Elements of Timeless Clocks

Time is a constant. It’s something we carry with us throughout the day on our watches and phones. But for a long time, clocks were the only way to know the hours and minutes ticking by, which is why they became a staple item in homes and businesses. Many clockmakers rose and fell over the past few centuries but their innovations live on as timeless clocks. The attention to detail and mastery it took to make one of these specimens are skills not often found today, which makes finding one of these antiques even more special.

Let’s learn more about the elements of timeless clocks!

What is a Timeless Clock?

Throughout the centuries, thousands of clocks have been made by countless clockmakers and manufacturing companies. Timeless clocks can come from all over the world and are sought after for their brand and materials. Avid collectors might favor timepieces from a certain country or decade, looking for specific designs or labels of clockmakers from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. American-made clocks fabricated by E. Howard & Co., Walter H. Durfee, Waltham Clock Company, Seth Thomas, Howard Miller, and Simon Willard are some of the most popular. 

What is Their Historical Significance?

Sundials and water clocks are some of the oldest time-keeping pieces, but as keeping the time became more popular, manufacturers created their own unique styles and signatures that attract collectors to these types of clocks even today. In many ways, the invention of the mechanical clock changed the world. It enabled people to measure their time more precisely throughout the day, and this product was a driving force behind the industrial revolution. 

Manufacturer and Materials

If you are looking to identify a timeless clock, always start your search with the name of the clockmaker or company. American-made timepieces of the 19th century commonly engraved their brand somewhere on the timepiece. Beyond the name, clocks can also be identified by the type of glass, stenciling, hand style, and fasteners. The materials used in the dial range from paper, ceramics, wood, or tin. The strike movements can help to identify the time period around when a clock was made, such as a bell, chime rod, or gong. Not all manufacturers used serial numbers to identify their clocks, but the ones that did are easily traceable. 

With so many antique timepieces available, it can be difficult to find ones that are in good condition, authentic, or even rare. As a mechanical piece of technology, the parts needed to replace different components had to be precise and of the same quality. At Frankenmuth Clock Company, we sell authentic parts and offer repairs to timeless clocks from many decades. If you would like to learn more about our business, contact us!