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....