Keeping good time

Keeping good time .W hen midnight strikes New Year’s Eve, dozens of clocks in Clyde Day’s home and backyard shop will reveal their unique cadences, belt out “cuckoos” and ring deep “dongs.”

But Day, an 86-year-old clock repairman and collector, probably will sleep through all of the commotion.

“We’ll be in bed long before 12 o’clock,” Day said. “At our age, we don’t worry about that.”

Day started collecting clocks in the early 1970s. The grandfather clock he built with a kit for his son, and that hooked him on the hobby, still stands in the living room.

“It’s a hobby that got out of control,” Day said with a mild chuckle.

Now, every nook and cranny displays something relating to clocks or watches, which are just smaller, wearable clocks, Day explained.

“It gets kind of loud in here on the hour,” said Day’s granddaughter, May Koenig.

Day’s clock collection includes a contemporary-styled clock that’s synchronized with an atomic clock at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in Fort Collins, Colo. He also owns and stores dozens of intricately designed German, American and Swedish mechanical grandfather and granddaughter clocks, some more than a century old.

Some of the clocks on display in his shop demonstrate a history of time-keeping or horology. One imitates the ancient clepsidra or water clock design and others have monthly calendar dials.

Day says his collection wouldn’t be complete without the inexpensive quartz clocks he introduces with the same enthusiasm. There’s one with U.S. silver coins, a funky Las Vegas-themed clock with plastic dice to mark the hours and a decorated Christmas tree clock that plays “Silent Night” on the hour.

“I’ve got strange little things sitting around here that don’t mean much to anyone but me,” Day said, picking up the Las Vegas-themed clock. “Obviously, this has no particular value.”

Inside grandfather clocks , labels indicate the manufacturer, age and origin. Without identifying labels, these clocks are “lost sheep,” Day said.

Clocks can be dangerous, too. Once, Day opened a clock without disarming its springs and the insides exploded, lodging a metal piece in his thumb.

Day says he never tires from disassembling old clocks that aren’t working and getting them ticking again.

“I like things that are mechanical and orderly,” said Day, a retired chemical engineer. “I like to know who made it and how it was made.”

Pulsating tick-tocks create a restful effect and the intricacies of the clock’s function challenge the mind, but it’s the discovery that keeps Day fascinated...

North Jersey Media Group

North Jersey Media Group . You might think that clocks would be obsolete by now.

To find out the time, most of us have lots of other options: a wristwatch, a cellphone, the corner of a computer screen.

Yet clocks are bigger than ever -- in popularity and size. On walls across America, artwork is being bumped to the closet by oversize clocks in living rooms, kitchens, hallways and even bathrooms and outdoor patios.

"I love to throw in large-scale clocks in decor, especially in a breakfast room over a table, so large that it makes a statement," said Elaine Minervini of Esprit Decor in Westwood.

Venerable clockmaker Howard Miller of Zeeland, Mich., has tuned into the trend with new offerings. The Camille, for example, is meant for the kitchen or bath and has a front door that opens to reveal a storage compartment for dishes, towels or linens.

Perhaps the most pronounced fad in clocks at the moment is steel, chrome and wrought iron. "This look is most popular in wall decor," said Mark Siciliano, director of marketing for Howard Miller. On-trend elements include round heads and sleek, stylish bases.
"Blond woods, woven materials and neutral colors are forecasted to be 2007 trends," said Mark Olszowy, product manager for clocks for Salton at Home.

Some trends are regional. Siciliano notes that Northeast consumers remain partial to the grandeur of traditional floor clocks, preferably with embellishments such as swan-neck pediments, carved moldings, floral overlays and interior lighting.

Plainer grandfathers go for about $600 at Andrews Clocks & Watches in Hillsdale; fancier ones can cost as much as $20,000. "These are clocks that are absolutely unbelievable, like a fine piano," said owner Russell Andrews, grandson of the shop's founder.

But seventh-generation clock seller Ruben Braun of Andres Braun Clocks in Passaic says sales of grandfather clocks are slowing because people don't want to bother winding them. Only Ridgeway Clocks in Ridgeway, Va., makes a synchronous grandfather clock that doesn't need winding (list price: $4,812).

"We have radio-controlled [wall and table] clocks where you never have to set them," said Braun. "They receive a signal from the U.S. atomic clock in Colorado so they're never more than a second off."

Radio-controlled models, which automatically reset themselves for daylight-saving time and during travel to different time zones, are made by a variety of manufacturers, including Seiko, Seth Thomas and Bulova. They range in price from $50 to $500.

Chiming clocks, in the same price category, also are popular. Andrews sells Rhythm models made in Japan that play tunes on the hour....

Newer grandfather clocks stress simplicity

Newer grandfather clocks stress simplicity .The words
"grandfather clock" probably bring to mind a heavy piece of furniture housing complicated gear work, an ornate face done in Roman numerals and a loud gong that wakes the neighborhood.

While that archetype has its place, many of the newer floor clocks from industry leader Howard Miller are fashioned with simplicity in mind to better blend with popular Zen-inspired styles or European themes. Chimes can be turned off during nighttime hours, if desired.

If done in wood, these trendier pieces are more likely to have dark, low-sheen or distressed finishes with names such as espresso and worn black. The clock’s elements are simple, streamlined and often oversized.

Carlos, for example, is a model that comes with a rich black coffee finish and a simple clock face with clear Arabic numerals. The large pendulum bob and three weight shells sport a brushed nickel finish. The look is contemporary and can blend with clean lines originating anywhere from Asia to Scandinavia.

The curving wrought-iron Vercelli is well-suited for the popular Tuscan decor and other Italian-inspired styles. While more ornamented than Carlos, Vercelli still imparts an airy feeling due to its open ironwork and light-colored cast stone dial.

Despite their fashion-forward orientation, Howard Miller clocks remain heirloom quality, with precision clock movements that come with two-year warranties. And these clocks are the ultimate in energy efficiency: they require no electricity, relying on regular winding for their power....

My Grandfather Clock

My Grandfather Clock .Author: Millicent Howe

As Millicent's family grandfather clock struck, there are times when you can't believe what you hear.

"I loved that clock - it was my friend and companion, I was never lonely or afraid as long as my clock went on tick, tock, tock, tocking..."

Millicent Howe was born in 1923 and has lived in the area all her life. She now lives in Shelton and is a devoted member of the King George VI Memorial Club in Hanley.

Her story is about a grandfather clock , but it was more than a mere timepiece - it is an integral part of her family and shared memories. One night, many years ago, Millicent had an eerie experience with the clock that she will never forget.
In pride of place in our living room stood the most regal looking grandfather clock. My mother would polish it and on occasion would gently wash it's face, each night before bedtime my father would open its door and take the two weights which were on a chain and pull them down in turn, then the pendulum would swing merrily away again and all would be well until morning.

I loved that clock - it was my friend and companion, I was never lonely or afraid as long as my clock went on tick, tock, tock, tocking.

If my mother went to the shops for half an hour or so, I knew that I was safe with my clock.

Each winter it seemed to develop a cough and it would shudder. Oh Dear! My father would dip a goose feather in paraffin and tickle it's works, it did the trick.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, my clock was nearly 200 years old. My father had bought it in a sale of some old hall. So the dear old thing was, in 1935, entitled to have a cough and a shudder - don't you think?

One night I lay counting the strokes to midnight. The clock coughed and shuddered and I counted and waited 10... 11... 12... 13...! Mum! Dad! The clock struck 13! Don't be silly said dad - go back to sleep....

Grandfather Clocks - A Brief History

Grandfather clocks were originally known as floor clocks or long case clocks. A song written in 1875 called "The Grandfather's Clock" told the story of an aging floor clock that stood in the George Hotel in North Yorkshire, England. Two brothers managed the hotel. The clock began slowly losing time immediately upon the death of one of the brothers, and upon the death of the second brother, the floor clock stopped working altogether despite numerous attempts to have the clock repaired. Eventually new management gained control of the George Hotel, but the clock remained in place as a tribute to the two brothers who had faithfully managed the hotel for so many years. The term "grandfather clock" caught on quickly after the song became widely known and since then, what were originally known as floor clocks are commonly called Grandfather Clocks and are a cherished part of our culture.

Over the years there have been numerous improvements to time-keeping devices and grandfather clocks are no exception. In modern times, a grandfather clock is a statement of excellent taste and firmly rooted tradition. Grandfather clocks are commonly a family heirloom that is passed down through the generations. Grandfather clocks vary somewhat in size, but are generally 6 to eight feet tall and lend a stately appearance to any room. You can also find smaller versions of grandfather clocks, which are known as grandmother and granddaughter clocks. Families for centuries have passed a cherished grandfather clock from one generation to the next, and today there are grandfather clocks with great historical and sentimental value. Some of the oldest known grandfather clocks are still used as the models for the grandfather clocks we purchase today. You will also be able to find more modern version of the grandfather clock in varying styles and colors.

Each time you see a grandfather clock, remind yourself of where this term originated and give a bit of thought to the long history of these treasured timepieces and heirlooms. If you do not own a grandfather clock you will be happy to know that it is easy to start your own family heirloom and you will be able to find the perfect grandfather clock in all price ranges.

Article Source:http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Grandfather Clocks- Relive The Magic

Every child in high school learns that a pendulum's rate of swing (period) is proportional to its length. This is the only factor that affects the period. Galileo discovered this in 1582.

Today's grandfather clocks are the descendents of William Clement's clock from 1670. He had discovered that a longer pendulum meant more accurate timekeeping. The long pendulum had to be enclosed to prevent children (and adults) playing with it. Hence the long-case clock was invented. The name Grandfather Clock comes from Henry Work's 1875 song, "My Grandfather's Clock."

If your parents or grandparents had a grandfather clock you are certain to remember it well. Its sounding of every hour with a tremendously resonant goooooonnnngg, the way it kept you awake all night until you were used to it, the daily winding ritual, its sheer presence. Memories of these fantastic historical clocks are held precious by more than one generation.

Modern homes are often too small to accommodate a grandfather clock easily, but it is worth the effort necessary to fit one in. It makes a much more attractive feature than a 45 inch television, and homes were never designed to accommodate one of those either.

Some people buy one to remind them of their youth, or perhaps, to give their children similar fantastic memories of the sight, sound and presence of this amazing timepiece.

You can build your own grandfather, or long case, clock from plans or kits. The kits come in a variety of finishes, from blond pine to darkest rosewood. The plans will include cutting lists for timber that is required.

The one thing you absolutely must do before you buy a clock, or kit is to listen to its chimes. If you cannot find a clock made from the kit you have chosen, then choose another kit. Clocks made from kits and plans will vary in tone, because of differences in resonance qualities caused by differing woods and construction skill levels.

You are going to live with this for a many years; you have to like the sound of your clock.


Article Source: ArticleRich.com

Clock collection fetches £98,000

Clock collection fetches £98,000 .Clocks collected by a 91-year-old man, who died earlier this year, raised £38,000 more than expected when they were sold at an auction in Kent.
Leslie Brundle was a carpenter and self-taught horologist who restored antique clocks and also made his own.

The Canterbury Auction Galleries said Mr Brundle's modest Margate home gave no hint of its contents when he died.

The extensive private collection was expected to raise £60,000 but fetched £98,000 when it was sold on Tuesday.


'Standing like soldiers'

"I knew he was a collector; I had no idea of the quality of his collection," auctioneer Anthony Pratt said.

He said Mr Brundle's three-bedroom semi was full of clocks, including 15 grandfather clocks and more than 60 wall and mantel clocks.

"There were clocks everywhere, eight or 10 on every wall, behind doors and standing like soldiers in every room.

"It was like stepping into a clockmaker's workshop."

Mr Brundle was born in London in 1912 and moved to Margate, Kent, when he was a small boy.

'Too shy to bid'

He spent all his life in Thanet and worked as a carpenter producing doors, windows and general joinery work for the building trade....

Antiques - Collectors guides - Longcase clocks

Antiques - Collectors guides - Longcase clocks .An illustrated guide to collecting longcase clocks.. 20 January 2006 Longcase clocks Longcases, popularly known as grandfather clocks , are among the most appealing of all antique clocks...

The Origin Of Grandfather Clocks

Remember those big, wooden clocks with long pendulums and which gives out eerie sounds? Antique clocks can evoke feelings of nostalgia for times gone by. Hearing the clock going ding-dong could either bring a person back to the past or to a time in the future.

Clocks, no matter what kind they are, have always been an important aspect of man’s life. The invention of the clock has made life easier for humans, who used to tell time by the way the sun’s rays were positioned in the sky. Our ancestors could tell it is noon when the sun is set at a certain height or level in the sky. While this system worked, it made the telling of time impossible during night time or at times when it is raining.

Mechanical clocks which sounded a bell at every hour were invented in the 1300s. However, these clocks were so primitive they did not have minute hands or faces which could easily tell the time the way the clocks do nowadays. The discovery of the coiled spring in the 1400s made possible for the existence of smaller clocks and even watches. It was in the 1600s when the pendulum clock was invented by Christiaan Huygens. However, the pendulum clock was still considered inaccurate.

Such was the British Parliament’s yearning for a clock that could accurately tell the time, that a cash reward awaited anyone who could create a clock that could be used even for navigation. Finally, the accurate clock was invented and humans were once again able to navigate and work, knowing that their clocks were telling them the right time.

One of the clocks that have become famous is the grandfather clock . This clock is known for being a work of art in itself, enclosed in a tower case and has a long pendulum. Remember that in the olden days, the longer the pendulum of the clock was, the more accurate the time. Grandfather clocks usually measured high at a minimum of six feet tall, and the tower made of hardwood and glass.

The Grandfather clock actually referred to the floor clock kept in the George Hotel in England, owned by the two brothers. The death of one of the brothers resulted to time malfunction of the floor clock. When the clock started to fail when the second brother died, the clock was never repaired. This was the same clock which inspired the song “My Grandfather’s Clock”, composed by Henry Clay Work in 1875 and written after he stayed in the George Hotel and learned of the story of the two brothers.

Most Grandfather clocks are striking clocks. Striking clocks, like the Big Ben clock in London, are clocks that make a gong sound at every hour.


Article Source: ArticleRich.com

A Grandfather Clock is a Delightful Addition to Any Home

“Just imagine the chiming of a Grandfather clock – that is the sound that turns a house into a home…”

Around 1875, the American songwriter Henry Work was staying at the George Hotel during a trip to England. He was told the unique story of their old clock and it’s previous owner, and after seeing the clock for himself, he decided to write a song about the fascinating coincidence that the clock stopped forever the moment its owner died. Mr. Work returned to America and published the song that sold over a million copies of sheet music about the clock grandfather entitled “My Grandfather’s Clock”. Until that time, clocks such as the one in the old George Hotel were given various names, but only since Henry Work’s song have large upright clocks been called ‘Grandfather Clocks’.

Grandfather clocks , also sometimes known as ‘Coffin Clocks’, come in a huge variety of sizes and designs, ranging from antiques built by famous clock makers several centuries ago, to those made today.

Pendulum clocks were developed by clockmakers in the mid 1600’s in a bid to obtain a greater degree of time-keeping accuracy. By giving them longer pendulums, clocks kept better time. These long-pendulum clocks were placed in tall wooden cases so that they could stand upright on the floor.

Since then, grandfather clocks have become very popular items of household furniture, and have appeared in a huge variety of cases – many styles of which became fashionable, and then fell out of favor as fashion tastes changed. Grandfather clocks were sometimes embellished with ornate woodcarving, and often came complete with chimes, tunes, and moon-phase dials.

Clock collecting is a serious passion for many clock lovers around the world. Today, some antique clocks from the 1600’s to 1700’s fetch tens of thousands of dollars.


Article Source: ArticleRich.com

The English Grandfather Clock Tradition

Like the storied countryside of England, grandfather clocks from that country are rich in history and tradition. The first known pendulum clock was made in 1656. Grandfather clocks got their name in 1875 from a song by Henry Work. Grandfather clocks are also known as longcase or tallcase clocks.

English clockmakers have been involved in grandfather clock design and construction since the beginning. English grandfather clocks span a period of history that included the reign of Charles II, the Queen Anne period, the Georgian period, and the days of Queen Victoria. In fact, the famous Eastgate Clock was designed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 80th birthday in 1897.

English grandfather clocks are not the work of a single man. Rather, they exemplify the best in teamwork. Each clock is a testament to a fine collaboration between designers, woodworkers, and silversmiths. Only the finest craftsman in each category worked on the clocks. Together, they created grandfather clocks that were beautiful, functional, and long-lasting.

In early 18th century, English grandfather clocks were made with moon dials. This enabled clock owners to know the moon phase at a glance, in addition to the hour and the minute. More than just a stylish fad, the moon dial was critical to the lifestyle of the day. This feature was helpful to travelers, as they often needed their journeys to coincide with the moon’s phases. Journeys were safer by the light of the moon. Moon phases were also helpful for farmers. Some clocks today still feature a moon dial and lunar calendar.

Today, many antique English grandfather clocks are still in circulation. These valuable clocks are quite popular with collectors. Some popular English grandfather clocks include those by Holmes, Trubshaw, Thomas Cartwright, Thomas Wright, Matthew & Thomas Dutton, Daniel Quare, Allam & Clements, and Thomas Johnson. For a clock of enduring quality and classic beauty, any of these fine examples would be a valuable prize for someone considering the purchase of an English grandfather clock.

Article Source:http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Online Press Release

Online Press Release . E-GrandfatherClocks.com Explains the Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks According to E-GrandfatherClocks.com, antique grandfather clocks are not collected for their time-keeping ability -- they are a treasured piece of history, an heirloom to pass ...

Clocks can make great gifts

Clocks can make great gifts .Due to their variation in style, size and shape, decorative clocks not only make a wonderful holiday gift, but also can serve us well as a functional and decorative accessory.

Clocks are a great option when trying to fill an empty wall that needs something other than a picture, and are an excellent way to add the finishing touch to your room.

Depending on your specific needs for the room, your clock can serve as a focal point on a dominant wall or remain less prominent, filling a functional need while remaining an important factor in the overall room design. Your choice of clocks also might be purely functional.

Today, more than ever, the number of options in decorative clocks is almost limitless, and you will find it is easy to find an affordable clock that is unique and often looks like you spent more than you actually did. The size and style you select will depend greatly on your personal preference, wall size and what the appropriate style is for your room setting.

Following are some helpful hints that might come in handy when you are trying to discover ways a clock might be used, either as a gift for someone or for your personal enjoyment.

Novelty clocks that support a particular theme are a great idea in an office, game room, child's room, kitchen or any other area where it might be appropriate.

Grandfather and grandmother clocks are not only beautiful, but also add to the ambiance of the home. Most of these clocks come with a variety of chimes that can provide lovely music every 15 minutes to remind you of the time.

This type of clock is especially appropriate on a narrow wall in a foyer, living room, family room, loft or any other public area. Remember, these clocks are intended to be an accent piece and should coordinate with, but do not have to match, the other pieces in your room.

Mantle clocks make a nice statement, not only on a fireplace, but also in a wall unit, on a credenza, desk, sofa table or console table. Mantle clocks can be purely decorative or can have chimes that operate in a similar way to a grandfather clock. They provide a nice balance when placed next to a lamp and a piece of artificial greenery on an end table.

Large, round wall clocks have become ever so popular and provide an excellent way to introduce drama and a circular object to your room. These clocks range from about 30 to 40 inches and might have simple lines or be extremely ornate and decorative. This type of clock is available in a variety of colors and materials. Prices range from quite affordable to somewhat expensive.....

A Look at Grandfather Clocks by Julien Raynal

Grandfather clocks can be described as furniture clocks. They can be designed to suit and match you indoor décor and style. They are mostly made of wood and stand tall on the floor. Some grandfather clocks are housed in ornate and intricately designed cases. As such, grandfather clocks are memorable heirlooms. Their familiar chime and comforting sounds remind us of eras gone by. They stand tall and elegant inside foyers of many different homes.

The creation of grandfather clocks is credited to early astronomers. Starting with Galileo, he discovered that you could use a pendulum to keep time and drew designs for such a clock. Galileo’s design wasn’t picked up till the 1600s when a clock maker designed and built the first pendulum clock. Early clock designers discovered that Galileo’s clock was not very accurate. It was loosing time, so they went to work on his design. They decided to make the clock’s pendulum longer and this made the clock keep time better. As a result the longer clock pendulum had to be housed in a longer clock case. It was not before long that the pendulum clocks had to be housed in large long cases; these were the precursors to grandfather clocks.

The long case pendulum clocks were first known as tall case clocks and some people even called them coffin clocks because of their resemblance to coffins. So how did they become known as grandfather clocks? The story goes back to England about 100 years ago. There was a clock in the lobby of a small lodge. The clock kept excellent time which was rare for pendulum clocks at the time. The lodge was run by two brothers but when one of the brothers died the clock suddenly started loosing 15 minutes a day. The surviving brother tried to fix the clock but he couldn’t get it to keep time. When he (the second brother) died at 90 years old the clock suddenly stopped. The new owner, romanced by the story of the clock, left it standing in the lodge. An American song writer named Henry Clay Work visited the hotel in 1875 and heard the story of the clock. When he returned to America he wrote the famous song “My Grand Father’s Clock” referring to the long case clock for the first time as a grandfather clock.

Over the years the cases for the grand father clocks have become more ornate and elaborate with intricate designs. There have also been improvements to the mechanism of the clocks that have made the clocks keep more accurate time. So they started serving as both a clock and piece of indoor furniture.

They are many styles and types of grandfather clocks available. Ridgeway and Howard Miller are two most known grandfather clock vendors. If you decide to shop online for a clock consider the size and weight of the grandfather clock. Check on the warranty and reputation of the seller as grand father clocks are finicky and can be sensitive and difficult to fix.

We present a wealth of resources and products. Find out at www.symphonygrandfatherclocks.com.

Article Source: ArticleRich.com

Hardy in the dock

Hardy in the dock ... silver plaque to commemorate the occasion. The patient asked me to approach his cousin to ask for financial help in return for the clock. The cousin wanted neither to bail out the patient nor the clock; at that time neither grandfather clocks nor ...

This antique will surely tick again -- Jim McKenna's tinkering

This antique will surely tick again -- Jim McKenna's tinkering . Grandfather clocks . Glass-dome clocks in which the pendulum spins horizontally. The sound is comforting to McKenna, as he meticulously fits a crucial metal component near a gear tooth. The quiet ticking is interrupted briefly by the sound of ...

Labor of love: Dedicated priest crafts clocks for Catholic community

Labor of love: Dedicated priest crafts clocks for Catholic community .GREENE --- His long, slender fingers run lightly over the surface of a freshly sanded length of walnut lumber, soon to be part of a grandfather clock . "See how nice and smooth that is?" Monsignor Walter Brunkan asks. He is wearing protective goggles ...

Robuck Jewelers

Robuck Jewelers .Robuck Jewelers has just received a new shipment of clocks including grandfather clocks . Don't forget the other gift items you will find at Robuck Jewelers. To make your holiday shopping more convenient, Robucks offers layaway and interest-free ...

The Atomic Clock – Always Accurate by Charles Kassotis

If you look around your home, you’ll likely find several timepieces of varying sizes. From the watch on your hand to the grandfather clock in the living room, and from the alarm clock in your bedroom to the computer clock on your desk, most people have several clocks available. And at any given time, few of those clocks will show precisely the same time. So how do you know which is really correct?

There are several ways of keeping time. The most commonly recognized is based on the Earth’s movement through space. But those rotations are very large and the potential for gaining or losing seconds is incredible. A more precise method of timekeeping is atomic time. Very simply, atomic time measures the pulses and absorptions of electromagnetic waves. Generally, atomic time is considered to be the most accurate available.

When you choose an atomic clock, the clock’s time is kept current through the use of radio signals between the nearest atomic time-keeping device and your clock. There are several of those devices around the world, including on in Colorado that controls many of the US atomic clocks.

Atomic time keeping has been around for more than a half century, but it’s only been over the past few years that the technology is generally available at a reasonable price to the public. The first few atomic clocks were very austere models, meant to be accurate time keeping devices and nothing more. Today, there are plenty of options if you’re looking for accuracy without sacrificing beauty.

Grandfather clocks are one of the most recent advances in atomic clock technology. Because these clocks depend on the swinging of a pendulum to keep track of time, they are notorious for gaining time right after they’re wound and losing time as the clockworks run down. Some grandfather clocks no longer depend on the pendulum for timekeeping, making them more accurate. But more recently, the atomic clock works have been incorporated into grandfather clock cases. As is true with all atomic clocks, the atomic clocks in grandfather clock cases are periodically updated to be kept completely accurate.

Most people tend to truly believe that computers are right. After all, computers know the time and date automatically, right? But remember that someone set that date at the beginning of the computer’s life, and that you may even have adjusted the time for daylight savings time at some point. If you want your computer clock to be always accurate, you can download a program that will have your computer periodically check in for the official atomic time in your time zone.

Over the ages, people have developed many methods and utilized many concepts for determining time. Sundials and hourglasses can give an idea, but are something less than accurate. Rotation of the sun, locations of stars and the rise and fall of tides have all been used to help account for the passage of hours, though they weren’t accurate enough to count minutes or seconds. The atomic clock is man’s latest step toward keeping an accurate track of time.

For more information about clocks that keep accurate time and make excellent focal points for your home, visit The Clock Cart


Article Source: ArticleRich.com

Clocks as Home Decors by John Morris

Clocks as Home Decors by John Morris

Clocks are more than just mere timepieces. They can be used as good decorative pieces in your home. They come in various sizes and shapes. Clocks also are made from different materials. The nature of the material used and the clock manufacturer are among the most crucial factors in determining the quality of the clock, including its price. For example, a simple digital clock might fetch you a few dollars, while those wooden and antique grandfather clocks generally cost up to thousands or more. Today’s clocks are do not just provide time correctly, but they also add glamour and beauty in your home. There are many clocks available, especially of the pendulum type. From miniature, table-accent clocks to grandfather ones, clocks are a gorgeous addition to your home. Don’t you think it is now time to think of clocks as not just mere timepieces?

1. Clocks In History

Clocks first came into existence in 1656 when the first pendulum clock was built by Dutch astronomer and mathematician Christian Huygens. Prior to his invention, clocks during Huygens’ time were not inaccurate. The most accurate clocks that time were off by several minutes daily. Thanks to Huygens, having a reliable clock everyday proved to be possible. Huygens used a pendulum as the timer of the clock. Before Huygens, however, Galileo was already doing some work on how to invent a clock! Galileo even had a pendulum system to keep track of time. Unfortunately, he died before he was able to complete his work.

2. Decorating with Clocks

Decorating a home using clocks is not exactly new. Since a few hundred years ago, home owners and good decorators have been choosing clocks as decorative devices in their homes. Ever since the pendulum clock was invented by Christian Huygens in the 1600s to measure weights and as a type of swinging pendulum, clocks have been known as good decorative items.

3. Modern Clocks

Compared with past ones, today’s clocks are stylish and sleeker in style aside from serving its main purpose. More than just telling time, clocks of today’s age, thanks to the state-of-the-art technology, are definitely more elegant and nice to look at than compared with their older counterparts.

4. When Choosing A Clock :

- Remember that the clock you are buying should reflect your personal tastes and serve as a decorative complement in the room you are putting it in
- One good tip in choosing clocks is to look for the fashion and style in a clock. When looking for a clock, choose one that makes a statement
- If you want to have a French country look in your home, select wall clocks that reflect country accents, such as having a patina finish on the clock’s face, wrought iron accents, or wood base that were whitewashed
- If you, on the other hand, want a contemporary look, why not try to shop around for a clock that has minimalist lines as well as chrome. There are also clocks that are sleek and have stainless detailing.
- You could also choose big and oversized clocks if you want to emphasize your timepiece, compared with a smaller one that could get lost in a clutter.

5. Large Clocks

- If you want to balance out an oversized lamp, try putting a traditional anniversary clock on the end of the table
- You could also put a wall clocked placed on a sturdy and decorative easel in your kitchen for quick and instant charm
- Having an antique grandfather clocks in your den provides extra comfort and warmth. Of course, the grandfather clock should be in a nice condition. Otherwise, the effect is somewhat diminished

For more great clocks related articles and resources check out http://clocks.homemanner.com

Article Source: ArticleRich.com

Grandfather Clocks - Recapture the magic, build your own by Ventura

Grandfather Clocks - Recapture the magic, build your own by Ventura

Every child in high school learns that a pendulum's rate of swing (its period) is proportional to its length. This is the only factor that affects the period. Galileo discovered this in 1582.

Today's grandfather clocks are descendents of William Clement's clock from 1670. He had discovered that a longer pendulum meant more accurate time-keeping. The long pendulum had to be enclosed to prevent children (and adults) playing with it. Hence the long-case clock was invented. The name Grandfather Clock comes from Henry Work's 1875 song, "My Grandfather's Clock."

If your parents or grandparents had a grandfather clock you are certain to remember it well. Its sounding of every hour with a tremendously resonant goooooonnnngg, the way it kept you awake all night until you were used to it, the daily winding ritual, its sheer presence. How many times did you stand and watch the pendulum swinging in front of your face, safely enclosed behind a glass panel? How many times did you ask to be allowed to pull on the chains that wound it up?

These fantastic historical clocks are held in the memories of more than one generation.

Modern homes are generally too small to accommodate a grandfather clock easily. Some people buy one to remind them of their youth, or perhaps, to give their children similar fantastic memories of the sight, sound and presence of this amazing timepiece.

You can now buy plans or kits to make your own grandfather, or long case, clock. These clocks will obviously come at a lower cost than an antique, or any other ready made grandfather clocks .

The kits come in a variety of finishes, from palest pine to darkest rosewood.

The most important thing to check out before you buy is the sound of the chime. You are going to live with this for a long time; you have to like the sound of your clock.

The author is fascinated by grandfather clocks. If you have a similar interest then try visiting this grandfather clock resource site. If you are looking for grandfather clocks and similar items to improve your home then check out this decor resource site.


Article Source: ArticleRich.com

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