Cuckoo Clocks

Kris Bond asked:


Wooden Clocks Make Great Gifts

Wooden clocks make a fantastic gift to anyone. As hurried as today’s population is, looking at the clock has become something most do not think twice about. But, do they see what they are looking at? Wooden clocks that are well made will stand out and provide the beautiful luxury that people appreciate. When purchasing these, look for high quality, American craftsmanship, and durability. Reliable performance in handmade clocks is an impressive, elegant gift to anyone.

Mantle Clocks

Mantle clocks, sometimes called mantel clocks, offer an air of sophistication and old world charm to them. For example, consider the Clayton. This beautiful timepiece is much more than a tool to tell time. It makes a statement sitting on any mantel. The craftsmanship of the wood is very high quality. The cabinet is handmade and all of the work done to the clock is done within the United States. The wood has a cherry finish to it and a brass finish dial. Within, you will find a quartz dual chime movement. There are two options for the sounds, the Bim-Bam or the Westminster.

Other options include the Seville, which is a wooden clock of solid cherry wood. It features a very beautiful design with cathedral windows. You can peer inside and see the very intricate pieces of the clock. It is a highly impressive clock. Or, for a complete different look, choose the Hudson Oak wooden clock. With its large face, it too is impressive in its design. The face of the clock is a soft almond color with Roman Numerals.

Anniversary Clocks

Another type of wooden clock to consider giving for a wonderful gift is an anniversary clock. These clocks are designed to provide a memorable sentiment while still providing something magical and unique. There is a large selection of anniversary clocks to select from, giving you plenty of options for your family, friends, coworkers and anyone else.

For example, you may wish to select a Desk Portrait type of clock. Not only does this stylish clock tell time perfectly and feature a golden book like design, but it also displays a beautiful photo, of anyone you want to remember to spend time.

Perhaps something more elegant is what you are looking for. In this case, consider the Jubilee or the Lord Baltimore II. The Jubilee is a dome clock with a brass finish. It has a brass finish to it, with two brass pillars. Notice the two-tone diamond cut dial ring on this beautiful clock, as it is its most spectacular finish. Instead, consider the Lord Baltimore II. This stately clock features a very handsome design in polished, bright brass.

Wall Clocks

Another option that you have for wooden clocks is the wall clock. These are graceful clocks, those that hang from the wall in any room and often are the focal point of the room. A variety of styles can be found. For a princely, stately look, consider the Ashmore. This clock is made in the USA and has the classic look to it. The wood is a warm cherry and the white clock dial really stands out from it. The numbers are in an Arabic form.

Another option is the Oakdale Keywind Movement clock. This clock is traditional and in the schoolhouse look. It has great detailing and provides a very specific look to any room, perhaps fitting well within a warm room, above a fireplace.

Wooden clocks do make fantastic gifts. Choosing the right one is a process of considering several options. Always choose products made in the United States and with timeless features to them, for the most impressive gift possible. You also want to insure that the clock is well made, even with handmade detailing. Best of all, choose the design that fits the room you will place it in best. Great looking focal points in any room are charming gifts.



Wilma

Margaret Mauldin asked:


Antique collecting is the assembling of items of aesthetic, historical or monetary values from earlier eras.

How old does an antique have to be to be considered an antique?

Legally and traditionally, an antique is usually defined as an object over 100 years old. In the history of clocks and time-keeping, one of the earliest clocks was driven by water . Most early mechanical clocks were driven by the fall of weights. The first mechanical clocks only indicated time by sounding a bell each hour.

During the 20th century, clocks as well as many other objects became desirable collector items of the past. With the growth of interest in antique clocks, an expertise in historical styles, construction styles and methods for the care and identification of clocks, as well as other objects has developed. Grandfather clocks are among the most appealing of all clocks. Most were made in England between the late 17th and 19th centuries, although lesser numbers were also produced in Europe and America. Although some exceptions exist, the two basic types of grandfather clocks are 8 day and 30 hour clocks. In collecting antique grandfather clocks, the 8 day is the more elaborate of the two types.

Have clocks become family heirlooms?

Emotional factors, such as belonging to a family member or if the clock can be proven to have belonged to a celebrity or someone of historical importance, may make the clock more desirable. Clocks hold their intrinsic value as it is passed along by family members. Touch the smooth fine wood of the clock, listen to the melodious chimes or sounds it makes. The décor of a home is complete when adorned with a fine gift of time, a clock. Clocks are sold in all budgets from modest pieces with little decoration to clocks with moving parts and works of art that can occupy an entire wall or table.

Why do they last so long?

With proper care and maintenance, a clock can keep perfect time for many years.

How well do antique clocks hold their value?

A clockmaker guide can help identify the maker of a clock. The signature on the clock can help indicate when the clock was made. The physical appearance of a mantle clock, grandfather clock, cuckoo clock, or wall clock, is an important factor in estimating the value of a clock. Clocks that have the original elements, which have never been restored and are clean clocks, have a greater value than those in poor condition or have been altered. A clock with the makers label or signature intact, and a clock with its original glass and decorative elements can all increase the value of a clock. The value of the clock can often be determined using the above guides along with a clockmaker guide. To determine when a clock was made might prove to be a difficult task. Some have a signature located on the movement of the clock dial. Relying on the signature however may be deceiving. Sometimes the signature is the name of the distributor rather than the clockmaker. Sometimes signatures are added to give an appearance of age and value. A clockmaker guide can help identify the maker of a clock. The signature on the clock can help identify when the clock was made. All of the above can help in determining the value of a clock.



Vivian

Daniel Millions asked:


There are many things one can collect, including coins, stamps, posters, and other memorabilia. Another valid option is clock collecting. Since clocks are made all over the world, and a multitude of them are unique and beautiful, they are sought after as much as traditional collectibles. Although collectible clocks are often not functional anymore, there are a few that remain accurate in telling the time.

Clocks can fit in collections that are not exclusive to just clocks. For example, if one collects sport related items, they might find a football clock to be an appropriate addition to their collection. Of course, collections that are meant for a specific type of item may not be able to have a clock added to it, and that is perfectly okay. If one is creative enough, however, a way can be thought of to make a clock a part of nearly any collection.

Instead of collecting an item that is over saturated, like stamps, why not choose something that is less mainstream, more personalized, and unique. There is also a huge amount of variety in clock collecting, as not only are their different colors and styles, but sizes as well. You can get clocks that are as small as a pile of change, and others that are large enough to touch the ceiling of a room. One could fill a section of their house just with clocks, although being that space is limited for the average consumer, this is not suggested.

Being that all kinds of antiques accrue value over time, clocks can be the perfect investment. Often, especially when you purchase from another country, clocks can be worth much more than their selling price. Even if they are valued correctly, over time, as antiques become rarer, the clocks value will rise gradually.

If you are not an avid clock collector, you could still make a fair amount of profit by investing in clocks, as they are essentially guaranteed to rise in value. On the other hand, if you have some expertise and experience, you can find the most valuable clocks at the lowest prices, and reap higher profits than if you did no prior research. A book written on the subject of clock investment, called Investing in Clocks and Watches, details information about clocks as well as how to invest in them.

For those who are serious about investing in clocks, the figures can become quite large. Some clocks that were made in the 15th to 17th centuries can run from thirty thousand to one hundred thousand dollars. Clocks that were made in later centuries can still be expensive, but not to the extent of the oldest clocks. If you have the money to buy an antique clock, there is still a lot you need to do. As with any large purchase, research needs to be done to make sure the item is authentic and valued properly.

Certain clocks are not only an investment, but a great addition to a home. Clocks are often regarded as working art, in that they serve a purpose and also simply look beautiful. No clock fits this description better than a grandfather clock, which is inherently elegant and majestic. Since grandfather clocks are not as common as they once were, seeing one nowadays is a nice and somewhat awing experience.



Willie

Barbara Tobiasz asked:


It was a very wintry morning in the upper Midwest. The night before it had snowed about 8 inches of the white powdery stuff. It’s 6:00AM and I’m out in my driveway shoveling the snow to clear the way for my car.

It took me about 2 hours to complete the snow removal job around the outside of my home. And like always, I shovel off the snow around my retired neighbor’s house. Agnes is 78 years old and she just doesn’t have the strength to handle the snow removal anymore. She always invited me in (after I shovel around her house) for a cup of hot coco.

Well this day was no different than the past. When I finished shoveling around Agnes’s house, she stuck her head out the front door and invited me in. You know, hot coco always tastes best after a good workout in the winter snow.

During my visit with Agnes, she said that she had a wall clock in her living room that stopped running. She said that the batteries must have gone dead. So we both went into the living room and sure enough, the large wall clock in the living room was not running. I proceeded to remove the clock from the wall and changed the batteries with batteries Agnes had already bought. She was so pleased that the clock on her living room wall is now running again.

Next thing you know, my cell phone is ringing. It’s my mother. She said that she had a dentist appointment and that when she went to start her car, the car would not start. I told her I would come over to her house and give her a ride to the dentist. When I got over to my mother’s house, we had no time to spare, so we got in my car and drove off to her dentist appointment.

It was on the way to the dentist, my mother mentioned that the clock in her kitchen was not working. I told my mother that when we got back to her house, I would check to see if the batteries are dead and replace them if they are dead. When I mentioned batteries, my mother said that it would also be a good idea to pick up some new batteries at the hardware store on the way home from the dentist. She also said it would be a good idea to change the batteries in all her smoke and gas detectors. I said that I would do all the battery changing when we get back to her house. This put a smile on her face.

By the time I got home it was 4:00PM. I took my shoes off, put on my comfy slippers, put on the late afternoon news on my TV and sat down in my recliner to watch the news.

This is when it all started. I must have fallen asleep immediately. The adventure I went through in my dream had everything to do with what went on earlier in the day.

My dream started out with me shoveling snow in front of a retail store. I was on the sidewalk in front of the store clearing away the snow. The good part is that I was almost finished clearing the snow from in front of the store. This storefront sidewalk had to be as long as big city block. I’m feeling beat, as though I was shoveling snow for several hours in front of the store. A good feeling has come over me, knowing that my snow shoveling job has finally come to an end.

As I’m standing outside in front of the store, I look up to the front outside wall of the store and a big lighted sign reads “WALL CLOCKS MAMMOTH MART.” I’m thinking to myself, “Where am I?”

My curiosity overwhelming me, I decide to go into the store and have a look. Well let me tell you that this is the largest store I have ever seen. It would probably take 5 to 10 minutes to walk from the front of this store to the back. This is how large this store is.

The second thing I notice, after the store size, are wall clocks. Walking down the main isle, I’m thinking that there must be every type of wall clock in the universe on display here. This is amazing!

There was a display for every type of wall clock imaginable. These displays seemed to be set up in random order. As I slowly walked from the front of the store to the back I saw wall clock styles such as Country, Children’s, Novelty, Antiqued, Kitchen, Cuckoo, Modern/Contemporary, Rustic/Lodge, Retro, Traditional, Whimsical, Old World, Sports/Collegiate, Neon and the list went on and on and on…

On display along with the style of each wall clock was a sample of the different types of finishes these wall clocks came in such as Brass, Wrought Iron, Medium Wood, Dark Wood, Light Wood, Black, White, Silver/Chrome, Multi-Colored, Rattan/Wood, Blues, Bronze, Greens, Brass-Antique/Satin, Pewter, Stainless Steel and this list of finishes also went on and on and on…

As if this wasn’t enough information for each wall clock display to provide, each display also provided samples of available features some of these wall clocks offered, such as Day Clock, Musical, Atomic Clock, World Clock, Single Chime Clock, Dual Chime Clock, Triple Chime Clock, Gallery Clock, Weather Clock, Neon Clock, Picture Frame Clock and With Pendulum. Like I said about style and finish, this list also went on and on and on…

There were themed wall clocks such as Animal, Educational, Floral, Food and Drink, Holiday, Retro, Scenic, Sports/Cars and Tropical/Nautical. There were clock types such as Indoor Clock, Outdoor Clock and Indoor/Outdoor Clock. There were clock number types such as Roman Numerals, Arabic/Standard and No Numbers. There were samples of display types such as Analog and Digital, not to mention sample of shapes such as Rectangular, Round, Square and Novelty Shapes.

I’m telling you, these wall clocks come in sizes from small to as large as 7 feet in diameter, for those who are interested in a wall clock in the size of their choosing.

By the time I reached the back of the store I was well educated in Wall Clocks. I was amazed at what was available to choose from when it came to these wall hanging time pieces. I thought to myself that not only do these wall clocks supply me with the time of day, along with other optional features, these wall clocks provide an artful and elegant touch to the room in which they hang.

And then all of a sudden as if it was the top of the hour all the chiming, musical, cuckoo, bell and electronic clocks rang out in one tremendous alarm. This woke me up as I jumped from my recliner. I realized I was only dreaming about this humongous wall clock store. I thought to myself what a wonderfully strange dream.

My afterthoughts of my dream were me thinking, “Is there really a store of that size dedicated to wall clocks?” After pondering over that thought for a few minutes, I came to the conclusion that the only place you could find the variety and selection of the wall clocks in my dream, would be to shop online.

If a new wall clock is in your future, don’t just dream about it, go online and see all the endless options awaiting you.



Samantha

Andrei Myers asked:


It stands tall and proud and expects your reverent glances, and rightly so. The contemporary grandfather clock has the classic elegance of traditional grandfather clocks and neat modern lines. Such fusion is a wonderful blend of design and function.

The Evolution of the Long Case Clock

It used to be that clocks were made for one purpose - to tell the time. The long clocks stood in a corner to remind the household of chores to do and appointments to keep. For this reason, they performed well. Their sharp contrast with the contemporary grandfather clock is such that you can’t believe beauty could come out of the utilitarian piece.

The wood that encased the pendulum of the long case clocks were simple hardwood without any artistic embellishments. With the flowering of art and the search for self expression, people started to appreciate the finer things in life.

The long clocks were reinvented to fit changing needs. You are lucky if you can see the old grandfather clocks and hear the charming chimes or the watch the swing of the burnished pendulum. It won’t be surprising that you’ll fall in love with these grandfather clocks, no matter how attached you are to your portable player or cellphone. Today you will appreciate the beautiful contemporary grandfather clock and other modern time pieces sold in premium clock shops.

Good Investment for the Home and the Future

Any modern or minimalist home interior will take to the contemporary grandfather clock. You can choose from different designs and finish to complement plaster wall effects, elements of cubism, art deco, and pop art. The clock will enhance the room by adding depth and emphasis to give it the total look.

There are some contemporary grandfather clock designs that are winners in every way.

The Howard Miller Coastal Point grandfather clock has an arched case that softens the minimalist look of austere surroundings. It’s modern platinum finish and brushed nickel bezel is a perfect foil to any minimalist furniture. Watch the clock in the glow of the evening. The interior light casts an enchanted glow on the bezel. With soft music in the background and the soft glow of the interior, your clock will be the high point of interest in any room. The St. Michael, Westminster, or Whittington chimes will add to the romantic interlude.

The Howard Miller Satinwood grandfather clock has a black satin finish that sharply contrasts with the nickel accents. This is the just the clock to emphasize minimalist interiors, but with a little imagination, you can recreate the country look around it. Bursts of floral bouquets, rattan furniture, and gaily colored throw pillows are all you need to make your own home decorating effort a success. Who can resist a country-themed family or guest lounge for that warm, homey feeling?

The Howard Miller Cosmopolitan grandfather clock in its rich merlot finish, is a handsome one to proudly stand beside other furniture designed for a dramatic effect. Its unique dial makes it a must-have for classy hotel and office interiors. In your home, it will give just that essential touch of elegance.

All clocks are delivered with a white glove service. With the holidays fast approaching, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a lifetime. Let a contemporary grandfather clock stand sentinel in your homes, silent and regal and a testament to your good taste and smart money sense.



Jesus

barca71barca asked:


It’s either Germany, Switzerland or Austria right?

Carl

babegirl asked:


Well, the hours passed and the beer was going down way too easy. At around 2:30 a.m., drunk as a skunk, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly, I realized she’d probably wake up, so I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself, having a quick-witted solution, even when smashed, to escape a possible conflict.

The next morning my wife asked me what time I got in, and I told her twelve o’clock. She didn’t seem disturbed at all. Whew! Got away with that one!

She then told me that we needed a new cuckoo clock.

When I asked her why, she said, “Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said “uh-oh,” cuckooed 4 more times, cleared its throat, cuckooed another 3 times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then farted.”

Denise

Amy Jo Garner asked:


Celebrate momentous occasions and personal achievement with one of the world’s oldest inventions — the clock. Clocks & watches have come a long way over the centuries. No longer constrained to measuring the sun’s angle or interpreting the drip of water, clock & watch makers bring a huge variety of timepieces to the market. Now it’s easy and fun to liven up the work environment with desk clocks; entertain people with customized wall clocks; and offer promotional products with customized gift clocks, watches and stopwatches.

Clocks & watches come in a variety of styles from classy to whimsical to practical or sporty. Whether your budget is small or large, there is bound to be a perfect product for you since prices range from approximately two dollars up to a couple hundred dollars. Both clocks and watches can be bought in small quantities or in quantities up to several thousand. Most prices include an engraving in one location on the timepiece. Once art or written statements are approved, the engraved clocks & watches spend one to two weeks in production.

There are many ways to use custom clocks & timepieces as promotions and gifts. Show appreciation for your boss with a whimsical clock that has a miniature dartboard and two magnetic darts. Add a name or saying to the clock face for an extra personal touch. Give a co-worker a USB clock for when they travel.

Many businesses give away promotional items at company picnics or other gatherings. This year, combine the promotion with a memory by hold a sporting event at your next company picnic. Give the guests a sports watch with your company logo engraved. Bosses can also help ensure that workers never miss a deadline by giving them desk clocks with alarms and calendars. A clock is also a great gift for work appreciation.

A clock with a logo can also be a practical gift. Delight guests at a camp-out party with unique clocks that have flashlights built in or double as weather stations. Engrave the clock with their name and the name of the event or a quote to remember the party by. Another great gift-giving idea is the watch that doubles as a keychain.

When it comes to gift-giving or product promotion, clocks & watches are a great idea because they are used so frequently. Wearers constantly look at the timepieces, and when a logo or imprint is on the clock or watch, they constantly see that, also.



Norma

Bill Wilson asked:


Waking up to an iPod alarm clock doesn’t get any easier - you choose the music, you choose the time! Compared to a traditional clock radio, the iPod alarm clock is a breath of fresh air with clear, crisp sounds that you have pre-selected.

Rather than waking up to the sound of a hyped-up DJ, the boring news, or that song that just makes you want to scream, you can select the music and songs that will help start your day on the right foot. So, if you still own that old alarm clock radio, don’t you think it’s about time you stepped up and entered the 21st Century with an iPod alarm clock?

Why Use an iPod Alarm Clock

The iPod alarm clock is not an iPod itself, but an alarm clock that is made specifically to work with your mini music player. Most of these clocks are built with two or more speakers to provide much better sound reproduction than can be attained with a regular alarm clock radio. You can expect superior sound with richer midrange and full bass sound in a desktop model.

The Benefits of Waking Up on Your Own Terms

The beauty of these alarm clocks is that you can program your favorite morning tunes to play at a certain time to nudge you awake from your deep slumber. To help, these clocks also have the classic alarm buzzer in case you need a little extra incentive to get up in the morning. Of course, if you are not quite ready to face the day’s challenges, it has a snooze button that let’s you finish that dream that was just getting exciting!

Another benefit is that the iPod alarm clock is not restricted to just your iPod tunes, but incorporates an AM/FM radio in case you want to catch your favorite morning DJ show. The radio station will also play through the same sound system as the iPod and provide you with outstanding quality sound.

The iPod clock has an automatic reset feature that sets the alarm, and wake up music, to the same time every day until changed. So, if waking to a particular favorite tune and set time every day is good for you, this clock can make it happen. If you finally get bored of the same old music, changing the setting is as easy as a click of a button.

This is truly one of the coolest clocks for waking you in the morning that is available today. The iPod alarm clock combines the unruly task of waking you each day with the high quality sound of your favorite songs. If you need to be up and out the door by a certain time every morning, this alarm clock is the only way to do it!



Dana

dogpye5 asked:


I searched this but one was a Trojan virus, and the other looked funny. Is there a safe site that has a really good one ?

Lewis