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Grandfather Clock Information

Grandfather clocks are freestanding clocks with a wooden case body, which has a chime, pendulum and inner working mechanisms. Grandfather clocks were first called long case clocks. A grandfather clock stands over 6 feet tall. In the front of the case is the clock face. The top above the face is the continuation of the case featuring decorative carved woodwork. Grandfather clocks are appreciated for their quality, the chiming sound they make, craftsmanship and value. Some grandfather clocks are worth up to one hundred thousand dollars.

Time Frame
- Christiaan Huygens made the first grandfather clock in 1655. The invention of the anchor mechanism allowed shorter and slower pendulum swings. The slower beat enabled less ware within the clock itself and enabled clock makers to construct a taller freestanding version that became the grandfather clock. Most grandfather clocks were made in Britain and other parts of Europe, with two predominant makers in the states: Luman Watson and Simon Willard.
Function
- There are two main weights within the middle part of the case on a grandfather clock. These weights are on the left and right side. The weights allow the pendulum to swing back and forth in time with the ticking of the clock through a series of pulleys attached to the weights. Some grandfather clocks have a series of chains that lead up from the pulley to the back of the clock face.
Significance
- One weight works by moving the pendulum, while the second acts as the striking mechanism. There are spinning mechanisms behind the clock face, and all the workings must coincide in order for the clock to operate properly and keep accurate time. The pendulum rests in front of the chimes. Most grandfather clock pendulums take 1 second to swing.
Types
- There are grandfather clocks that have an 8-day and 1-day movement. Some antique grandfather clocks have a key mechanism on the face and require winding. The 1-day clocks have a single weight and need to be wound every day, and the 8-day clocks have more than one weight and are wound once a week. On modern grandfather clocks, there is a switch on the side that enables the chime sound to be turned on and off. All modern grandfather clocks have three weights.
Maintenance
- It's important to maintain a grandfather clock; especially in the case of antique grandfather clocks. A grandfather clock must be on level ground to work properly. If a grandfather clock is not on level ground, the inner weights may not be aligned, disrupting the function of the clock.

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