approximately every seven days to avoid unexpected stoppages. After winding, ensure accurate timekeeping by adjusting the minute hand accordingly.

Why is my Howard Miller clock losing time?

Your Howard Miller clock may be losing time due to a possible solution: adjusting the length of the pendulum. The pendulum’s swing from side to side determines the speed at which the clock movement sweeps the hands around the clock face. By increasing the length of the pendulum and enlarging the arc of its swing, the hands will travel at a slower pace.

Which grandfather clocks are valuable?

Grandfather clocks made of Oak tend to be more valuable over time due to their durability as a long-lasting material. The value of these clocks is further influenced by the intricate carvings, distinctive decorations, and valuable materials used for the dial.

What are the most sought after antique clocks?

The most sought-after antique clocks are those from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries that retain their original components. Antique buyers highly value clocks produced by E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company, and Simon Willard.

Are people still buying grandfather clocks?

People are still buying grandfather clocks due to their traditional style, elegance, intricate design, detailed craftsmanship, and functionality, despite the popularity of modern timekeeping devices. They are a popular choice for homeowners, business owners, and collectors who appreciate these qualities.

What is the oldest grandfather clock company?

The oldest grandfather clock company is Ridgeway, which originally started as The Gravely Furniture Company in 1926. It transitioned to exclusively manufacturing grandfather clocks in 1960, making Ridgeway the longest-running brand of continuously produced grandfather clocks in the United States.

What to look for when buying a grandfather clock?

When buying a grandfather clock, it is important to inspect the pediment (top of the case hood) for any signs of loose or missing components, such as brass or wooden finials and damaged fretwork. Additionally, ensure that clock furniture, including hinges, locks, and escutcheons, is intact and undamaged. Lastly, make sure that the door fits securely and opens smoothly without any sticking.

Are grandfather clocks out of fashion?

Grandfather clocks are not out of fashion. These majestic timepieces have been around since approximately 1680 and remained popular until the 1950s when they started to lose some of their appeal compared to more modern clocks. However, in recent times, designers have revived the grandeur of grandfather clocks and reintroduced them into contemporary settings, giving them a fresh and renewed significance.

What is considered an antique grandfather clock?

An antique grandfather clock is typically defined as a clock that is over 100 years old. It can be challenging to determine if a grandfather clock is truly antique, as modern forgeries are uncommon due to the difficulty of creating convincing fakes. Additionally, there are still enough authentic examples available to meet the demand for antique grandfather clocks.

Do all grandfather clocks sound the same?

All grandfather clocks do not sound the same. The hammers striking tubular bells or gong rods in these clocks produce popular melodies, but each clock has its own unique tone and voice. Even when the same melody is played, there can be noticeable variations among different clocks.

What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a longcase clock?

The difference between a grandfather clock and a longcase clock lies primarily in their height, although there may be some slight variations. A grandfather clock, also known as a “tallcase” or “longcase” clock in the USA, belongs to the larger category of longcase clocks. It features a tall, freestanding case that is at least 6ft in height, complete with a hood, pendulum, and dial.