Grandfather Clocks

Grandfather clocks on our site feature a wide selection of designs from many of the leading grandfather clock manufacturers in the world, such as Ridgeway, Kieninger, Hermle, Comitti of London and Howard Miller grandfather clocks. Styles include traditional, curio, furniture and contemporary grandfather clocks. All models on our site come with free shipping anywhere within the Continental U.S.. Additionally, we also offer free in-home set-up on many models (see "Terms" for details). So browse these collections or let our experts help you find the "gift of time." As an authorized service center for some of the leading grandfather clock manufacturers in the world, our customers can be sure that we can provide the best in customer service and continuing technical service support on many grandfather clocks purchased from us.

Grandfather Clocks by Howard Miller	Grandfather Clocks by Ridgeway	Grandfather Clocks by Comitti of London
Grandfather Clocks at Gift of Time

Grandfather clocks, also known as floor clocks, are generally offered with one of two different types movements: a mechanical key-wound or a quartz battery-operated movement. Key-wound grandfather clocks are the patriarch of mechanical timepieces and are powered, or "driven", with weights that hang on cables. The weights in such grandfather clocks power the clock from the gravitational pull of the weights slowly falling down on the cables and are referred to as being "cable-driven." These weights are heavy enough to power the clock for seven days, at which time they will need to be wound up again by inserting a crank into holes in the dial. In some antique grandfather clocks however, the weights had to be manually pulled up by pulling on chains that the weights hung from and were referred to as being "chain-driven." Although similar models are still produced, we do not offer such chain-driven clocks. Indeed, the more sophisticated grandfather clocks are cable-driven. Usually there are three weights and each weight has a specific function. The middle weight powers the timekeeping function of the clock. The left weight, as you're looking at the clock, powers the hour strikes. Finally, the right weight, as you're looking at the clock, powers the chimes.

Grandfather clocks with cable-driven movements are regulated with the use of a pendulum. Pendulums can be adjusted to make the clock run faster or slower by simply turning a small rating nut at the bottom of the pendulum. Turning this rating nut will cause the pendulum bob to either raise or lower. Raising the bob will cause the clock to run faster and lowering the bob will cause the clock to run slower.

Grandfather clocks will also produce a chiming melody, such as the traditional Westminster chime. However, the more elaborate grandfather clocks will offer a triple chime selection of Westminster, Whittington or St. Michael's. Chimes and hour strikes are most often played on long metal rods. However, some select models can produce these chiming melodies on long steel tubes.

Terms