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.
When you think about novelty gifts, chances are that loud, tacky items, like singing fish, or crude jokes come to mind. However, that’s not all there is to the world of novelty gift giving. There are plenty of fun ideas out there that won’t annoy the recipient.
Novelty clocks are one place that you can show some humor, while still giving a gift that’s got some use. Styles are available on the market to suit any taste, but here are a few suggestions.
Clocks in Disguise
One major category of novelty clocks is the type that seems like an ordinary clock, until you take a closer look. Barbershop clocks (with backwards numbers), upside down clocks, and 24 hour clocks are a few of this type.
A little more obvious, but still unobtrusive are the “all 5’s” clock (it’s always time to go home), the “I don’t do mornings” clock (with some of the numbers missing), and the “I don’t care” clock (numbers jumbled at the bottom). One great thing about all novelty clocks is that no matter what’s on the clock face, they’ll still keep accurate time. That means that they’re useful as well as being amusing.
Character Clocks
Clocks shaped like your favorite cartoon character or like animals have been around for a long time. There’s the classic cat clock, Mickey Mouse, and plenty of others to choose from. However, if you’re looking for an unusual novelty gift for a friend, don’t rule these out just because you’ve seen them before.
There are now clocks available featuring characters that weren’t around a few years ago, such as Japanese anime-themed items. Take a look around to see what kind of novelty character clocks you can find. Just a few of the offerings include dog and cat clocks, roosters, mythological clocks, and may more.
Nostalgic Clocks
There are also novelty clocks geared towards a retro look and feel. You can now buy new versions of the old Coca Cola ad clocks, diner-type clocks, and models with turn of the century art on the faces. No matter what era you or your gift’s recipient are interested in, there’s probably a cute novelty clock to help evoke your nostalgia.
What do you do when you don’t like to wake up in the morning? One solution is to simply rearrange your life accordingly so that you don’t ever have to. Sounds good, huh? But unfortunately, most of society doesn’t have that option - on to Plan B. If you have to wake up early but **** the idea of it, why not make if fun? There are some unique alarm clocks out there that can make you want to wake up just to watch them go off in the morning.
I’ve always enjoyed a good alarm clock, so one day I thought I’d check out some unique alarm clocks that provide entertainment with their service. In my search, I was able to compile a list of six cool clocks that you would not only be fun for you, but also for your kids - and would make very neat gifts for others.
iHome2Go™ Clock for iPod®
If you can’t live without your iPod then this is the alarm clock for you. It allows you to plug your iPod into it so that when you wake up it will be songs of your choice. It also has the normal alarm clock features like buzzer and snooze, and has a setting to have the clock increase and decrease in volume gradually. It comes with an adapter so that you can charge your iPod, and also has its own carrying case and remote control. Pretty cool!
SmartSet® Projection Clock with Emergency Flashlight
This alarm clock has a lot of neat features. First, all you need to do is plug it in and it sets itself, which means it automatically resets itself after a power outage - completely hassle free! Second, not only does the time show up on the clock, but it projects the time and date on the wall or ceiling, whichever you choose. Third, the clock turns on and off by the wave of your hand. Fourth, it adjusts to seven different time zones. And last, it comes with an emergency flashlight that recharges itself on a dock on the clock itself. There’s not much to dislike about this clock.
Hammacher Schlemmer Peaceful Progression Wake Up Clock
This is definitely one of the coolest and most unique alarm clocks of the lot. This pyramid-shaped clock engages sight, sound, and scent to wake you up pleasantly. So let’s say you set your alarm clock for 6:30 a.m. At 6 a.m. the lights on the pyramid begin to brighten gradually; at the same time it begins to release sweet aromatherapy scents and produces lovely nature sounds, allowing you to wake up at your own pace. If this doesn’t work, then the backup is the regular buzzer sounding off at 6:30.
Bim Bam Banana’s Puzzle Clock
This is by far my favorite and one of the most unique alarm clocks I’ve ever seen. This cool clock is shaped like the Magic 8 Ball, but that’s not the fun part. It’s a puzzle/clock and the only way you are able to shut it off in the morning is by putting the pieces of the puzzle together. To make sure you can’t cheat, when it first sounds off in the morning the puzzle pieces fly off the top of the clock making you get up to find them, then piece them together - pretty cool. This would be great to help wake your children up in the morning, though it could pretty annoying for an adult - and we don’t want to see this cool clock get thrown against a wall, do we?
Clocky Hide-and-Seek Alarm Clock
Like a good game of hide and seek? How about first thing in the morning? If the answer is no, you better not buy this clock, because it will send you on a wild goose chase you may not be ready for. This cool clock on wheels is on the run from the minute you hit snooze - it literally rolls off of its surface and hides from you. And when the alarm sounds again, you must get up to find it to turn it off. It is yet another one of the very unique alarm clocks out there.
There are plenty more unique alarm clocks available for the taking. These are just some that looked particularly interesting to me. So next time you throw a fit over the awful, blaring sound of your mediocre alarm clock, venture out and found yourself one of this unique alarm clocks. You’ll probably sleep better at night knowing something fun will be waking you up.
There are many antique wall clocks but none compare to the antique 1880’s cuckoo clocks. These clocks are considered one of the greatest achievements of the eighteenth century and were seen as one of the greatest advances in technology. They combined scientific discovery and fine craftsmanship into a practical work of art. Regarded as one of the most unique antique wall clocks having stood the test of time and are still considered to be a great gift.
Antique 1880’s cuckoo clocks are big business in today’s antique market. A well-preserved one can earn thousands of dollars in an antique auction. However, many of those available for sale today are not from the eightieth century but from the mid-ninetieth to early-twentieth centuries. These antique wall clocks are still considered antiques and are usually worth the money you invest in one.
To determine if you have a eighteenth or ninetieth century antique cuckoo clock look for a trademark stamp placed by the craftsman when it was made. Trademark stamps are tracked and researched by many antique dealers, if it has a mark you may be able to determine who originally created it and where the it came from. Antique cuckoo clocks from certain craftsmen or certain locations may be worth more money, make sure you do your research before paying higher than market value for a it because of its creator or birth location.
Many families are currently in possession of 1880’s antique cuckoo clocks and they probably have no idea how much the clock is worth. There are countless stories of someone selling one at a garage or estate state for a few hundred dollars only to find out later that it was worth thousands of dollars. However, you cannot guarantee that the antique wall clocks you find at a garage sale are really an antique worth a lot of money. Some manufactures are still making cuckoo clocks and they may look like the antique to the untrained eye.
Why are antique 1880’s cuckoo clocks worth so much money? It comes down to the law of supply and demand. There is more demand for these then the supply available. The demand continues to rise as more people become interested in owning and preserving one.
If you do purchase an antique cuckoo clock or any antique wall clocks treat it with care, respect the years this timepiece has stood, and look inside: sometimes people use to hide things in their clocks.
The commitment to old world craftsmanship is one that is not often found. However, the company of Hentschel has guaranteed that the same looks and ability to make this perfection can provide a better look to everything that they do. One of the ways that this is seen is through the Hentschel grandfather clock. This addition into this furniture company has provided more opportunities for better clock making.
The beginning of Hentschel was established in 1890, with it’s main headquarters being located in Canada. The concept was to combine a certain level of artistry with the craftsmanship in order to offer this with more contemporary looks. Through the works of this company that began with the traditional clock, is the continuation of their business today has also allowed for a movement to upgrade the clocks, specifically with combining things such as electrical clocks and more contemporary looks.
There are four classes of Hentschel grandfather clocks that are available. These are divided according to the type of craftsmanship available. The first of these is the artist’s collection. There are five major types in this area, all which combine a specific look to the clock. This includes more ornate figures that are carved at the top and sides of the clock, as well as a moon dial, a large pendulum and sides. These particular clocks have more weights than most other types of clocks because of the size and figure that is used with the clocks.
The second set of clocks for this particular company is the Hentschel collection. These are known as some of the best clocks and gave this company their signature. All three of the models contain pendulums and chimes, but are also designed with a 3D look. This is because of the glass that is on the side as well as on the front of the area where the chimes are at. The Camelot model also contains Curio shelves which are used on the sides in order to enhance the features of the clock.
After this division of clocks are two sets of featured clocks that are more traditional and have been built since the beginning of the Hentschel company. This includes traditional looking clocks, with two main clocks that are used, as well as the Forest Hill Collection, which includes a set of six traditional looking grandfather clocks from the region. All of these contain long cases combined with cabinets or pendulums as well as moon dials on the top, combined with traditional carvings. These will have a more miniature look to some of them, with others being a larger size.
More recently, the Hentschel grandfather clocks have included the 2006 lifestyle series. These have a more contemporary look with glass in casings, little wood except for around the frame, and the same signature pendulums that allow the grandfather clocks to keep their look.
With all of these types of clocks, a different approach is taken towards putting them together. Either you can have a pre-made clock, or you can get kits with all of the parts in order to put the clock together yourself. This is to help with convenience of shipping and to provide an easier way to get the clock to you. Many of these clocks will also have specific necessities to care for the clock, such as cleaning supplies and oil for the clock. If any repairs are needed, the kits can simply be taken back apart and shipped back in order to ensure that they continue to work and that the pendulum keeps moving forward.
The evolution of clocks from the Hentschel grandfather clocks is one that has included a wide variety of concepts, ornamented looks and masterpieces of art for the home. Through the traditional styles, this particular company has learned how to progress as well as keep the heirloom treasures in their company. This allows them to keep a part of the past as well as the ability to keep ticking into the future.
Time waits for no man but the classic beauty of Howard Miller grandfather clocks always show off time in elegant seconds. If you’re thinking of Mother’s Day, weddings and children starting homes of their own, these clocks are the ideal gifts to show how much you care. But choose one that makes the perfect personality fit.
Gifts Too Hard To Beat
Giving one of those Howard Miller grandfather clocks as wedding gifts beats all the pretenders to the throne. Of course, it may be a bit costly than your average clock on the mantel, but these clocks sure packs a wallop as gifts. Nobody, even the self-professed Internet rant, can refuse these clocks. With each tick of the clock, memories are stored and stories are retold from one generation to the next, so who can refuse such a gift of time?
What makes these Howard Miller grandfather clocks special? Underneath that magical antique-looking exterior that captures another time and another place is the perfect fusion of technology and craftsmanship. Artistry, technology, and tradition combined make these clocks perfect gifts for young couples starting out on their own.
When giving a loved one a gift to remember, indulge. The gift of time and tradition will never go out of style. Make the right selection with designs you can fit with a specific personality types:
* Traditional antique-styled clocks
* Clocks with contemporary designs
* Clocks with antique brass designs but with modern exteriors
* Clocks with shelves to display cherished collections
Choosing the Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks
Selecting a grandfather clock can be a dizzying task if you do not organize a shopping system. With so many designs available, you lose track of what matters most - choosing the right clock for your son or daughter, your mom, or for your daughter-in-law.
These clocks require an investment of your time, not to mention the money you will be spending on it, but your efforts will be handsomely rewarded if you just know how to look. Start by matching the clock with the personality of the person who is going to receive it.
Traditional Clocks - Howard Miller grandfather clocks with the traditional antique look are the selections of cherry heartwood casings with the customary brass weights and pendulums. The Adams floor clock from Howard Miller is a classic example of the traditional design. These are perfect for couples or individuals who respect family traditions and would like to start their own.
Contemporary Designs - Instead of the usual wooden casing the design boasts of an aluminum frame supported by a heavy round base and instead of the weights and pendulum, the motion of the clock is controlled by the electromagnetic drive housed in the base. The white dials and black hour and minute hands add to the aluminum appeal of the design. The Tempo floor clock fits the gung-ho personality who dares to experiment.
Antique Brass Look - The distinguishing iron framework of the Mercer Floor clock from Howard Miller adds a touch of romance to the overall look of the dramatic charcoal finish of the face. The exposed pendulum echoes the charcoal finish and is encased by the wrought iron. You can give this type of clock to the adventurous romantic who adores nature and wide open spaces or the outdoors.
Curio Clocks - The enthusiastic collector who loves dainty little things is the perfect match for the curio clock.
All these Howard Miller grandfather clocks have the modern features to maintain the classic function of antique or modern long clocks to adorn contemporary homes. It’s a matter choosing the right one for the right personality for years of pleasure and pride.
The existence of online shops and auction sites makes collecting vintage clocks relatively easier than it used to be. This is because brick and mortar antique shops don’t generally specialize in just selling clocks, requiring you to go from one store to another, just to check out the few antique clocks that they might have. Online though, you can easily compare these clocks, in terms of features and such, with a mere click of your mouse!
One popular collectible is the Jefferson Golden Hour Clock. Known as a mystery clock because of its hidden movement, this is an electric-powered clock that is famous for its mid-century design. It is also fairly easy to find online because of its lengthy period of manufacture, from 1949 to sometime in the mid-80s. This clock would very well work with mid-century d
