Grandfather clock: varieties, recommendations for choosing

Since its inception, the grandfather clock has been a luxury item. They indicate the status of their masters in society and their good taste.

The first grandfather clock appeared in the 17th century and was called a "watch cabinet". Initially, they were low, with short pendulums, which fluctuated in amplitude from 80 to 1000. The ancient clock could lag 10-11 minutes per day, which caused a lot of inconvenience. Scientists have been working on improving the pendulum for a long time, and only in 1670 were long pendulums developed, thanks to which the time became as accurate as possible. The movement itself was also improved - instead of a spindle escapement, an anchor escapement was invented, which made it possible to reduce the amplitude of oscillations to 4-60.

They were a favorite element of the interior of the aristocracy of the Middle Ages. The craftsmen of that era adorned the wooden watch case with all kinds of patterns, and the dial with skillful chasing.

A century later, grandfather clocks began to be made from expensive woods of various sizes and shapes, but some elements remained unchanged. In the XVIII - XIX centuries. the height of the watch could reach 2.7 meters. This is due to the improvement of watch mechanisms. The first models were no more than 1.8 meters high and had a short pendulum with a large oscillation amplitude.

To the advantages of a grandfather clock can be attributed:

• profitable filling of space in a large room due to its impressive size;
• convenience and ease of care;
• a variety of models that are suitable for any style;
• melodic battle, it is possible to turn off the sound at night (not in all models);
• durability (with proper care).

Among the disadvantages are:

• not suitable for small rooms;
• break if used incorrectly;
• not all manufacturers equip models with "night mode";
• the mechanism needs regular manual winding;
• classic options do not fit some modern styles;
• high price.

Almost all types of grandfather clocks are made from natural wood. For the body, only valuable tree species with a high resonating effect are taken - oak, walnut, beech. A common feature of this type of watch is a chiming that notifies when one hour has passed.

Now grandfather clocks can be divided into several types, each of which will suit a specific style in the interior.

• Classic - have a high and narrow body, more often this type refers to antique options. In terms of colors, they can vary from black to light brown. Such models are decorated with gilding, carving, can have showcases for displaying heirlooms, or be with a pendulum and a chiming in a wooden case. In appearance, the classic versions are made in the form of a tower with a rounded top and divided into 3 parts - a base, a transparent case, and a dial.

• Adapted - the modern look of watches can have a different appearance depending on the style in which they are made. There are not only mechanical, but also electronic models.Such options are often used by designers, they are often made according to an individual project. For example, classic-looking models made of plywood or MDF, painted in the most incredible colors, are often used in modern interiors.

• Modern - may have a completely unusual appearance and color. Such models fit well into the modern style of houses and emphasize the individuality of the owners. Among the variety of modern models, you can find watches on one support, on a tripod, with a curved case, with LED lamps, mirrored glass panels, electronic, corner and others.

• American style - the interior of this country assumes a lot of space and light. Americans love a lot of solid furniture. Grandfather clocks complement the decor perfectly, but preference should be given to very tall models in order to favorably distinguish them from the rest of the furniture.

• Colonial style - models that are peculiar in appearance in a restrained color scheme. This kind of grandfather clock goes well with traditional furniture. The colonial style assumes a mixture of different styles and originates from the time of the emergence of European colonies in Asia, America, Africa. This trend owes its appearance to the fact that the colonists brought various colorful things from the indigenous population to their homes, which fit well into their interior.

• Shabby chic - this type of watch is decorated with a touch of the "past", their surface is artificially aged. They go well with furniture made in the same style. In general, such an interior will be made in light colors with neutral combinations. Options with a light body are ideal.

• Country - models of this type are made exclusively from natural materials. This type of grandfather clock is ideally combined with wrought iron, stone products, wooden furniture and floors.

• Provence - this style is distinguished by light colors and painting in the general style. The interior in Provence style is filled with soft colors, light textiles, beautiful furniture. White clocks painted with acrylics or art enamel will harmonize well with the cosiness of a French room.

• Neoclassicism - classic furniture combined with discreet luxury indicates the status of its owners. This type of massive grandfather clock, as in past centuries, indicates good taste, loyalty to tradition and wealth of the house.

Separately, it should be said about the watch "Yantar" with a quarter strike, which were popular during the Soviet era. They hit every quarter of an hour, hence the name. They are more suitable for individual private houses than for apartments, since they are distinguished by frequent and loud banging.

The grandfather clock began to be produced in the 17th century, but even now this interior item is very popular among high-status buyers. Today, manufacturers take into account new trends, use the best materials, to please customers not only with beautiful or unusual, but also really high quality watches.

• Bulova. These models combine two styles - American and European. The watches of this manufacturer have anti-magnetic properties, they are shock-resistant, resistant to mechanical damage.

• Hermle. This German company appeared in the last century, in the 1920s. The manufacturer produces models with complex mechanisms that show not only the time, but also the location of the planets, the date and month, and the constellations.

• Howard Miller. American manufacturer that produces interior models. Howard Miller's company focuses on quality, producing more than 50 mechanical and 13 quartz models, more than 100 wall clocks, as well as marine and weather instruments.

• Kieninger. This German watch has the shape of a square with short hands without numbers, and 4 columns protecting the case are used as decoration. Several melodies are built into these models, there is a function to mute the sound for the night.

• Mado - a Japanese manufacturer that successfully combines traditions and modern trends, regularly presents its brands at international exhibitions. The watchmaking process takes place exclusively by hand, so the number of models from this company is limited. In the kit, in addition to the standard instructions, batteries and fasteners, the company supplies a special book with a hokku poem that reveals the symbolism of the product, as well as a branded bag for easy transportation.

• Matthias Naeschke. Another German company that specializes in the production of simple and at the same time original grandfather clocks. Among the most outstanding products of this company is a grandfather clock for a German hotel. They are 3 meters high, 1 meter wide, and a 2.2 meter long pendulum. You can start them no more than once every six months. The model is equipped with a special device that changes the color of the case depending on the weather.

• Power. Chinese manufacturer specializing in the production of natural wood, plastic, MDF floor clocks. She uses German or Japanese movements in her products. Among the features of the lineup, one can single out a luminous dial, imitation of a cuckoo fight and forest sounds, backlighting, and a thermometer function.

• Rhythm. Japanese company operating since the 50s of the last century. Available from classic to modern grandfather clocks. What distinguishes this brand from the rest is the moving dial.

• Tomas Stern. The German company supplies the market with non-standard design solutions with quartz or mechanical movements. The peculiarity of the brand is in its unique dials, which in shape can resemble fantastic buildings, flowers, posters, stars.

• Gustav Becker. One of the earliest watch manufacturers. Becker's company began operating at the end of the 19th century, when Germany was considered the undisputed leader in watchmaking. The products have been awarded various awards and certificates. The company produces grandfather clocks in various designs that bear the Becker brand name.

Russian-made grandfather clocks began to be produced again relatively recently. They are represented by Dynasty and Vostok. Also on the world market there are Italian manufacturers who are distinguished by sophistication and the spirit of antiquity. Italy is not inferior to the quality of watches, and the model range is represented by products in the style of Art Deco, Baroque, and classics.

The first thing to be guided by when choosing a grandfather clock is the style of the room. For the bedroom, you need to choose models with a mute function at night. If the room is small, and you want to put a grandfather clock in it, you can pay attention to the corner models. For the kitchen, it is better to choose functional options, for example, with shelves, where you can put dishes or a family service behind beautiful glass. This option is also suitable for the living room - in this case, memorable albums, photographs and more can be stored behind the showcase.

You should not choose a grandfather clock if you are the owner of a small city apartment, in this case it will clutter up the space and create a feeling of cramped space.

If the room has high ceilings, then wide interior models with shelves will look perfect here. They will make the room more personable. At low ceilings, it is better to give preference to elongated narrow models with vertical decorations.

Classic models will fit well with modern designs if they have metal, glass or other unconventional decorations.

The room where you plan to install the grandfather clock should not have a lot of furniture, so as not to create a "crushing" feeling. The color of the product is also important - a dark shade visually enlarges objects, a light shade reduces it.

When choosing a watch, listen to its sound, what melodies are in the memory, check the functionality of the model.

Most of the grandfather clocks are made of solid wood, so it is important to maintain an optimal level of humidity and temperature in the room. The grandfather clock should be on a flat, stable surface. If your floors have slopes or imperfections, you can choose a model with adjustable feet.

They should never be placed on carpets or other soft surfaces. Also, do not put them at the entrance, as constant vibrations can disrupt the operation of the mechanism.

The clock does not need a factory more often than once a day. It is important to monitor the intervals of the fight, as frequent or, conversely, rare combat will quickly disable the mechanism. It is best to wind the watch at the same time.

There are two types of mechanisms: cable and chain. With a cable pull, the winding is carried out using a winding key, which must be inserted alternately into the holes of the movement, melody and beat mechanism, and turned clockwise until it stops.

The second chain-driven mechanism can be started with weights by pulling on the chains. At the time of winding, it is important not to lift the weights by hand, so that the chain does not come off the winding wheel. You cannot pull the chain or abruptly lower the weight. You need to lift the weights slowly and smoothly, up to the limiter on the chain. This mechanism allows the watch to be wound once a week.

It should be remembered that the plant of the melody, fight and move must be done regularly, even if you do not need a fight or a melody. This will extend the life of the watch movement.

The wooden watch case must be regularly wiped with wax or a special cleaner. The watch must not be washed with water, shaken, knocked on, dropped. The hands of the watch need to be turned only in the direction of the clock, otherwise malfunctions may occur in the mechanism.

When transporting a watch, the pendulum fork must be firmly fixed or removed, the case must be positioned so that the clock mechanism serves as a support for the pendulum.

Watches, especially antique ones, should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which may discolor the surface or cause deformation. For the same reason, they should not be placed near fireplaces or stoves. Radiators and air conditioners nearby do not in the best way affect the condition of the grandfather clock.

Malfunctions in mechanical watches:

• the cuckoo jammed;
• quiet or very loud sound of a fight;
• the hands of the cuckoo sound at half an hour and the clock show different times;
• inconsistency of indicators on arrows with combat strikes.

Quartz watch malfunctions:

• contacts are oxidized;
• the battery is discharged;
• mechanical damage;
• the arrows touch the glass.

Only a master can fix all problems in the grandfather clock.

The grandfather clock in a modern design allows you to decorate any interior, from the kitchen to the hall. You can choose the appropriate option in the style of high-tech, baroque, provence, minimalism and others.

The grandfather clock is most often used in the interior of the living room, depending on the size and style of the room, the clock model is also selected. In the colonial style, antique clocks with striking look good, for the luxury of Art Deco, classic options are suitable, corner models will decorate a small room, for an oriental style it is better to choose options of an unusual shape.

Models with a display case are recommended for use in the kitchen. Behind the beautiful glass, you can place not only a family service, but also make a home mini-bar.

To prevent the clock from standing out in the room, you need to choose the right color, shape and design.

For recommendations on choosing a grandfather clock, see the following video.