Home & Garden

Grandfather clocks are as famous for their elegant appearance as they are for their seamless inner workings. Featuring a design that is hundreds of years old, authentic grandfather clocks do not run on batteries or electricity. Rather, their accuracy is acquired vis-à-vis slowly swinging pendulums which count precise units of time.

The Difference Between Atomic and Grandfather Clocks
Regardless of size, shape, material or design, all clocks have one thing in common: they count. Counting units of time is how clocks are able to keep time. Atomic clocks, for instance, are known for being the most price time-keepers in the world. This is because they count the vibrations exhibited by the cesium atom.

Cesium atoms vibrate exactly 9,192,631,770 per second. This never changes. Atomic clocks keep consistent track of these vibrations and measure time accordingly. In laymans terms, once an atomic clock counts off 9,192,631,770, it realizes a second has gone by. Such finite precision is the reason that atomic clocks are accurate to within a millionth of a second per year. Hows that for knowing what time it is?

Although they dont count atomic vibrations, grandfather clocks (a.k.a. pendulum clocks) run a close second in accuracy. Utilizing one or more weights which react with the Earths gravitational field, and a pendulum that swings once every two seconds, grandfather clocks need only be wound once a month in order to keep nearly perfect time. By keeping count the number of pendulum swings, grandfather clocks always know what time it is.

There are many places to find grandfather clocks, one of the most convenient of which is the Internet. Convenient, safe, and extremely easy to use, the Internet is the worlds largest marketplace for grandfather clocks of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Whether you are looking for a small timepiece for your mantel or an antique floor clock, the Internet is the place to search.

Buying Grandfather Clocks Online
While extremely convenient, the process of purchasing grandfather clocks online can be a bit tricky if you dont know what youre doing. This is especially the case when shopping for floor clocks. Floor clocks are traditionally very tall and very heavy. Before purchasing one online, make sure that the company from which you are buying the product guarantees its safe arrival.

Another thing to take into consideration before purchasing a grandfather clock online is spacing. Grandfather clocks are large pieces of furniture; therefore, make sure that you have plenty of room for it before making the investment. Measure the height of your ceilings as well as the width of the space where you would like to display your clock. You might even want to visit some local stores in order to get a hands-on idea of what size timepiece you think you might like.

Visiting local stores and shopping for grandfather clocks in person will enable you to make better decisions when browsing online. The terrific thing about the Internet is that it offers a virtually endless selection. From antiques to modern collections, there are literally thousands of options. Therefore, take plenty of time and do lots of comparative browsing before settling on a final selection.

The traditional appearance of a grandfather clock (a.k.a. floor clock) features an approximate six-foot-tall rectangular cabinet which displays an open collection of weights and pendulums, as well as the actual clock face and hands. Although the elegance of this design is frequently appreciated by grandfather clock enthusiasts, it isnt always an aesthetic everyone can incorporate into their home decor. Fortunately, there are many contemporary options to consider.

Innovations in Classic Grandfather Clock Design
If you appreciate the elegance of Grandfather clocks but need a more contemporary design to suit your domestic style, you are in luck. In addition to Grandfather clocks featuring antique design, many of todays floor clock companies also offer products more palatable to contemporary decor. These clocks vary in color, wood, size, and price.

For example, you may want to go with an oak finish rather than a cherry finish. While cherry conveys elegance and class, oak creates a warm, homey feeling. Combining the traditionalism of a grandfather clock with the lighter look of oak results in a timepiece that timeless and modern at the same time.

However, for those who look the classic look of grandfather clocks, there are plenty of offerings. Details such as cherry finishes, gold faces, and roman numerals add to a traditional look. These pieces will stand as heirlooms for generations to come.

Oak grandfather clocks make for excellent additions to any home. Depending on the style and personal preference of the resident, there are literally hundreds of choices to consider. From antique clocks to modern ones, the grandfather clock market is constantly expanding.

Oak Grandfather Clocks: Antique vs. Modern
One of the most popular aesthetic choices where grandfather clocks are concerned is the traditional design. The traditional floor clock design consists mainly of a narrow oak cabinet which houses the pendulum, the weights, the clock face, and (sometimes) a moon phase dial. Conventionally, the front of this cabinet is glass, which allows for visual access to the pendulum and weights. Customary oak grandfather clocks are approximately six feet in height and two feet in width. They usually feature intricate wood carvings and arched bonnets.

Individuals who fancy the traditional style of grandfather clocks often prefer antique models. While extremely beautiful and elegant, antique oak grandfather clocks are very expensive and often hard to come by. Fortunately, many contemporary floor clock designers feature new products which are specifically designed to appear antique. I recommend these faux antique clocks for many reasons. Not only are they solid products which are made to last, but they are built using modern technology and are therefore less likely to break.

When shopping for a contemporary oak grandfather clock, make sure you choose one that is made of real wood. While particle board may seem like a good idea now, these clocks do not last as long, especially if you plan on moving at any time. Since there are a number of discount outlets for oak grandfather clocks, investing in real wood doesnt mean breaking the bank.

Wholesale clocks are ideal for retailers who want a quality product for their customers, while retaining a better bottom line. When a retailer buys wholesale, he usually purchases the product directly from the manufacturer and is therefore spared the retail mark-up. The benefits of wholesale buying are financially enormous. Bear in mind, however, that such savings often come with a small price.

Benefits of Wholesale Shopping
There are literally hundreds of options to consider and the buyer is more or less on his or her own when trying to find the right one. However, with technology being what it is nowadays, you can often receive speedy answers to any questions you might have, or receive recommendations from the wholesaler. Additionally, you can make quick purchases online to refill your stock, as needed, with speedy delivery options.

When shopping wholesale for clocks, it pays to be specific. The more particular you are in your quest, the easier it will be to find exactly what you want. If you want oak clocks, you should be able to find the exact type you desire with a good wholesaler. Another thing you will want to look for is shipping time–you shouldnt have to wait for weeks or months to receive your clock.

The store you run is only as popular or as interesting as the items you stock. You want to create a reputation for top quality and beautiful craftsmanship, with the most reasonable prices around. By shopping online wholesalers, you can create the inventory that your customers need most–keeping them coming back to you for the rest of time.