Grandfather Clock Round Top? The 135 Top Answers

What is the difference between a grandfather, grandmother and granddaughter watch?

This is a very common question!

There are 3 types of grandfather clocks

grandfather

granny

granddaughter

The main difference is the height, although there are slight variations.

Grandfather:

Known primarily as the “Tallcase” or “Longcase” in the US, this is the larger clock in the grandfather clock family. A tall, free-standing case (at least 6 feet) with a dome, pendulum, and dial. Featuring a 30-hour or 8-day mechanical weight-driven movement, the solid wood cases often feature very elaborate and ornate detailing. Originally with brass dials, the painted dial caught on and almost entirely replaced their brass counterparts by the early 19th century. These detailed hand-painted dials often depicted a biblical scene.

Granny:

Usually between 5 and 6 feet tall, the grandmother’s body is a slimmer, shorter replica of the grandfather. Still in a free-standing, crested and pendulum case, they were manufactured in the early 1920’s and ’30’s and designed to fit smaller homes more effectively. Both grandmother and granddaughter watches have mechanical 8-day movements and can be either a strike or a chime.

Granddaughter:

The delicate and petite stature of the Granddaughter watch, which stands between 2 and 5 feet tall, was developed in the 1930’s for those seeking grandfather’s features in a smaller model. Rarely made of solid wood, but mainly made of plywood with veneer, i.e. a significantly cheaper variant for the “modern” generation!

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

Both grandmother and grandfather clocks are long case pendulum clocks, but grandfather clocks are generally larger than grandmother clocks, measuring between 6 and 7 feet, while grandmother clocks typically measure between 5 and 6 feet. The pendulum clock was invented in 1656 by Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch physicist and inventor. Huygens realized that time could be tracked with a pendulum long enough to track a single second with each swing. It was originally thought that only pendulums of a certain length could accurately record a second, leading to tall, towering clock shapes. The grandfather clock takes its name from an 1876 song by songwriter Henry Clay Work entitled “Grandfather Clock”. The song was inspired by a trip Work made to the George Hotel in North Yorkshire, where Work was informed by the owner that the pendulum clock in the lobby was inhabited by a ghostly grandfather spirit. Grandmother watches rightly derived their name from grandfather’s nickname.

Leading photo by Katie Charlotte

Here are seven factors to consider when determining the value of an antique watch.

Whether you found an antique grandfather clock in your grandmother’s basement or spotted an actual Black Forest cuckoo clock at your neighbor’s flea market, you probably want to know if you’ve discovered something valuable that could appreciate in value over the years.

To determine the value of an old watch, you should first know what makes something antique. An antique is a collector’s item – from a piece of furniture or a work of art to a ring or a watch – that has a high value because of its age. As a general rule, the item must be more than 100 years old to be considered an antique.

But not every antique is valuable, and markets are cyclical, so what might be worth a lot one year might be worth something else 10 years later.

Despite the unpredictable nature of the market, there are several criteria for judging the value of the antique watch you own or are planning to purchase.

type of clock

First you need to correctly identify the watch type. Examine the watch for the marker’s signature or label. Check the dial, mechanism and case. Watches marked or stamped with the manufacturer’s name or a brand are more desirable than unmarked watches. If you can’t find a label or stamp, you’ll need to identify the watch type yourself.

There are many types of antique clocks: advertising, jubilee, atmospheric, bow, carriage, cuckoo, deck kitchen, lantern, grandfather, mantel, pendulum, skeleton, wall clock. Each type of antique watch is valued differently. For example, ornate German cuckoo clocks are more collectible than mass-produced kitchen clocks.

Historical meaning

Once you know the type of watch, research whether it has any historical significance. A watch with interesting proof of ownership and a respected provenance will be more valuable. Remember that personal worth is subjective. Although you may think your grandfather clock has a remarkable origin story, it may not catch the attention of an appraiser or collector.

reputation of the manufacturer

A watch made by a reputable artist or company is unsurprisingly worth more. If the watch bears the signature of an important watchmaker, the value increases significantly.

rarity

Rarity can mean a few different things. Your watch could be rare if very few were made at all. However, it can also be rare that there are many but the owners do not want to sell them, so they are rarely found on the market. It’s all about supply and demand. An antique parlor clock, even one that is 150 years old, is not going to be that valuable because there are thousands of them. But an antique, authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock is worth more because collectors are eagerly looking for it.

authenticity

For your antique watch to be of any value, it must be genuine. If it is a 20th century reproduction of an 18th century German cuckoo clock, it is not very desirable. If you can prove the period it dates from, your antique watch will be worth more. If it doesn’t have all the original parts, its value will drop significantly.

The type of material used also influences the value of the antique. For example, if the watch has components that look like bronze but are actually tinned, a combination of metals that look like bronze, it will be considered far less valuable.

type of mechanism

The more mechanically impressive the watch is, the more valuable it is. For example, an eight-day cuckoo clock is more desirable than a one-day cuckoo clock that requires daily winding. A clock that tells the time and plays a melody is more impressive than a clock that just tells you what time it is. A clock with moving figures is also considered more valuable. If any of the watch’s mechanisms have been extensively repaired, or if any of the movements are not original, most collectors will consider the antique worthless.

Condition

If your antique watch is of any value, it falls into one of three condition categories:

● Mint condition means the watch is perfect. There are no repairs, no missing parts, no cracks.

● Excellent condition means that the watch has minor imperfections. It may have been damaged but professionally repaired.

● Good condition means that the watch has a few chips or cracks, discoloration or signs of repair.

Common imperfections that affect the condition – and value – of an antique are breaks, chips, or cracks; dents or ridges; discoloration; broken figures on cuckoo clocks; missing parts; and repair marks. Watches in mint condition, even those that aren’t as collectible or rare, can often be worth more than watches that aren’t in textbook condition.

If you’re planning to sell your antique watch, do some research at watch stores, auction houses, online forums, and eBay to find comparable watches that have recently been sold. This will help you determine a good entry price. You don’t want to make a mistake and give away something that could potentially be worth thousands.

You can also get advice from experts. Professional appraisers have the experience and knowledge to determine an objective value for your watch. Remember that the value you place on your watch may not match what the experts say. Ultimately, the value of your antique watch depends on what someone is willing to pay.

On the other hand, if you have an antique watch that you don’t want to sell, then what matters most is the value you give it.

author

Bob Ellis is the founder and owner of Bavarian Clockworks

Have you ever wondered how to identify an antique clock? If you have, you are not alone. Almost everyone who is interested in old watches has asked themselves this question at some point.

Antique clocks The subject of old clocks has occupied collectors for many years. Some are only interested in watches made by a specific craftsman or in a specific country. Others are fascinated by the inner workings of a watch, exquisite works of art or beautiful cases. Regardless of the focus of a watch collector’s interest, it is important to know how to identify a watch or where to find the resources to help with identification. Related Articles Tips on Identifying Antique Glassware and What to Look For

Identifying antique cutlery patterns and popular designs

Winchester Firearms Antique Model Values ​​Antique clocks and antique clock identification covers a wide range of information, from the first collector’s clock of the 16th century, the lantern clock, through grandfather and grandmother clocks to early 20th century clocks . Although the chances of finding an original lantern clock at a local sale or auction are virtually nil, the possibility of finding a late 19th century Ansonia mantel clock or a Gustav Becker weight-driven wall clock from the same period is one real possibility. Be careful, there is also a chance that the watch you find is a reproduction or a marriage.

Using the Manufacturer or Company Name to Identify an Antique Watch Over the centuries, thousands upon thousands of watches have been produced by countless watchmakers and manufacturing companies in numerous styles and designs. In addition to American watches, there are many made in Europe, South America and Asia. Still, there are certain things to look for in a watch in order to identify it and the period in which it was made. Check the watch for the watchmaker’s name or company name. On many nineteenth-century American-made watches, the company’s full name usually appears somewhere on the watch. The name can be: Engraved or printed near the center surface of the dial

Engraved or printed around the edge of the dial and may be hidden by the bezel

Stamped or engraved on the movement back plate

A paper label on the back of the watch

A paper label attached to the inside of the watch case. However, on some watches, the name on the dial may not be the watchmaker’s name. Sometimes it is the name of the retailer who sold the watch. If it’s the retailer’s name, finding information about the company can help identify and date the watch. Many watches made in countries other than the United States are often unmarked. When marked, they usually only have initials or a hallmark.

Additional Notes on Identifying Antique Watches The following are some additional things to help when trying to identify or date an antique watch: Watch style

Type of watch glass, stenciling, hand style and fasteners

Type of percussion, such as a bell, baton, or gong

Material of the dial, such as paper, ceramic, wood, or pewter

serial number

More Identification Tips Shelf clocks manufactured in the USA typically had wooden movements up until the 1820s.

In the early 1880s, adamantine veneer was used on Seth Thomas mantel clocks to resemble wood grain, slate and marble.

Antique wall clocks were not made until the late 18th century.

By 1896, all watches imported into the United States were required to have the country of origin clearly marked.

Plywood was not used for clocks before 1905.

Web sources

Savage and Polites Antique Watch Identification and Pricing Guide The Savage and Polites Antique Watch Identification and Pricing Guide is a valuable resource for identifying antique and vintage watches. Although portions of the site are generally accessible, many of the features of this identification and pricing guide require a paid subscription. Below is some of the information contained on this site: More than 27,488 photographs of antique clocks

Descriptions and prices of 19,287 antique clocks

Identification guide for antique wooden clocks with pictures

Database of 10,175 watchmakers

Guide grandfather clocks

Owning a grandfather clock is a great investment. With styles ranging from traditional, transitional to contemporary, it is a versatile timepiece to be passed on as a family heirloom! Premier Clocks have put together a guide of things to consider when choosing your grandfather clock or grandfather clock.

A full selection of grandfather clocks can be found here

grandfather clock style

When looking for a grandfather clock, you need to consider which style of clock best suits your interior design. When choosing a grandfather clock, it’s helpful to know that there are three common types of grandfather clocks: Traditional, Transitional, and Modern/Contemporary.

The traditional grandfather clock adds a classic touch to your home. The traditional style grandfather clock is influenced by an antique design. The design of the grandfather clock focuses on decorative details such as intricate carvings and rich details. The dome or split pediment and finials are important features of traditional grandfather clocks. Another distinctive feature of a traditional style grandfather clock is a moon dial.

Contemporary or modern grandfather clocks are also often referred to as grandfather clocks or grandfather clocks. The watches have a sleek look with neutral elements and clean lines. Not only wooden materials, but also metal and glass are used in contemporary style. The simplicity of detail is common in both grandfather clocks and various types of clock attachments.

Transitional Grandfather Clock is a combination of traditional and contemporary style. Transitional grandfather clocks are often made from wood with sleek lines and intricate details. A transitional grandfather clock has a streamlined frame compared to the traditional grandfather clocks, but at the same time it is not as elegant as the contemporary ones.

More about grandfather clock styles

Crown types of grandfather clocks

The crown of a grandfather clock is the upper part. The split gable, dome, and flat top are the four types of crown styles.

The crown of the split gable grandfather clock is often compared to a swan neck due to its swan-like curvatures. On the apex between the split pediment crowns is a decorative ornament, often referred to as a finial and rarely an eagle.

Bonnet Grandfather Clock Crown has a fully domed facade and is often used in the traditional grandfather clock design. This type of crown encloses the dial and is sometimes referred to as a hood.

Flat Grandfather Clock Crown has simple clock face details. In modern production, it is often used for grandfather or transitional style grandfather clocks, as it suits both modern and classic interiors.

More about the types of grandfather clock crowns

Grandfather clocks hour hand and minute hand

The first grandfather clocks had only one hand, which is now called the hour hand. Before the invention of the pendulum, grandfather clocks used a lever escapement mechanism that was not accurate enough to add the minute hand.

When the pendulum was used to drive the movement, the increased accuracy allowed the minute hand to be added to the dials. This was a significant improvement, but another problem has arisen. The largely illiterate population knew how to read a dial with one hand. Around 1700 grandfather clocks were sold with two hands, but at the same time they still had the markings with one hand.

Modern grandfather clock manufacturers only make two-hand grandfather clocks.

pendulum of the grandfather clock

The next thing to consider when choosing a grandfather clock is the pendulum. A grandfather clock pendulum had a major influence on the design and style of a grandfather clock.

Christian Huygens developed a new method of making a pendulum to help watchmakers. His idea was to move away from using springs and weights to drive clocks and into a new way, using the anchor escapement system to swing a pendulum every second.

The benefit of the longer pendulum and flatter oscillation is that less force in the form of weights was needed to drive the clock, as well as slower beats and less wear and tear on the moving parts. All this ensures better long-term accuracy of the watch. Making a clock with a new mechanism required a long pendulum to be placed in a long case.

More about grandfather clock pendulum

Weights for grandfather clocks

Longcase clocks with a weight only have an hour strike, indicating that it is a 30-hour clock. It needs to be wound every day and has only one winding hole because it uses the same weight for timing and striking. For this reason, these grandfather clocks are cheaper.

Longcase clocks with two weights are often referred to as 8-day clocks. This type of grandfather clock has a separate weight – one to drive the clock and one to drive the chime’s striking mechanism. Eight-day grandfather clocks require two winding holes to wind the weights to their starting position using a winding key.

Three-weight grandfather clocks should be withdrawn every week. Today most grandfather clocks have three weights with different purposes. A weight on the right drives the bell melody, a weight in the middle drives the pendulum, and a weight on the left controls the striking mechanism. The correct hanging position is marked on the underside of each weight when viewing your watch from the front.

More about weights for grandfather clocks

base of the grandfather clock

The clock rests on “feet” or a carved base called a pedestal that rests on the ground. Today, grandfather clocks of any kind are made with special levers that can be adjusted on uneven surfaces.

grandfather movements

There are three movement types: chain drive, cable drive and quartz (battery operated).

Grandfather clock with chain drive. Longcase clocks with chain mechanisms use chains as the winding mechanism to set the weights in the correct position. The chain driven grandfather clock has 3 chains, one for each weight with different purposes. A weight on the right is responsible for the bell melody, a weight in the middle drives the pendulum, and a weight on the left drives the hour striking and counting mechanism.

The weights must be lifted every seven days or the clock will stop. This type of grandfather clock movement needs to be manually wound once a week because the weights fall almost to the ground while the grandfather clock is turning.

Grandfather clock with cable drive. The cable-operated grandfather clock has weights suspended from cables that are used to return the clock’s weights to the up position. Similar to chain driven grandfather clocks, there are 3 weights with different purposes: the right weight drives the chime of the bell, the middle weight drives the pendulum and the left weight is responsible for striking the clock.

Each week the weights must be adjusted to the top position or the clock will stop. The cable-driven grandfather clock is wound by using a crank, also called a key, to raise the weights, which are near the bottom at the end of the cycle when they power the clock. To re-place the weights, the crank (or key) is inserted into the dial and turned to the up position.

Battery operated grandfather clock with quartz. The latest way to power grandfather clocks is with a quartz or battery-powered movement, which was used to build the first quartz clock in 1928. Quartz crystals are used to make an electronic oscillator to power the pendulum of a grandfather clock and keep accurate time. A fresh battery can run the clock for over a year and needs to be replaced when the clock begins to lag, the strike weakens, or the pendulum stops swinging.

More about grandfather movements

Chime of the grandfather clock

A chime is a melody or series of melodies played at intervals on a series of bells to indicate the passage of time. There is a wide variety of tunes, many associated with a specific location or bell tower that originated or popularized them. The popular melodies of grandfather clocks are produced by hammers striking tubular bells or gong sticks. All clocks differ in tone and have their unique voices, and even when playing the same melody, there can be significant variations.

The common grandfather clock strikes:

Westminster Chimes come from George Fredrick Handel’s aria “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth”, but people usually associate the Westminster Chimes with Big Ben in the Houses of Parliament in London.

Whittington Chimes originated with the bell tower of the Church of St Mary le Bow in London, England.

St. Michael’s Chimes come from the bells of the steeple of St. Michael Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Ave Maria Chimes was originally composed by Franz Schubert as a prayer of safety for Ellen Douglas and was originally called ‘Ellen’s Third Song’ or Ellen’s Third Song, inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’.

Bim-Bam Chimes were originally called Normandy Chimes and were a musical double tone.

Additional functions of the grandfather clock

Nowadays, grandfather clocks are valued not only for their aesthetics, but also for the practicality that has been added in modern times.

Setting the volume of the grandfather clocks. Most grandfather clocks have an automatic or manual chime shut-off option, giving the ability to turn the chime and chime on or off at any time of the day or night. There’s also a volume control to adjust the volume to personal preference based on hearing ability or room size. If the grandfather clock has a movement with two or three bells, there is also a lever to switch the melodies.

Grandfather clock moon dial. Most grandfather clocks with mechanical movements have a working astrological moon dial. The lunar clock slowly moves clockwise, following the lunar cycle of 29.5 days. All moon dials have an image of the moving moon showing the lunar date and the moon’s position in the sky. The moon dial works in tandem with the movement and only needs to be set once.

Materials and woods for grandfather clocks. Longcase clock cases are made of different woods. The first grandfather clocks were made of oak as the main construction material to hold the long and heavy pendulum. Olive wood and walnut were used to make the most exclusive grandfather clocks, while the less expensive pieces were made from pine.

Nowadays, oak, walnut, mahogany and cherry are the most popular materials among manufacturers. Some grandfather clocks have special intricate carvings or grain accents and inlays made from veneers. Some grandfather clocks use a combination of some hardwoods and veneers.

Standard colors of the grandfather clock. The surface colors of grandfather clocks vary depending on the manufacturer. There is no strictly traditional finish for grandfather clocks, as they usually followed the trends of furniture finishes of the same period.

access to the movement. Some grandfather clocks have removable glass panels on the top sides to allow easy access to the movement.

Grandfather clock size

Grandfather clocks are generally distinguished by their size. Height is the key difference in the debate over what is a grandfather clock and what is a grandfather clock. Grandfather clocks are between 6 and 7.5 feet tall. Grandfather clocks are smaller than grandfather clocks. A typical grandmother’s clock will be between 5 and 6 feet tall. Even smaller grandfather clocks, between 3 and 5 feet tall, are known as granddaughter clocks.

More about grandfather clocks:

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If you own a grandfather clock, chances are it was passed down to you from previous generations as a treasured family heirloom. In such a case, it is only natural that you would want the antique clock to remain intact and in good condition for generations to come in the family. However, if you have to move, you face an enormous challenge: How do you safely transport a grandfather clock? How can you transport it to your new home without damaging the fine ornaments, delicate workmanship and intricate mechanism of your precious watch?

To ensure the safety of your grandfather clock – whether it’s an actual family heirloom or just a treasured addition to your home decor – you need to treat it with great care throughout the moving process and follow a few important guidelines that will help you along the way prepare your valuable timepiece properly for the move.

The important things first:

1) Never lift or carry a grandfather clock without first disassembling it. The clock weights and pendulum must be removed before the clock is transported even a short distance. Otherwise you risk not only damaging the movement, but also breaking the suspended pendulum or swinging the weights inside the case, causing irreversible damage;

2) Do not touch the delicate components of a grandfather clock with bare hands. Use a soft cloth or wear cotton gloves to prevent the oils naturally present on human skin from tarnishing the fine brass or glass elements of the watch;

3) Hire specialized moving companies who have extensive experience, appropriate packaging material and professional know-how to safely handle and transport your valuable watch.

If professional movers are not an option for one reason or another, follow the instructions below strictly on how to transport a grandfather clock yourself. you should do well

How to disassemble a grandfather clock for moving

Preparing a grandfather clock for relocation requires the utmost care and attention on your part. The first thing you need to do is open the front of the watch case. Then follow these steps:

STEP 1 – Remove the pendulum

Gently hold the pendulum as it swings. Hold it in the middle and slowly lift it to get away from the suspension spring that holds the pendulum in place. Do not use force – the pendulum should unhook easily.

Wrap some newspaper around the pendulum guide to keep it from moving during transport. The pendulum itself should be wrapped in bubble wrap or foam sheeting and packed in a well-padded, tightly sealed shipping box.

STEP 2 – Remove the weights

If your watch is chain driven, pull the chains until the weights are about halfway up. Tie the chains together with thin wire (or zip ties) exactly where they protrude from under the movement to keep them from coming loose from their sprockets during transport;

If your clock has a cable-driven movement, place blocks of rigid foam (about 2″ square) or rolls of newspaper (about 2″ in diameter) over each of the pulleys between the cables. Wind the weights one at a time until they come to a stop, so that the paper rolls (or the foam blocks) are clamped tightly over the rolls. This keeps the cables under tension and prevents them from getting tangled when you remove the weights.

Unhook the weights from the pulleys and remove them from the clock. Make sure you mark the weights (“L” – left, “C” – center, and “R” – right) to know where to place them when reassembling. This is very important as the weights are not identical – the heaviest is usually on the right hand side and operates the hammer mechanism.

Wrap the weights in a soft protective material to prevent damage to the brass case and pack them securely in a well-padded, sturdy shipping box.

STEP 3 – Secure cables and chains

After removing the pendulum and weights, you need to ensure that the cables and/or chains do not become tangled or snap back into the movement. To achieve this, it is recommended to bundle the chains from top to bottom and wrap them with newspaper or bubble wrap. Secure the bundle with a rubber band or cable ties. This will prevent the chains and cables from tangling or banging against the sides of the case and damaging the finish.

Alternatively you can put a piece of cardboard behind the cables or chains and tape them to it – this will successfully prevent them from crossing over, migrating up into the movement or being misaligned.

It’s also a good idea to secure the hammers for the chimes and striking mechanism. All you have to do is bend the appropriate levers to prevent the hammers from swinging freely in the case and getting damaged. Then stuff some bubble wrap or cardboard between the hammers and the bells and secure with tape.

If your watch has striking bars, you should also put some bubble wrap or foam padding between the bars to keep them from moving and banging together during shipping. Remember that the sound bars are very fragile and difficult to replace.

STEP 4 – Pay attention to the movement

Your next step is to check the movement. If it is not firmly attached, but simply placed on two sideboards inside the suitcase, you should remove it and pack it separately. It is a good idea to pack the movement and dial on end in a sturdy, well-padded box – this will protect the face of the dial and watch hands and prevent the crutch on the back of the movement from bending and damaging it.

If your watch has a tube movement, you should remove the tubes.

STEP 5 – Remove glass shelves and decorative elements

Remove any shelves from inside the grandfather clock and wrap them individually in soft packing paper and bubble wrap to prevent breakage.

Also, if possible, remove any decorative ornaments from the clock (most of these are simple dowels and should pop out quite easily). If the decorative elements are firmly attached, make sure to put extra padding around them when packing the clock.

Consider stuffing a soft blanket, crumpled paper, or peanuts into the case for extra support.

STEP 6 – Secure the access panels

When the grandfather clock is completely disassembled, reattach and secure (latch or tape) the access panels. Don’t forget to lock or tape any windows or doors on your watch to prevent them from opening and becoming damaged.

How to pack a grandfather clock for the move

Packing a grandfather clock for moving is easy enough once it’s been properly disassembled (as detailed above). You are recommended:

Place a piece of cardboard over the glass front;

Wrap the entire case in several layers of bubble wrap for maximum protection;

Wrap a furniture blanket around the clock and secure with packing tape. Wrap two full circles near the top of the clock, another in the middle, and one near the base;

If your grandfather clock is an antique or has a very high ideal or monetary value, we strongly recommend that you pack it in a custom-made wooden box – this way your valuable timepiece is optimally protected. Be sure to fill the remaining space in the crate with packing peanuts to prevent shifting during transportation.

Pack all removed watch parts separately – ensure you use the safest and most appropriate packing method for each individual part (as outlined above);

Label all boxes containing your grandfather clock parts “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE”. The box or crate containing the watch case should be marked “THIS SIDE UP” so that it is not laid down or turned over during the move.

How to change a grandfather clock yourself

If you are transporting your grandfather clock by yourself, use a trolley to get the carefully packaged clock out of your house and to the moving vehicle. Tilt the crate as little as possible when loading it onto the truck. Secure the watch case with straps to prevent it from slipping, sliding or falling during transportation.

If you are not sure how to transport a grandfather clock, it is better to keep it upright during transport. Newer grandfather clocks can be moved lying down, but this puts unnecessary pressure on the panes and glass elements and increases the risk of breakage. Older watches must be moved upright due to the weight of the movement and the way it is attached to the case.

SEE ALSO: How to move antique furniture

After the move

When you arrive at your new home, set the clock carefully:

Install your delicate clock on a flat stable floor – a grandfather clock may not function properly if it is not well balanced, so you will need to make any necessary adjustments to ensure the base of the clock is perfectly level;

Carefully remove the packaging and replace any parts removed – ensure all components are properly assembled and in their proper places;

Allow the clock to reach room temperature before servicing;

Start the clock and ensure accurate timing. Reset all the moon dials and make sure the chimes are ringing accurately.

Packing and transporting a grandfather clock is quite a challenge – consider having your precious timepiece serviced by qualified staff after the move to ensure it is in perfect condition.

BACKGROUND

Just as regular oil changes prolong the life of your car engine, regular oiling of the watch prolongs the life of your watch. Oiling your watch every two years will avoid costly watch repairs and ensure your watch will last for generations to come. Imagine never changing the oil in your car; It wouldn’t be long before the engine stalled. Without regular oiling, your watch will end up in need of a major service or possibly a new movement. For those who want to learn how to oil a watch, this tutorial shows how it’s done.

USE THE RIGHT OIL

The most important thing to remember is to make sure you only use quality watch oil. Many professionals use synthetic oil, but there are numerous high-quality non-synthetic watch oils. The most important thing to look for when choosing watch oil is to make sure it is designed for use in watches. Just as cooking with motor oil is not a good idea, you don’t want to oil your watch with the wrong oil. Using substitutes like WD40 can actually damage the movement of your watch.

Remember the golden rule: “You get what you pay for.” There are several websites that claim to sell synthetic watch oil but are actually selling synthetic motor oil. Synthetic watch oil does not come cheap as it is specially formulated for the metals used in watches. Brass and steel are used in watches because when properly lubricated with the right oil, they make a perfect bearing. Brass is a soft metal, which is why you won’t find it in car engines. The use of oil that is suitable for hard metals or that contains additives such as graphite will damage the brass dial and lead to premature aging and wear.

WHICH WATCHES CAN BE OILED?

All mechanical watches can and should be oiled. However, the ease of oiling and the frequency of oiling depend on several factors. The age and type of watch are the two most important factors. Most grandfather clocks have access panels on the sides or have the ability to remove the hood that exposes the movement. Modern grandfather clocks usually have more complicated movements, which makes it difficult to reach all the oil points. Desk or mantel clocks have smaller clockworks, which also makes reaching all oil points more difficult.

REMOVE THE MOVEMENT

In general, removing the movement from the watch makes oiling easier, and we always recommend removing the movement and dial before oiling. Since we are experts in antique grandfather clocks, let’s talk about an antique grandfather clock. For the purposes of this article, we’ll simplify the process. However, the process outlined below should describe in general terms how most motion is removed.

First you need to remove the watch cover. Never attempt to remove the hood without at least one weight. The hood of most grandfather clocks is removed by sliding it forward. Before sliding the hood forward, secure the glass door so it will not open when the hood is removed. Next, remove the weight on the time side (right) and then remove the pendulum from the crutch. Because some grandfather clocks have the movement held in place by the downward force of the weights, removing the weight on the list (left) side may cause the movement to fall. As you unhook the last weight, maintain pressure on the weight cable and then remove the movement.

After removing the hood and weights, you can remove the movement from the watch. Movements are generally attached to the clock with screws, but many older British grandfather clock movements are not attached at all. The movement sits on the seat board and the seat board either screws into the watch case or simply sits on top of the case and is held in place by the watch’s weights. Once the screws are removed, the movement with the dial attached should simply lift out of the watch.

Once the movement is removed, remove the clock hands. Remove the nut or pin holding the hands in place by gently holding the minute hand. Once the nut or pin is removed, carefully remove the minute hand. Sometimes it will stick and gently rocking back and forth will loosen the hand and it will come off. Next you need to remove the hour hand by gently pulling on the base of the hand and again gently rocking it back and forth until it comes loose.

HOW TO OIL THE MOVEMENT

The first step in oiling or maintaining your grandfather clock is to ensure you wear latex gloves when handling any brass or metal parts. in every phase. The oil in our fingers contains acid, which eats through the thin layer of lacquer when it comes into contact with brass.

Now that the movement is free of the case, you will notice several oil sinks on the surface of each watch plate. Oil pans are located where the ends of the steel shaft meet the clock plate. All clock gears are located between the two clock plates. These gears are held in place by a steel shaft that is pressed into the watch plate. As the gear rotates, the steel shaft spins around while the clock plate remains stationary.

Without oil, friction will eventually cause the hole in the watch plate to enlarge and become elongated. This is because brass is a softer metal than steel and the downward force of gravity causes more wear on the underside of the watch plate. Enlarging the hole holding the steel shaft in place will prevent the clock’s gear from rotating properly, eventually causing the clock to stop working.

To oil a watch, place a drop of oil on each oil pan. It is best to use a watch oil pen or a bottle with a long needle. This makes it easier to apply a single drop to each oil sink. Do not attempt to fill the oil pan as surface tension will hold the oil in place. If you apply too much oil, the surface tension will not hold and the oil will run down the plate, leaving the bearing dry. Repeat the oiling process for all oil pans on both clock plates. Don’t forget to oil the weight rollers and faceplate posts.

BUY SYNTHETIC WATCH OIL

TickTockTony sells watch oil made specifically for watches. Each order contains 15ml of premium synthetic watch oil in an oil syringe needle pictured above. The stainless steel needle is 3.25 inches long, which allows you to apply oil in tight spaces. To buy the watch oil through PayPal’s secure servers, click on the button below. The kit costs $16.99 plus shipping. Unfortunately we do not ship outside of the United States.

Diana Grunburg

Rob Deal doesn’t waste time when asked about his biggest challenge repairing grandfather clocks.

“If someone who has no experience comes in and tinkers with it,” he says.

Indeed, behind the pretty cabinet, the carvings and the glass is a complex machine.

Deal, self-taught, is an authorized repairer for the few remaining watchmakers, including Ridgeway, Howard Miller and Sligh (now Bulova). Like other repairmen in the area, he has found his skills are still needed. Despite the economic downturn and attempts to modernize them with quartz movements and other upgrades, the original timepiece design remains a timeless, coveted classic.

“Grandfather clocks are classics – not fads,” says Kerstin Chelius, president of Sandmark House on Beach Boulevard. “They’ve been around for hundreds of years and there will be hundreds more.”

Photo gallery: Grandfather clock repair

And because of their endurance, it’s inevitable that they’ll eventually need repairs. That’s where Deal and places like Sandmark come in. Grandfather clocks are large – sometimes 7 to 9 feet tall and weighing hundreds of pounds – so home visits are often made. Sandmark does about 25 to 30 clock repairs a month, averaging between $300 and $400, while Deal, who runs Rob’s Clock Repair from his Orange Park home, does two to three a week.

Deal said he started working on watches about 12 years ago as a favor. His wife, like her father, collected watches and was frustrated that they could not find anyone to fix them. Deal had a mechanical bent; He had built go-karts as a child and repaired cars and trucks as an adult. He began to work on his wife’s watches.

A turning point was the successful restoration of his father-in-law’s antique clock. From then on he was addicted, he says. He began collecting books on repairs and antiques, learning through reading and repairing.

That makes Deal kind of an anomaly. Chelius said that most watchmakers go to school for years to learn their craft and earn the “master watchmaker” designation, which means they can “take apart and put back together an entire movement”. She has three repairmen on her staff, including one who works on grandfather clocks, also known as grandfather clocks.

From the looks of it, they’ll all be busy for the foreseeable future.

“There are a surprising number of grandfather clocks,” Deal said. “They are timepieces and furniture, but also family heirlooms. And they are still status symbols.”

Cheli agrees.

“For some families, a grandfather clock is an achievement, something they’ve wanted for a long time.”

It tells the story of a 90-year-old woman who ran into the store out of breath.

“She said, ‘I want to buy a grandfather clock. My husband died last week and he would never give me one.’ ”

A lifetime dream

Longcase clock ownership was also a lifelong dream for Amelia Island’s Stacy Simmons and Fleming Island’s Christine Benenati.

Simmons is an antiques buff who was struck by an 18th-century English standing trunk with its green-painted front and dark oak cabinet. For Benenati, her Howard Miller conjures up memories of summers in South Florida with her aunt and uncle who had a grandfather clock to greet them in the morning. The watch, a gift from her late mother, “makes me feel at home,” she says.

Chelius has 24 models in their store ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. She says sales are steady, about one or two a week, but she’s selling more of the cheaper ones, which she attributes to the slower economy.

Repairs can be challenging because there are so many types of watches, Deal says. A home visit is usually for maintenance.

“It is really important to clean the mechanism. Dust gets into the oil and causes it to become grainy like sandpaper. The gears turn every hour, every minute every day, so every two to four years it’s important to wipe off the old oil on the gears and replace it with fresh oil.”

When a watch stops working, Deal may need to overhaul the movement and replace missing or worn parts. It is particularly difficult with antiques, as parts are no longer available. Sometimes Deal needs to make a gear or sprocket, or get an off-the-shelf part from a manufacturer and adapt it.

He remembers a customer’s unique one-hand watch from 1750 with “250 years of signs of wear”. Weights were hung from ropes in the 17th century instead of the chains used today. To keep the watch original, Deal had to order a new rope from England.

Antique watches, if serviced, will increase in value over time, Deal says.

New or old, it’s hard to resist the high cost of a grandfather clock. But then there’s always the do-it-yourself kind. Deal said he’s seen people who wanted a grandfather clock but didn’t want to pay the price buying a kit from companies like Emperor Clock or Klockit. They usually look at the instructions and pause.

“A guy bought a kit, opened it up and said, ‘I don’t think so.’ His son then looked at it and closed the box. I told them I would do it – it took two to three days of solid work.”

Chelius saw it too.

“I would estimate that for every 10 kits sold, four will be built. But once someone tries to build a grandfather clock, they really appreciate what goes into making one.”

And maybe fix one.

STEP 1

SETTING UP YOUR LONGCASE CLOCK Unpacking your new grandfather clock:

a) Cut the nylon straps around the shipping carton and open the carton from both sides.

b) Remove the box from the top of the watch. This contains your product manual.

c) Remove the side carton supports inside the carton.

d) Remove the grandfather clock’s pendulum, which is packed in a separate tall, thin box.

e) Slide the watch out of one of the sides of the box.

f) After unpacking, carefully unpack the watch from the lower carton support.

There is a white styrofoam box at the bottom of the shipping carton. This box contains:

a) a key matching your grandfather clock door,

b) a crank to wind up your grandfather clock and

c) Weights that drive the clockwork of the grandfather clock.

The shipping box also contains the pendulum of the grandfather clock, packed in a separate box.

Move the grandfather clock close to its final location.

WARNING: MAKE SURE THE LONGCASE CLOCK IS SQUARE AND FIXED ON THE FLOOR TO ENSURE IT WILL NOT FALL OVER. ADJUST THE LEVELERS FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY AND PROPER ALIGNMENT.

Access to the grandfather clock movement, the chime and the cables is done in three possible ways; through the front door(s), through the upper side walls (or side doors).

on some grandfather clocks) or via the rear access panel. The upper side panels are held from the inside with tape or a plastic clip. The plastic clip can be rotated

or tape can be permanently removed. See the General Information section in Section 10 for detailed instructions on removing and installing the upper side panels.

Remove the cardboard wrap around the bell sticks by first cutting the rubber band with scissors. DO NOT PULL THE RUBBER BAND TO BREAK. Next, grasp the cardboard sleeve as marked and pull straight down and away from the ends of the chime bars. (See Figure 1). Remove the foam pads between the chime hammers and chime bars by first cutting the rubber band with scissors. DO NOT PULL THE RUBBER BAND TO BREAK. Care should be taken not to bend the bell hammers. The bell hammers are free to move, allowing for easy removal of the foam pads. Remove the spring clip from the back of the movement by pulling out one end first. (See Figure 1). If there is a long cardboard sleeve and no rubber bands, simply slowly pull the cardboard sleeve from the front of the clock and the wrapping will pop off on its own. Then pull out the foam behind the chime hammers and you have completed this step. DO NOT REMOVE THE STYROFOAM BLOCKS over the cable reels. This is one of the most critical points in the entire setup process. If you do so at this point, the cables could overlap and block movement. You may remove the styrofoam blocks AFTER your grandfather clock is fully assembled and has been in use for approximately twelve (12) hours or when they can be completely removed.

Step-by-step guide to moving your grandfather clock

Grandfather clocks are beautiful but fragile objects. Whether it’s a treasured family heirloom or an antique to display in your new home, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to prepare these clocks and transport them safely.

As Scotland’s leading removals company, you can rest assured that the guide below is being followed and used regularly by our team of professional removals companies.

Gather your tools and supplies

Start by gathering all the necessary moving tools and supplies. You will also need moving blankets, cushions and bubble wrap to protect all parts inside and outside of the grandfather clock. Other necessary moving materials are moving boxes for storing and transporting watch parts, a long piece of laminate, rubber bands and packing paper.

Familiarize yourself with the grandfather clock

Although there are many different types of grandfather clocks, they all work in a similar way. The pendulum, a device that oscillates back and forth within the clock, is supported by the pendulum guide. Inside the watch’s case you’ll also find a set of hanging weights (usually two or three). These weights are either supported by chains or cables that act like pulleys. The top of the grandfather clock will have side panels and a glass front.

Remove the hood

Sometimes this is fixed and bolted; However, you can often just push this straight to the front. Make sure two men are performing this move and using both hands as it will be overweight on one side and will try to lean. Make sure this is packed in a MEILE box and well protected.

Tie cords or chains together to keep them from getting tangled

Next, reach in through the side panel and wrap (or crank) the weights almost to the top. Hold the ends of the cables or chains together with your hands and secure with either packing tape or a zip tie. This will prevent the chains from getting tangled when removing the weights and transporting the watch.

Remove the weights

Now that the chain/cable is held together with either packing tape or a cable tie, reach inside and remove the weights one at a time. Start with the weight on the left and work your way to the right. When you remove the weights, wrap them in either bubble wrap or brown paper to protect them.

Be sure to label each weight with its corresponding position within the clock (e.g.: left, center, right). After moving, these weights must be placed back in their original place in the clock in reverse order.

Remove the pendulum

To remove the pendulum, you must first stop it from swinging back and forth. The pendulum should be attached to the top of the pendulum guide. Carefully unhook the pendulum from the pendulum guide. Wrap the pendulum carefully, making sure not to twist anything on the device. Carefully protect the laminate with packing paper and tape to keep it in place. When transporting, make sure that it is moved horizontally.

Remove clock function

With the weights gone, the pendulum unhooked, and your hood removed, you can now lift the works off the top of the long clock frame. Keep the chains/pulleys taut and secure them to the back of the jigs with an elastic band. Place in a box with crush underneath.

Move the grandfather clock into the van

With all the individual parts packed, start wrapping the grandfather clock in cushions, swaddling blankets, or bubble wrap. For added protection, we recommend taking a large moving box with the top and bottom open and then sliding it from the top of the grandfather clock to the center. This should protect the grandfather clock on all four sides.

There you have it, a step-by-step guide to moving a grandfather clock. Once you have arrived at your new location, you may be wondering how to put up a grandfather clock after you move. Just follow the steps above in reverse order, set the correct time, and you’re good to go.

If moving is causing you undue stress, we can help with packing, storage and heavy lifting. For more tips on moving valuable items or advice from our experienced and dedicated moving team, contact us.

You may have dreamed of one day owning a grandfather clock or only recently had the idea of ​​buying one only to get sticker shock when you realize that the average grandfather clock or grandma will easily fetch you £2000! Of course, you might be able to find a sale or buy one second-hand, but once you’ve settled on a specific model and brand, you probably have a small fortune in mind.

craftsmanship

A big reason why the watches are so expensive and also so sought after is the talent and craftsmanship that goes into them. A lot of skilled work goes into making a masterpiece like a grandfather clock. High quality wood is used in the manufacture of the frame which requires a skilled hand to carve to perfection. The mechanisms simply have to be installed like this, since it is a delicate and complicated process. The melody and chimes are a feature that can also add to the overall cost as they usually require additional weight to be added for the power required to play in the quarter hour.

Suggested Reading: 10 Types of Antique Clocks That Should Keep in the Family

materials

Although it will vary, most clocks are made from quality hardwoods such as oak, cherry and walnut. Then we consider what the dial is made of, likely with brass and precious metal accents like gold or silver for the numerals and decorations. Glass for the windows is often beveled and needs to be cut to fit the doors and clock face. Details add to the price, such as inlays, fretplates, melodies in addition to hourly chimes, and hand-carved elements that require additional time and skill in making the grandfather clock.

Modern versus antique

A new grandfather clock recently made by a modern watchmaker is likely to cost less than an antique that has been around for 50 years or more. Although not limited to grandfather clocks, antiques are collectibles that can retain or increase in value if they are kept in good condition, show little or no signs of wear, are made by a coveted manufacturer, and are relatively rare finds. In these cases a museum quality grandfather clock such as the antique English inlaid grandfather clock can cost around £35,000. While you probably won’t stumble upon these prices for newer watches, it’s good to be aware of the kind of appreciation you can expect when considering having a watch as an heirloom for future generations.

complexity

Not every grandfather clock is the same; Some are simple, no-frills timepieces, while others are elaborate, intricate machines that are both a timepiece and fine decor. You’ll need a professional’s expertise to evaluate the watch’s parts and capabilities, but you can start with a simple visual inspection yourself.

Consider the pendulum and seesaw below. It is usually made of brass and sometimes steel. These are the standard metals used and quality may be affected if the pendulum is made from a different, cheaper metal. You should also check that it works well and has no visible scratches. It is important for this to work as it controls the speed of the clock.

Examine the dials. There are a few factors that go into shaping the face. You want this to be in Excellent if not Mint condition as that is one of the most important points in a grandfather clock. Make sure it works, the hands are spotless and there are no scratches on the face or digits. There may also be a lunar clock that cycles through the phases of the moon in our astronomical world, so make sure it works and maintains the correct phases.

Finally, take a look at the overall case. The case houses everything and is usually the biggest factor in the aesthetics and artistry of the watch, as not everything here is for function. While the case is meant to hold the watch together, this is where most of the flourishes and designs can take place. Carvings, wood stains and inlays can be added to the clock for a special appeal. Make sure these are in excellent condition ie. H. no broken edges, no missing insert and no scratches or stains.

Suggested reading: How to choose a wall clock for your home

Alternatives to grandfather clocks

weather clock

If you’re looking for something that combines tradition and modernity, consider the Bramwell Brown Weather Clock. Bramwell Brown has a particularly fine line of watches with quirky and imaginative motifs reminiscent of the warm antique watches you might admire. It also has a dual purpose of showing the time and forecasting the weather. These charming clocks are an investment that at a fraction of the cost of a grandfather clock can make great heirlooms that can be passed on. They are handcrafted by watchmaking professionals with three-dimensional scenes sliding in place to show you what today’s weather will be like.

mantel clocks

Image source: www.theclockdepot.com

This small, often decorated, clock sits on a mantel or shelf and has much of the sentimentality of the grandfather clock. It’s a great alternative if you can’t afford a grandfather clock but still want a charming timepiece. The case is often made of wood and can be decorated similar to a grandfather clock. Some also have a chime that marks the hour. However, like the grandfather clock, the mantel clock can be quartz driven or key-wound, so the choice is yours as to what works better for you.

Cuckoo clock

Image source: www.theclockdepot.com

If you love the craftsmanship element of the grandfather clock, investing in a cuckoo clock might be a sensible compromise. These charming little clocks have a little bird or other character behind a little door that opens to chime the hour. The clocks themselves may have a picturesque scene of a forest or other whimsical setting with the dial in the center above the door with the hidden figure.

How do you hang weights on a grandfather clock?

Originally, grandfather clocks were designed with one or two weights, and with development a third weight was added. Each weight has a different task.

Weight placement of grandfather clock:

Grandfather clock with different number of weights

Longcase clocks with a weight only have an hour strike, indicating that it is a 30-hour clock. It needs to be wound every day and has only one winding hole because it uses the same weight for timing and striking. For this reason, these grandfather clocks are cheaper.

Longcase clocks with two weights are often referred to as 8-day clocks. In addition to the weight that drives the clock, such a grandfather clock has a separate weight to drive the chime’s striking mechanism. Eight-day grandfather clocks require two winding holes to wind the weights to their starting position using a winding key.

Grandfather clocks with three weights mean an additional quarter-hour strike. Similar to the two weight watches, it should be withdrawn every week. Today most grandfather clocks have three weights with different purposes. The weight on the right drives the clock, the weight in the middle drives the pendulum, and the weight on the left controls the striking mechanism.

How are weights passed to grandfather clocks that require weights to be hung from a pulley and cable?

If you are putting your clock in a safe place, only remove the styrofoam blocks after your clock has been running. You may remove the styrofoam blocks AFTER they have become loose through normal operation, which typically occurs after eight (8) hours of run time.

Most clocks use three weights. The correct hanging position is marked on the underside of each weight when viewing your watch from the front. The total weight of each weight is slightly different and each WEIGHT MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS PROPER POSITION FOR THE WATCH TO PERFORM PROPERLY. Check the weights to make sure they are installed securely.

Check that the cable is in the cable reel. Hang the weights on the pulleys.

NEVER pull out a cable movement without weights installed.

How to weigh grandfather clocks that require weights suspended from a chain?

Most clocks use three weights. The correct hanging position is marked on the underside of each weight when viewing your watch from the front. The total weight of each weight is slightly different and each WEIGHT MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS PROPER POSITION FOR THE WATCH TO PERFORM PROPERLY. Check the weights to make sure they are installed securely.

Make sure each link of each chain is properly positioned on the sprocket teeth. Hang each weight from the solid hooks at the end of the chain, never from the chain links.

How to increase the weights of the grandfather clock?

The weights must be lifted every seven (7) days or the clock will stop.

Grandfather clock: cable with rollers

Weights suspended from cables with pulleys should be lifted using the crank provided. DO NOT lift weights by hand while cranking. Insert the crank into the crank holes in the dial face and turn the crank counterclockwise. This increases the weights.

Grandfather clock: chains

IMPORTANT: PULL THE CHAIN ​​STRAIGHT DOWN. DO NOT lift the weights as this could cause the weights to detach from the chains. Pull the loose end of the chain down until the weight is about 2 inches from the bottom of the woodwork mounting plate.

Why don’t the grandfather clock weights drop to the same level?

When the automatic night shut-off and, on some models, the “silent” function is selected, it is normal for the middle weight to drop faster than the other weights.

Does a grandfather clock with quartz movement have weights?

Some watches have decorative chains and weight shells. The chains are used to hold the decorative weight cups and have been secured in a bag for shipping and are located just below the quartz movement. When you remove the chains from the bag, please note that each chain has a hook at the end. These hooks are used to hang up the decorative weight bowls.

More about grandfather clocks:

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With its person-like mass, its audible ticking, its nebulous needs and its penchant for the inexplicable, the grandfather clock is predestined for the projection of superstition.

The Twilight Zone focused on that in 1963’s episode 132, “Ninety Years Without Slumbering,” named after, you guessed it, Henry Clay Work’s megahit. As a result, Sam Forstmann (played by Ed Wynn, best known as Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins, who loves to laugh) has a grandfather clock that was given to him when he was born 76 years ago. He’s obsessed with his maintenance and stays up all night to make sure the thing is wound, polished, and happy. He lives with his granddaughter and her husband while they await the birth of their first child. They begin to suspect that maybe Sam is taking the watch too far. They persuade him to see a psychiatrist, who advises Sam to give the watch away, and a neighbor happily takes responsibility. “That’s not one of your eight-day watches,” Sam says to the neighbor. “It’s special, you have to wind it up every other day.”

STEP 1

SETTING UP YOUR LONGCASE CLOCK Unpacking your new grandfather clock:

a) Cut the nylon straps around the shipping carton and open the carton from both sides.

b) Remove the box from the top of the watch. This contains your product manual.

c) Remove the side carton supports inside the carton.

d) Remove the grandfather clock’s pendulum, which is packed in a separate tall, thin box.

e) Slide the watch out of one of the sides of the box.

f) After unpacking, carefully unpack the watch from the lower carton support.

There is a white styrofoam box at the bottom of the shipping carton. This box contains:

a) a key matching your grandfather clock door,

b) a crank to wind up your grandfather clock and

c) Weights that drive the clockwork of the grandfather clock.

The shipping box also contains the pendulum of the grandfather clock, packed in a separate box.

Move the grandfather clock close to its final location.

WARNING: MAKE SURE THE LONGCASE CLOCK IS SQUARE AND FIXED ON THE FLOOR TO ENSURE IT WILL NOT FALL OVER. ADJUST THE LEVELERS FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY AND PROPER ALIGNMENT.

Access to the grandfather clock movement, the chime and the cables is done in three possible ways; through the front door(s), through the upper side walls (or side doors).

on some grandfather clocks) or via the rear access panel. The upper side panels are held from the inside with tape or a plastic clip. The plastic clip can be rotated

or tape can be permanently removed. See the General Information section in Section 10 for detailed instructions on removing and installing the upper side panels.

Remove the cardboard wrap around the bell sticks by first cutting the rubber band with scissors. DO NOT PULL THE RUBBER BAND TO BREAK. Next, grasp the cardboard sleeve as marked and pull straight down and away from the ends of the chime bars. (See Figure 1). Remove the foam pads between the chime hammers and chime bars by first cutting the rubber band with scissors. DO NOT PULL THE RUBBER BAND TO BREAK. Care should be taken not to bend the bell hammers. The bell hammers are free to move, allowing for easy removal of the foam pads. Remove the spring clip from the back of the movement by pulling out one end first. (See Figure 1). If there is a long cardboard sleeve and no rubber bands, simply slowly pull the cardboard sleeve from the front of the clock and the wrapping will pop off on its own. Then pull out the foam behind the chime hammers and you have completed this step. DO NOT REMOVE THE STYROFOAM BLOCKS over the cable reels. This is one of the most critical points in the entire setup process. If you do so at this point, the cables could overlap and block movement. You may remove the styrofoam blocks AFTER your grandfather clock is fully assembled and has been in use for approximately twelve (12) hours or when they can be completely removed.

Most of us probably assume that grandfather clocks got their name because we see them most often in our grandparents’ houses. As wise as this assumption may be, it is not the true origin. In reality, the watches get their name from a sad, kinda scary story turned into a famous song.

In a new episode of Today I Found Out, an information and history-based YouTube channel, host Simon Whistler tells the story of Henry Clay Work, an American songwriter who visited England and checked into the George Hotel in North Yorkshire.

Work spotted a large pendulum clock in the hotel lobby and asked the owners about its history. They told him the watch had belonged to the inn’s previous owners, the Jenkins brothers, who had since passed away. Rumor has it that the clock worked perfectly until the death of the first brother, when it suddenly began to lose accuracy. When the second brother died, it stopped working.

Kind of spooky, isn’t it? The story may have been just a made-up story to explain why the current owners hadn’t fixed the watch, but it had an impact on Work. He wrote a song called “My Grandfather’s Clock” about the story, which was published in 1876. The song became a massive hit, selling over 1 million sheet music copies. It was so popular that the name caught on and the clocks formerly known as “grandfather clocks” became grandfather clocks.

The song is still a hit; It was recorded numerous times in the 20th century and even released as a Boys II Men track in 2004.

That’s a pretty neat little story if you ask us. Have you ever heard the song “My Grandfather Clock”? Let us know in the comments!

Image: I found out today

Need more grandfatherly conversations?

Superman’s grandpa has his own TV show.

Hayao Miyazaki is everyone’s great grandpa.

Of course, Coco is all about the grandparents.

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