Let us face it; a clock is vital for any room, no matter if you are decorating your home or your office. More and more digital devices incorporate watches nowadays (just think of all the mp3 players, mobile phones and other digital equipment showing the time). However, what if you want a clock that does not require your permanent attention to tell you the time? In this case, a talking wall clock can be the perfect choice for you. What differentiates a talking wall clock from other types of wall clocks is that the first announces the time using a human voice. You do not have to go up and check the time; you will hear what time it is from the clock itself. It is one of the most convenient methods of finding out what time it is, as you can focus on something completely different and still hear the announcement.
Now it is up to you if you prefer a talking wall clock or a cuckoo clock announcing the time, but it is easier to find out the time from a human voice rather than listening to 12 cuckoo songs to know it is noon. Talking wall clocks have digital mechanisms (most of them show the time in digital form, but there also are classical looking types with a traditional round shape) and all you have to do is to put new batteries when they wear out. Most allow you to select if you want to hear the voice announcing the time hourly or from half to half hour. You can select to mute it at night, so you do not wake up in the middle of the night thinking that someone has broken in your house.
There are talking wall clocks for kids. Disney, for example, has released a series of talking wall clocks having cartoon characters and using their voices to tell the time. If you know that your kid (or someone else’s kid, if you buy the clock as a gift) loves Disney cartoons, you can buy a Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse talking wall clocks. Children will just love them.
There also are talking wall clocks using famous actors’ voice to tell the time. So if you like a certain movie or actor, shop around for a talking clock using voices from that film. Some clocks use quotes from famous movies or songs to tell the time can be the perfect gift idea for a friend or colleague who you know loves that movie (for example, there are Scarface talking clocks, Simpsons and The Godfather ).
You can buy talking wall clocks from online stores (almost all online shops that sell clocks have talking clocks on stock) or from the local brick and mortar clock store. Prices vary, but they are generally affordable, so everyone can buy a talking wall clock and place it in the house or at the office.
When it comes to clock design, George Nelson is indeed one of the huge names in the industry. This is because his designs are held as one of the first ones ever to promote American modernism. It is only natural that there would be reproductions made of Nelson’s original designs. While these reproductions are attractive duplicates of the original, for many collectors only the original vintage clocks will do.
If you are an avid fan of George Nelson clocks, then you surely must have heard of the Ball Clock. This design is one of the earliest ever developed by the designer for the Howard Miller line. The original design is quite simple, with a circle for its center. Connected to this center are the 12 spikes, representing the 12 hours of the day. At the end of each spike is a ball, thus the reason for its name. This is indeed one of the simplest designs ever made by Nelson and it was originally released in six color variations.
The modern versions of this clock, however, have more colors and more variety to them. There is even one popular modern variation that has the balls in different colors! The vintage ones did have 6 color variations, but for each variation, the balls were of the same color as the spokes. For instance, one of the vintage Ball Clock designs came in a black theme, so the balls were colored black throughout.
This particular reproduction, however, has different color balls. The concept is still based on the original one developed by Nelson. But the 12 balls come in different shades of blue, red, and green. The hands of the clock are of different colors as well. It actually makes an attractive design, but it certainly isn’t as originally designed by Nelson.
The Ball Clock is not the only Nelson clock that has been modified for contemporary tastes and the desire for as much variety as possible. If you’re looking to buy a vintage Nelson clock, then it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the reproductions on the market, especially those manufactured by Vitra, as they sell licensed reproductions. If you compare their clocks to the ones made in the 50s and 60s, it will make it much easier to spot the difference when you start shopping for your own collection.
If you are creating a sleep environment and wish to include a sunrise alarm clock, then it would be in your best interest to read reviews before purchasing. The first thing you will find is there are several sunrise alarm clocks on the market, which can be quite confusing. However, to make things easier, the most popular sunrise alarm clocks are the BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock, the BioBrite Sunrise Clock Junior for Kids, the EZ Wake SunRise Clock, BioBrite - White Noise Machine, and BioBrite SunRise Clock Radio.
That at least narrows down your search a bit. Now, you will have to decide what features you desire to ensure you purchase the sunrise alarm clock that will be best for you or the family member that will be using the alarm clock.
For those that have small children in the home, the BioBrite Junior for Kids is perfect. This is the best sunrise alarm clock for children. It has a full 30 minutes of gradually fading light that helps sooth your child to sleep and two sunset options that are fade to darkness and fade to nightlight. This will help your little one drift off to sleep at night and slowly wake up in the morning with the simulated sunrise.
The BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock is the best sunrise alarm clock for those that have a hard time waking up in the morning and love to hit that snooze bar. It allows them to hit that snooze bar but still has all the great features that you would expect from a sunrise alarm clock.
For individuals that have a hard time sleeping due to stress, noises around the house, or the neighbor’s dog barking at all hours of the night, the BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock - White Noise Machine is the best sunrise alarm clock. Not only does it have the wonderful sunrise and sunset features but it also includes a white noise machine that will absorb all those noises that keep your awake at night or wake you up several times during the night.
All of the reviews of sunrise alarm clocks are the same especially when you are talking about the BioBrite Sunrise Clocks. All of these innovative sunrise alarm clocks make bedtime easier as well as the morning ritual. You will begin to enjoy putting your little ones to bed without all the crying and you will then be able to enjoy a quiet nights sleep and wake up rested and ready for your day.
Two Hundred years ago in the early 1800s some American clock makers were crafting shelf and mantel clocks with movements made entirely from hardwoods. Gear wheels were carefully shaped from cherry or other hardwoods and assembled with great care so as to ensure smooth running. Many wooden works clocks have survived for two centuries and are now costly antiques. They command prices in the thousands of dollars when they are available. Many collectors who would like to have such a clock can’t afford the high price tag naturally. However modern reproductions of these fine old clocks are available usually as kits or plans.
Even earlier in the 1700s, tall case grandfather clocks with wooden works were being made by many clockmakers. The tall case left room for the weights which drive the clock to fall further so that the clock would run longer before needing to have the weights raised to the top again.
Building a wooden gear clock takes time and care in the workmanship but it is not really difficult to produce a good working clock. The average home crafter with some wood working skills can do it with simple hand tools just as the early clock makers did. The clock will be a family heirloom which will be passed proudly down through the generations.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago has on display a rare and beautiful wooden gear shelf clock which was made in the early 1800s. After two centuries this fine clock is still in running order. It has been carefully measured and detailed drawings made. These plans with complete building instructions are available for purchase. They show complete details of all the working parts and how they fit together. The case of the clock is also presented in detailed drawings showing every part as it is in the original antique clock.
Building wooden gear clocks is a great hobby for the craftsman, and anyone can be a craftsman; it only takes careful work. This is not the type of project which can be completed in a few evenings. Rather it is a project for the person who takes great pride in the quality of their work and will spend whatever time is necessary to do a perfect job. The individual parts of such a clock are of very simple design and quite easy to make. To run smoothly each part must be finished properly so that the clock will keep good time.
To summarize, building a wooden gear clock is perfectly within the ability of almost anyone. It is hard to tell a well made copy of an antique clock from a genuine antique at a quick look. Close inspection by an expert will, of course, show the new wood and materials used to build it establishing its origin beyond doubt. But for the craftsman who made it and for all who see and admire it the clock is a thing of beauty which will tick tock proudly in the home for a lifetime and probably many years after that while keeping good time.
Clocks
There are many different types of clocks that can be found in the world today. Each of them has the ability to show what time it truly is, and keep that time so that a person might know it whenever they choose. However, not all clocks are the same. There are several different types of clocks that are important to understand.
Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks are the largest types of clocks that might be seen in a person’s home. These are large, free standing clocks, and are used to keep time. Most of the time, it is possible to see the clock keeping time through the glass door in the front. Most of the time, Grandfather clocks are much taller than the average person. They display the time on the top of the clock, and often have a deep-sounded noise to accompany the changing of the hour.
Mantel Clocks
Mantel clocks have been around for many years. They are decorative clocks that traditionally sat on the mantel pieces in a person’s home. They are clocks that are decorative but are also useful, as they keep time. Many times mantel clocks are quite distinguished looking and beautiful.
Cuckoo Clocks
Cuckoo Clocks come from Europe, and they are clocks that mark the passing of the hour with a bird or another animal that pops out of a door at the top of the clock. These clocks where once seen as novelties, but are very useful as they do keep excellent time. They are also usually found to be highly cultural items, as cultures all over the world have different versions of their own cuckoo clocks. These clocks are smaller than both mantel clocks and grandfather clocks, and are usually hung on a wall. They have tassels which hang down to mark the time as the time passes.
Alarm Clocks
Alarm clocks are most traditionally seen in a person’s bedroom, but can be seen in any area of the house or workplace. They are clocks that have an alarm function. A person can set the time of the alarm on the clock, and when the clock reaches that time an alarm will sound. These clocks are most often used for waking people up in the morning. They can be wind up alarm clocks, battery operated alarm clocks, or plug-in alarm clocks. Newer versions also have clock radios that can be set as well.
A well-made grandfather clock is an heirloom piece, designed to be handed down from generation to generation. As such, they are made to last over several lifetimes. In fact, some grandfather clocks from the 1700s and 1800s are still in existence today. With such a long lifespan, it is inevitable that grandfather clocks will occasionally need repair.
If your grandfather clock needs repair, first check to see if it is under warranty. Most new clocks come with some type of limited warranty. If it is still under warranty, read the terms of the warranty carefully. Most will have specific procedures to follow for repairs. Grandfather clock repair is available at local clock repair shops. To find one, look in your local yellow pages. You could also do an internet search for “grandfather clock repair in [town].”
If you would like to try to fix your clock yourself, visit the website entitled “How to Repair Clocks.” It gives some tips on such items as “pendulum will not swing,” “runs too fast or slow,” “chimes out of sequence,” and “weights refuse to fall.” The website also offers instructional videos on how to repair clocks. If all else fails, they have a nationwide directory of clock repair shops.
If you need to replace a broken part, some companies or individuals do sell grandfather clock parts. The How to Repair Clocks website offers a short list of companies who sell clock parts. Grandfather clock parts are sometimes available at online auction sites.
If your grandfather clock movement stops working, you can buy a replacement movement at companies specializing in clock movements. While grandfather clock movement repair is available, it is usually less expensive to replace rather than fix.
Whether you are interested in fixing your clock yourself or hiring someone else to do it, there are an abundance of resources available.
Some time or other you will have to move your long case clock whether it’s in the process of moving house or just time to clean behind the case and move it for decorating. A lot of damage can be done by just picking the clock up and moving it in one piece without taking a number of precautions So whether you are moving your grandfather clock ten foot or ten mile Always
1. Wind up the clock so the weights are as close to the seat board as you can get them, but remember you need to be able to put the weights back onto the pulley hooks when reassembling, so leave yourself some room to hold the pulleys with one hand while holding the weight with the other. A good guide line is to wind the pulleys up to just above the trunk door top.
2. Take of the hood to expose the movement and dial and place masking tape or the like over the gut line that is around the strike and going barrels, this will stop the gut line from springing out and getting tangled when you take off the weights and will keep everything in place when you lift the movement and dial from the case.
3. Take off the weights and it’s a good idea to mark them by sticking a piece of masking tape on to each one and writing on them L (Left) and R (Right) or one, two and three in the case of a modern clock with a chiming movement that has three weights, this will ensure the weights go back in the right place, as you will see when you lift them there is a difference in weight.
4. Now take the pendulum off the movement, being very careful not to damage the thin suspension spring (thin piece of spring steel) at the top of the pendulum which is threaded through the crutch at the back of the movement.
5. You can now lift the movement and dial from the case and away from the trunk cheeks by lifting the whole thing up with the seat board and placing it in its packing case. It is best to pack the movement and dial stood upright in the box making sure the bottom of the dial is not crushing the gut lines. This will also keep the front of the dial and clock hands safe, plus the added bonus of keeping the crutch at the back of the movement from possible damage or bending.
6. Your clock is now ready to be moved safely to its new location. To reassemble just reverse the dismantling procedure put the clock into beat and you are up and running.
7. If transporting the clock in your own vehicle be sure the clock case is secure and will not slide, preventing any damage to the veneers or mouldings. We have found it is wise to protect the suspension spring on the end of the pendulum by taping it to a piece of thick card to prevent it form being damaged or bent, also make sure the weights are stowed really well as you don’t want 12lb weights rolling around the boot or foot well of your car.
If using a professional moving company it is always best to dismantle and pack your grandfather clock ready for the removal men to transport. As most are very well experienced in moving furniture very few understand the workings of a clock and attempts to move longcase clocks without using these precautions will inevitably cause damage that is not detected until long after the move has been taken, and by that time they have long gone often leaving the owner with a very large repair bill.