Mantel clocks are generally offered in one of two different types of movements: mechanical key-wound or quartz battery-operated.  Arguably, the more sophisticated mantel clocks are key-wound.  These types of mechanical mantel clocks are powered by springs that slowly unwind as the clock runs.  The springs will unwind and generally power the clock for up to seven days, at which time they need to be wound again by inserting a key into the holes of the dial.  Indeed, key-wound mantel clocks are easy to recognize, as they will generally have three holes in the dial.  The middle hole will wind the spring that powers the timekeeping function of the clock.  The right hole, as you're looking at the clock, powers the chimes of the clock.  Finally, the left winding hole, as you're looking at the clock, powers the hourly strikes of the clock.  If a mechanical key-wound mantel clock only has two winding holes then it generally only offers a 1/2 hour or Bim Bam strike and will not play a chiming melody.  Although many key-wound mantel clocks will generally need to be wound once a week, they are commonly referred to as an "eight-day clock."  Some mantel clocks are even offered with a 14-day movement.

Mantel clocks with a key-wound, spring-driven, movement are generally regulated with the use of a balance wheel.  The balance wheel acts much like a pendulum does on a wall clock or grandfather clock.  The balance wheel can be adjusted to run faster or slower.  Arguably, more sophisticated mantel clocks use a jeweled platform escapement to regulate the clock instead of a balance wheel.  Still other models will use a pendulum or a combination of a pendulum and a jeweled escapement.  Particular mantel clocks of note are the fusse-driven skeleton clocks, such as the popular Congreve Rolling Ball Clock, Great Wheel and the Grasshopper.  These particular clocks are powered and regulated in arguably a much more sophisticated and complex manner.

Most mechanical mantel clocks will also produce a chiming melody that is played on metal rods or brass bells.  Chiming mantel clocks will most often produce the traditional Westminster chime.  However, the more elaborate mantel clocks will include the triple chime melodies of Westminster, Whittington or St. Michael's.  Other forms of chimes include the bim-bam melody, the passing bell strike and the 1/2 hour strike.  Most chiming mantel clocks will have a manual silencer option and the more sophisticated mantel clocks will have an automatic night silencer option.  Refer to our section on clock chimes for further information on the sequence and history of clock chimes.