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Anniversary Clocks: Glass Domes, Torsion Pendulum, Brass, Howard Miller, Seiko And Anniversary Clock Repair
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Published: September 25, 2007
Clocks can do so much more than simply tell the time; furniture-style clocks also carry considerable symbolic and aesthetic value. Grandfather clocks are one such style, lending a massive presence to a room. Small 400-day clocks, the kind encased in glass domes, on the other hand, have a more intimate kind of delicacy to them.
They are most commonly known as anniversary clocks, and have been popular timepieces for over a hundred years.
One of the defining characteristics of anniversary clocks is they allow you to see the inner workings in motion. The mechanisms are visible through glass domes, and are powered by a torsion pendulum which oscillates between clockwise and counter-clockwise. Typically, the base is either silver or brass. The torsion pendulum is especially delicate, and the fine craftsmanship of classic anniversary clocks capitalizes on this fragile beauty. They first became popular at the turn of the 20th century, and enjoyed another renaissance following World War 2. Because they are not easy clocks to set up and maintain, today's anniversary clocks are battery-powered, though restored classics are popular antique items.
Anniversary clocks are also unique because they only have to be wound once a year. Because the torsion pendulum moves so slowly, it runs far longer than other kinds of pendulums; once every 400 days is sufficient. Thus, they are well-suited for wedding and anniversary gifts, with the once-a-year winding becoming a symbolic act. The delicacy of anniversary clocks also adds to their value as wedding gifts.
Today, Howard Miller and Seiko are two of the largest manufacturers of anniversary clocks. Howard Miller, perhaps most known for their grandfather clocks, has been making them for much longer than Seiko, though both companies offer pieces of good quality. Modern battery-powered clocks are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $50 to $300 dollars. Stylistically, they have not changed much since their inception. Modern versions replicate the antique charm of the original models, and come with a variety of design options.
Antique clocks, on the other hand, can be much trickier to handle. Beautiful antique anniversary clocks can be found cheaply, but the buyer should be aware of how well the piece has been restored. Anniversary clock repair is not an easy process, though do-it-yourself guides are available. Their pendulums do not age particularly well, and good maintenance is essential if they are to last. Anniversary clock repair can also be costly, so novice buyers should always look for a piece in good working condition. A local horologist should be able to offer good advice regarding what to look for, and how much it should be. Moreover, horology clubs for amateur hobbyists are common, and can offer sound information on anniversary clocks.
Sources:
"Buying a Clock." Abbey Clock Clinic. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.abbeyclock.com/buy.html.
"Hermle Anniversary Clocks." Wedding Frenzy. 30 Aug. 2007. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.weddingfrenzy.com/wedding/hermle-annive rsary-clocks/.
"The History of Anniversary Clocks." The Clock Peddler. 2003. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.clockpeddler.com/anniversary_info.htm.< br />
One of the defining characteristics of anniversary clocks is they allow you to see the inner workings in motion. The mechanisms are visible through glass domes, and are powered by a torsion pendulum which oscillates between clockwise and counter-clockwise. Typically, the base is either silver or brass. The torsion pendulum is especially delicate, and the fine craftsmanship of classic anniversary clocks capitalizes on this fragile beauty. They first became popular at the turn of the 20th century, and enjoyed another renaissance following World War 2. Because they are not easy clocks to set up and maintain, today's anniversary clocks are battery-powered, though restored classics are popular antique items.
Anniversary clocks are also unique because they only have to be wound once a year. Because the torsion pendulum moves so slowly, it runs far longer than other kinds of pendulums; once every 400 days is sufficient. Thus, they are well-suited for wedding and anniversary gifts, with the once-a-year winding becoming a symbolic act. The delicacy of anniversary clocks also adds to their value as wedding gifts.
Today, Howard Miller and Seiko are two of the largest manufacturers of anniversary clocks. Howard Miller, perhaps most known for their grandfather clocks, has been making them for much longer than Seiko, though both companies offer pieces of good quality. Modern battery-powered clocks are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $50 to $300 dollars. Stylistically, they have not changed much since their inception. Modern versions replicate the antique charm of the original models, and come with a variety of design options.
Antique clocks, on the other hand, can be much trickier to handle. Beautiful antique anniversary clocks can be found cheaply, but the buyer should be aware of how well the piece has been restored. Anniversary clock repair is not an easy process, though do-it-yourself guides are available. Their pendulums do not age particularly well, and good maintenance is essential if they are to last. Anniversary clock repair can also be costly, so novice buyers should always look for a piece in good working condition. A local horologist should be able to offer good advice regarding what to look for, and how much it should be. Moreover, horology clubs for amateur hobbyists are common, and can offer sound information on anniversary clocks.
Sources:
"Buying a Clock." Abbey Clock Clinic. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.abbeyclock.com/buy.html.
"Hermle Anniversary Clocks." Wedding Frenzy. 30 Aug. 2007. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.weddingfrenzy.com/wedding/hermle-annive rsary-clocks/.
"The History of Anniversary Clocks." The Clock Peddler. 2003. 24 Sept. 2007. http://www.clockpeddler.com/anniversary_info.htm.< br />
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