What Differentiates the Pendulum Wall Clock from the Rest?

Since the beginning of time, mankind has went to great lengths to accurately measure as well as creatively represent time. If you think about it it's the only thing that's guaranteed infinite, other than perhaps space, so we go to great lengths to create tools to measure it in very finite terms. Everything from placing a stick in the ground and measuring hours using the sun and shadows. Ancient Greeks used to use tablets and scribe the time on stones. Over the years, tracking time became more standard and more sophisticated methods have evolved.

So at this point you may be wondering what the difference is between a Pendulum Wall Clock and other types of clocks such as the Longcase Grandfather Clock which are intended for use on the wall or that lean against the wall may be. The most obvious answer, of course, is the pendulum. However, there's more to it than that. Let's take a look at Pendulum Clocks in general and Wall Clocks with Pendulums in specific to find out more about what makes them special and so popular among our culture these days.

What Is A Pendulum Clock?

Pendulum clocks are clocks that use a swinging weight, called a Pendulum, to help keep time. This method was developed in the middle of the seventeenth century by Christiaan Huygens, and was the most accurate method of keeping time for almost four hundred years. In fact it's safe to say this method was used for the longest time in the last millenium. Only the development of the quartz clock in the 1930s preempted the Pendulum Wall Clock's time keeping supremacy. That means that use of this kind of clock was extremely widespread and accepted not just in North America but worldwide.

However, Pendulum Clocks couldn't be used everywhere. It's important for a Pendulum Clock to be sitting still and undisturbed if it's going to work correctly. That's because any kind of movement affects the way the pendulum behaves. If this occurs, the clock becomes significantly less accurate.

Other mechanisms were used in watches and other portable clocks, with pendulums used in the familiar Longcase Grandfather Clocks as well as the grandmother types, and also in Pendulum Wall Clocks. I'd say you can use a Pendulum Clock in the same house with a bunch of noisy kids, but you need to keep it away from them and keep it on a Wall that they won't bang on or an area of the living room they don't visit very often.

Why Choose A Pendulum Wall Clock?

You may wonder why, with advances in accurate timekeeping, we still buy Pendulum Clocks at all. After all, we have clocks that are far more precise. The truth of the matter is that while a quartz clock is more accurate, it's not as friendly or attractive to have around the house. The pleasant tick of a Pendulum Wall Clock, no matter what style or size, is more appealing to many people than more modern timekeeping methods. Certain type of Pendulum Clocks such as the Longcase Grandfather Clock sound real cool too. Of course, you could choose another type of mechanical clock, but many of them just aren't as visually or otherwise appealing as a pendulum timepiece.

People also keep Pendulum Clocks for antique and decorative value. A Pendulum Clock just looks good on the wall, and there are so many different options available that you're sure to find one that'll work in your home. Just take a little time to look around. There are traditional style clocks, modern ones, ornate and simple designs. No matter who you are or what you like, you'll find it surprisingly easy to get one that'll go with your tastes. Decades ago, you'd either have to be Rich or very well off to afford one of these. But luckily the prices have come down into the low hundreds in the last few years.

Antique clocks can be very valuable, in addition to looking good and providing accurate time. So, if you're interested in a clock that'll not only tell you what time it is, but will also add value, character and distinctness to your home, you should think about an Old Fashioned or Colonial Style Pendulum Clock for the wall.

These great looking, classic feeling clocks can add a pleasant touch to any room, and they'll keep on working when there's no power. Plus, if you're looking for the perfect investment, a working Antique Pendulum Clock could be what you've been waiting for. So, take a look at all the clocks out there. There's sure to be one a clock out there that fits your needs.

Let Brian Garvin and Jeff West teach you more about Longcase Grandfather Clocks today.