Clock Tips

For the longest time the word “pewter” was synonymous with “for rich people only”. During the 16th and 17th centuries, silverware was a luxury which only rich merchants, churchmen, kings and noblemen could afford. Then craftsmen introduced Pewter as a substitute for silver and gold.

At the time, this new alloy was composed of 70% to 80% tin and the rest of copper, lead, antimony and occasionally bismuth. Craftsmen who worked with pewter chose to make simple, finely designed, generally unornamented pieces with designs particularly adapted to Pewter. As more and more craftsmen took up the trade, pewter items became more accessible to the “common folk” and quickly became very popular. Its use spread into taverns and cottages.

When glass and pottery was introduced, pewter was not in great demand any more. Why? Because of the lead component, the pewter tarnished readily and needed frequent polishing. If the pewter was allowed to tarnish, bringing the item back to its original shine meant having to submerge it completely into a lye solution — not an easy task!

Then along in the early 1970’s, pewter making was revived, with a major difference This new modern pewter, labelled as “Fine Pewter” is composed of at least 90% tin with the balance made up of copper, antimony, bismuth or silver — NO LEAD ALLOWED! This means that Fine Pewter items require very little care. It does not tarnish, rust, or deteriorate. What a glorious advantage for modern pewter buyers.

And that’s not all. Because pewter is an easy medium to work with, artists can create 3 dimensional items with exceptional detail, items such as clocks which are exquisite in detail and charm.

In addition, since fine pewter ranks as the fourth most precious metal in the world (following platinum, gold, and silver) and manufacturing these pewter items still involves a lot of hand craftsmanship, one would think that pewter items are only for the rich. Not so! Pewter items made of fine pewter are still within a person’s budget, — and because of the hand craftmanship involved, 3D items will vary slightly so this possibility creates a market for collectors.

Also, fine pewter can be easily engraved by a competent jeweller.

So why are fine pewter clocks getting to be the in thing?

US-made fine pewter are guaranteed 100% lead free, and is composed of 97% tin with the balance made up of copper, bismuth, and silver

Clocks made of this fine pewter require very little upkeep, (a quick wipe with a damp clock, dry and that’s it!), are safe to handle, are fairly light, and are real “eye catchers”.

Add the fact that the customer can bring his/her clock to a competent jeweler and have it engraved with an inscription — what a great memory creation!

Yes, fine pewter clocks are very collectible and affordable. A fine pewter clock can be cherished for its uniqueness, its longevity, and its lasting value. Get one! You will be happy you did!

About The Author

Marcelle Snyder

Born in New Brunswick in 1942, Marcelle Snyder started her teaching career at the age of 19. In 1976, she and her two daughters moved to Ontario where she continued her teaching career at Durham College. Recently retired, Marcelle picked up her second interest, decorating, and decided to sell her favourite clocks on the internet. Always interested in learning, she researched the origin and evolution of clocks, especially the grandfather clock and pewter clocks, and wrote articles summarizing some of her findings. You can read some of these articles at http://www.AwesomeClocks.com.

m.snyder@sympatico.ca

Written By: Marcelle Snyder

The inexpensive quartz watches and clocks you see everywhere today keep time far more accurately than the stately grandfather clocks of yesteryear. But the latter have a charm and presence that few modern time-keeping devices can match. It is thought that the very first mechanical clocks were devised by European monks sometime during the 13th century. They didn’t have clock faces and hands to show the time. Instead, they struck a bell on the hour. So you couldn’t tell the time by looking at these early clocks!

Later, an hour hand was added. Small domestic clocks made an appearance during the first few decades of the 15th century. There used to be a device called a lantern clock, which was a weight-driven time piece, which made its way to upper class homes around that time.

The major breakthrough in clock design came about in 1582 when Galileo discovered that a pendulum has a fixed period and so could be used for timekeeping. However, he did not actually build a pendulum-based clock.

That task was accomplished by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. His design was a significant improvement over the earlier mechanical clocks, because it was accurate to within three minutes or so per day.

The early pendulum clocks had short pendulums. The movements were made of cast iron and the clocks hung on the wall. Subsequently, they were encased in wood to improve their looks.

Around 1660, clocks with longer pendulums were introduced by English clockmakers. In another decade, the anchor escapement was perfected by William Clement. Robert Hook introduced the 39.1 inch pendulum. Together, these developments led to the creation of the first grandfather clocks, which often stood a majestic 7 feet tall.

They weren’t called grandfather clocks, though. The early name was long case clocks or floor clocks. The term grandfather clock became popular only during the 1880s, after Henry Work wrote a song titled ‘Grandfather’s clock’.

Meanwhile, clock movements improved in design and manufacture. Long case clocks could keep time to within a few seconds variation per week. At this stage, a minute hand was added to clocks. With elaborately carved wood casings and the use of glass to highlight the clock face and pendulum, the grandfather clock evolved into an attractive timepiece.

In the early days, it cost a lot to produce long case clocks. They adorned mansions of royals and nobles. Production costs came down with time and other well-off households could afford them too.

It was in the 1680s that long case clocks first reached America. A few years later, they began to be produced in New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other places. In the 19th century, American clock making centers came up with brass movements, which cut costs significantly. That ended the dominance of the English as clock makers.

Grandfather clocks with their pendulum time-keepers can’t rival the precision or reliability of modern atomic clocks. But there’s something reassuringly solid and comforting about these time pieces of another era. One can safely predict that grandfather clocks will remain fixtures in connoisseurs’ living rooms for a long time to come.

About the Author

Peter Strides is a connoisseur of clocks. He has written on grandfather clocks, the history of the pendulum clock, tips for setting up a grandfather clock and more.

Written By: Peter Strides

Cuckoo clocks make great gifts, souvenirs, and timepieces that will add charm and character to any home. If you are in the market for a cuckoo clock, carefully consider your options before purchase. In addition to scouring your local antique and clock shops, turn your search to the World Wide Web to find that perfect clock. Since cuckoo clocks are traditionally made in the Black Forest area of Germany, consider picking one up on your next European holiday or purchasing one from a store based in the country. There are countless places to find the perfect cuckoo clock, so start your search today.

When looking for a cuckoo clock, you should first assess your budget and expectations. Cuckoo clocks are sold in all budgets, from modest pieces with little decoration and moving parts to colossal works of art that can occupy an entire wall. Additionally, consider the space for your cuckoo clock. When finding a place in your home, ensure the clock’s weights and chains will have plenty of room to move, since obstacles that block the movement would prevent the clock from properly working. Also, consider the look you want for your cuckoo clock. Although the traditional look of the clocks may be similar, different makers offer different styles of clocks, from the more modestly decorated to the king of kitsch.

By far, the best place to look for a cuckoo clock is in Germany. Although a European visit may be more than a hop, skip, and a jump away, if you are planning to visit the country in the near future, keep in mind a cuckoo clock is an excellent souvenir. Many manufacturers open their shops and workshops to the public, allowing you to chat with the men and women that created your personal timepiece. In addition to learning about the history of the clocks, the experience is one that is sure to be remembered.

If international travel is not on your itinerary, look to your local shops for cuckoo clocks. Most shops that sell clocks will have at least a couple styles of cuckoo clocks. Also, if you are interested in purchasing an older clock, check out the antique stores in your area or visit local flea markets to see what your search will reveal. In some instances, you may be able to pick up a clock for less money than in a store, but keep in mind the clock may need to be repaired or restored.

For a greater source of cuckoo clocks, turn to the World Wide Web. The internet is a veritable treasure trove for anything and everything under the sun. A quick internet search will produce countless dealers that sell every imaginable version of cuckoo clocks. However, keep in mind when using the internet as a shopping tool that scams can be more difficult to detect. In order to not become separated from your hard earned cash through a tricky internet scam, ensure you purchase a cuckoo clock from a quality, reputable dealer with a sterling reputation.

Looking for an antique cuckoo clock? Turn to internet auction sites like Ebay! Ebay is a fantastic tool for finding anything and everything under the sun and unites the world through a single forum that serves as a gigantic flea market. Again, the word on Ebay is “buyer beware,” so only purchase clocks from sellers with positive feedback from previous buyers. Also, keep in mind that older clocks may need more work, which results in costs associated with hiring a clockmaker to fix your newfound treasure. Although they may need a bit of tender loving care, antique cuckoo clocks are truly unique creations.

About the author:

Donna Somerkin specializes in Cuckoo Clocks http://www.cuckoo-clocks-u.com

Written By: Donna Somerkin

Everyday we get from one place to another, rushing to and from along our busy action-packed day. Ok so some days are a bore but we need to go through them anyway for each day, dark makes way for light and brand new possibilities await. But first, we must get out of bed.

Our altered consciousness in slumber cannot tell time and to be able to rouse from sleep in the morning in time for work, an alarm clock comes in handy. There are different kinds of ingenious alarm clock designs available in the market assured to get even the laziest person out of bed.

What makes you tick?

Alarm clock shopping is fun because you will find out just how creative the options are out there. There are talking alarm clocks and there are alarm clocks with shrill alarming noises designed to rouse you from the deepest slumber. There are also alarm clocks that escalate its alarms as you keep hitting the “snooze” button assuring that you do not miss the alarms. For the hopeless procrastinator, there is an alarm clock designed to roll off the table when the snooze button is hit so that when it alarms again, the clock and inadvertently its snooze button will be out of reach and its alarm will continue to crack until you get out of bed and find the clock.

Versatility and mobility

Something that jump starts your day like the alarm clock is important enough to keep handy all through out the day to make sure you’re kept on time for all the important activities of the day.

Yes while you cannot drag your bulky bedside alarm clock with you since it hardly becomes the image of a successful business person, rest assured that you have an alarm clock with you anyway.

Yes, almost every single digital gadget has a built in alarm clock to keep you on time all the time for daily tasks.

The calendar

Every digital gadget you have with you is bound to have a calendar with an alarm function. Input your schedule into the digital calendar and set alarms for yourself so you’ll never miss a thing again. Your mobile phone and PDA will have this function. It’s there for a reason. Use it.

Software for your hardware

If you’re stuck at or around the vicinity of your desk and you’re too absorbed to notice the passing of time, there are also alarm clock software available for installation in your PC. There are even built-in alarm functions in some Office-based programs because their developers realize the very important function of the alarm clock.

Sliced bread

A lot of people attribute sliced bread as one of the best of man’s inventions. Of course, there’s the wheel and the harnessing of the power of fire along with the countless list but alarm clocks definitely deserve its place in that roster for its invaluable contribution to society. We have come a long way from depending on nature’s natural alarms to tell time. Now we have harnessed the precision and convenience of alarms into tiny versatile and mobile gadgets that help us tell time and keep it. So the next time you open your eyes to a new day after being roused by your very dependable alarm clock, don’t forget to realize the history and importance of this gadget in your life. Your alarm clock will continuously serve you with a not so silent dignity as long as you don’t forget to keep the batteries fresh.

About the author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides alarm clock resources on www.justalarmclocks.info

Written By: Robert Thatcher

Louis Essen was born in 1908 in a small city in England called Nottingham. His childhood was typical of the time and he pursued his education with enjoyment and dedication. At the age of 20 Louis graduated from the University of Nottingham, where he had been studying. It was at this time that his career started to take off, as he was invited to join the NPL, or National Physics Laboratory.

It was during Louiss time at the NPL that he began working to develop a quartz crystal oscillator as he believed they were capable of measuring time as accurately as a pendulum based clock. Ten years after joining the NPL Louis had invented the Essen ring. This was an eponymous invention which took its name from the shape of the quartz which Louis had used in his latest clock and which was three times more accurate than the previous versions.

Louis soon moved on to newer areas of research and began to study ways to measure the speed of light. During World War II he began to work on high frequency radar and used his technical ability to develop the cavity resonance wavemeter. From 1946 it was this wavemeter which he used, along with a colleague by the name of Albert Gordon-Smith, to make his lightspeed measurements. It has been acknowledged recently that Louiss measurements were by far the most accurate to have been recorded up until that time.

During the early part of the 1950s Louis began to take an interest in research which was being carried out at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in the United States of America. He learnt that work was being carried out to invent a clock which was more accurate than any other. The American scientists were using the idea of maintaining a clocks accuracy by using the radiation emitted or absorbed by atoms. At that time the Americans were using a molecule of ammonia but Louis felt that this was not working as well as if they were using different atoms, such as hydrogen or caesium, and so he began working on his own clock using these materials instead.

1953 saw Louis and a colleague, Jack Parry, receiving permission to develop an atomic clock at the NPL based on Louiss existing knowledge of quartz crystal oscillators and other relevant techniques he had learned from the cavity resonance wavemeter he had previously designed. Only two years later Louis’s first atomic clock was running, Caesium I, designed by the UK scientists. Development in the United States had all but stopped due to political difficulties.

Louis continued to work on his atomic clock and by 1964 he had managed to increase the accuracy of the atomic clock from one second in 300 years to one second every 2000 years! The continued success of Louiss work resulted in the definition of a second being changed from 1/864000 of a mean solar day to being calculated as the time it took for 9192631770 cycles of the radiation in an atomic clock.

Louis Essen died in 1997 and before his death had been honoured with, amongst others, an OBE and the Tompion Gold Medal of the Clockmakers Company.

About The Author

Steve Gink uses atomic clocks, you can find his articles about them at atomic clocks or visit www.atomic-clocks.org the site contains information about atomic clocks and some images.

steve.gink@gmail.com

Written By: Steve Gink

We have a lot of clocks in our home. Most of them make some sort of noise on the hour (steam trains, cartoon characters, birds,
dogs, horses, wild animals; I’m not kidding!), some of them on the half-hour as well, and one that even chimes on the quarter hour. We just like clocks. Needless to say, we are usually aware of the time! Some of my favorites are the cuckoo clocks that we purchased on a trip to the Black Forest, and they needed some TLC: cleaning, oiling, and adjusting.

Enter Skip, the clock repairman who believes in the long-lost art of house calls. He took the clocks back to his shop and fixed them up beautifully. When he returned them, he placed them back on the wall with loving care and proceeded to explain the “proper” way to wind them.

1. Be sure to pull straight down or the chain can come off of the gear or the weight may bang against the wall, leaving a mark.

2. Pull only one chain at a time because pulling more than one at a time
a) causes the chains to be pulled at an angle and
b) puts too much stress on the hanger on the wall and/or the back of the clock.

3. Don’t pull them too quickly because they may come off of their gears.

4. When setting the clock it is better to turn the hands counter clock-wise because of the nature of the internal mechanism.

…and so on, and so forth. For about 15 minutes, Skip explained the finer points of something that seemed so simple and so
obvious, that I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

It recently dawned on me that this experience serves as a great illustration of two important points. First of all, the importance of education; there is always a “right” way and a “wrong” way to do just about anything, regardless of how simple and obvious it may seem. It is unlikely that what you are trying to do in your business has never been tried before. Why suffer through the mistakes that others have made when they did what you are doing? Do everything you can to learn from other people’s experience and save yourself the grief of repeating their mistakes. I used to pull all three chains at once; it never occurred to me that the back of the clock could break under the strain. He’s seen it happen. I’m glad that I learned from his experience before the clock came crashing down because a), the falling clock would probably break the glass table beneath it, b) I might be physically injured if hit by the clock or flying glass and c), I cherish my clocks and would hate to lose one. Find seminars, classes, tapes, books, or websites that can help you avoid the avoidable. Your time and money will be well spent.

The other important point is that you can learn and grow from the most unlikely places. Keep your eyes and ears open; you just
never know when a “Skip” will waltz into your life for even a brief moment and leave you with a tidbit that will change you forever.

About the Author

“Make More Money and Have More Fun” with your small business! Dave will show you how with his FREE newsletter, “Big Bucks in a Bathrobe” sent by e-mail. Visit http://www.TheStayAtHomeCEO.com Comments and/or questions are always welcome at 1-800-366-2347 or Dave@DaveBalch.com.

Written By: Dave Balch

Travel Alarm Clocks - Your Traveling Companion

A traveler may experience an uncomfortable feeling especially if he’s in a place with a different time zone than they have back home. Every traveler needs his own alarm clock. Whether you are on vacation, on a business trip or for any other reason that you are traveling, an alarm clock is a very handy companion to tag along. This way you could keep track of your own time without depending on anyone else.

Alarm clocks should, of course, be portable. They should be able fit in your luggage without worrying that it will be broken. Another feature of your handy clock is that the numbers should be easily read and at the same time they should be easy to set. This way you would save yourself from fussing around trying to set the time for it to alarm. The purpose of the alarm clock is to wake you up on time. So choose one that wakes you up with familiar sounds like beeps or rings. This way you know that the sound comes from the clock and not somewhere else.

They come in different styles and features. Most of the alarm clocks for travel are relatively small. But some of them also come in like large pocket watch that flips open. This way the clock inside is protected from bumps while inside the suitcase. There are small clocks that look like cell phones too! Whatever the size of the travel alarm clock, surely, they always come with their protective cases.

Travel alarm clocks can be both expensive and cheap and are sold in all department stores as well as luggage shops anywhere. It depends on the taste of the traveler whether to pick a pricey or inexpensive one. The important thing is, it should function well and serve its purpose: to wake you up.

A special feature of a travel alarm clock is that you get to choose the alarm. There may be one that could record your favorite song that automatically plays on the set time. Other soothing sounds are available too! However if you’re the type that sleeps soundly, a soft toned alarm clock is not for you. You better choose one that has a loud alarm sound to wake you up.

Never choose an alarm clock that has to be plugged in for you never know when there will be a power failure. If this event happens, your alarm clock can’t help you.

These alarm clocks have their own setbacks too just like your everyday alarm clocks like the battery running out before it alarms or the “shaking” of the clock might cause the battery inside to move thus stopping the alarm.

About the author:

Jay is the web owner of http://www.airline-tickets.biz Discount Airline Tickets, a website that provides information and resources on vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his website at: http://www.hotels-in.net Cheap Hotels

Written By: Jay Bauder

A grandfather clock is undoubtedly an amazing piece to have in your home. It hearkens back to a time when life was simpler, yet more elegant. If you invest in a grandfather clock, chances are it will quickly become a show-piece within your entryway, living room, or dining room.

Yet, it is highly important that you take good care of your grandfather clock. To some people, there is nothing more annoying than a clock that fails to provide the correct time. Also, while it can certainly be gratifying to purchase an antique clock, you don’t want your clock to show its age after just a few months in your home.

The best way to ensure that you will be able to take care of a grandfather clock properly is to exercise caution when selecting a clock to buy. Whether you are interested in a new or used model, you probably have hundreds of choices to consider. You should examine each individual cabinet as you would any other piece of furniture. Be sure to carefully consider the finish and the overall quality. For instance, if you’re looking for a stunning piece that is particularly easy to care for, you might consider a 100 percent cherry, oak, or mahogany cabinet. In such a case, you’ll need to buy an older clock to get what you want.

Youll be much better off purchasing a grandfather clock from a clock dealer rather than from a general furniture store. This is because a dealer can offer better service after the sale. This means that, working with a dealer, you should have an easier time caring for your clock. Also, be sure that you examine the actual clock youre purchasing, rather than just buying a clock delivered from a warehouse. Otherwise, you could end up with a clock that is damaged and will therefore be difficult to take care of. If you notice dents or scratches on the surfaces of the weights or pendulum, be sure to alert a customer service representative, so that those problems can be dealt with before you get the clock home. If you want a truly durable grandfather clock, you’ll probably have to purchase one that is about 40 to 50 percent more expensive than the cheapest model.

If you purchase an older clock, you may have more difficulty taking care of it over the long run. This is because many older clocks have not been fully serviced before the sale because of the cost involved. Essentially, the dealer will probably do only that amount of maintenance necessary to get the clock running. As a result, you could find yourself facing significant maintenance costs later on. Also, be aware of the fact that a spring-driven clock does not usually last as long as a weight-driven clock.

In order to care for your clock properly, its important that you have your grandfather clock cleaned at least once every five years. The cleaner your clock, the better it is likely to function. Since a grandfather clock represents a treasured piece of history, you need to care for it as you would any prized possession.

About the Author:

Mike Barus specializes in Grandfather Clocks and Cleaning Clocks

Written By: Mike Barus

One of the most valued kinds of clocks on earth are grandfather clocks. Bulova grandfather clocks and Howard Miller grandfather clocks are some of the most sought after names in clocks and you can get your own antique grandfather clocks on the internet or from a wonderful antique store. There are also plenty of modern wholesale grandfather clocks for you to choose from on and offline.

When you are shopping for grandfather clocks you will first need to see where in your home or business you want to keep said clocks. Did you want one that can fit on a shelf or do you have a special corner that you want to put one in? Take some time and some measurements and then you will be able to make the right decisions about the grandfather clocks that will look the best in your home or office.

Grandfather clocks, especially pearl grandfather clocks, will add class and elegance to any home or office quickly and easily. Everyone will fall prey to the charms of your clocks in no time. German grandfather clocks are one of the most favorable of all grandfather clocks. They are known throughout the world for their beauty and accuracy. Many of the older grandfather clocks were not the most accurate clocks in the world but the more modern discount grandfather clocks will always keep good time.

Some people are not really concerned with the fact that their grandfather clocks cannot tell time accurately. In fact, most people who buy Howard Miller grandfather clocks and Bulova grandfather clocks buy them not for the time aspect but for looks. Looks are important, it is a simple fact and your grandfather clocks will bring all kinds of joy and happiness to your home and dcor.

Wholesale grandfather clocks are easy to find and purchase online. If you have always wanted to get some antique grandfather clocks or modern discount grandfather clocks you will be able to do that all online in just a few seconds. By doing a quick search online you can pull up tons of great stores where you can buy your grandfather clocks. It does not matter if you are looking for pearl grandfather clocks, German grandfather clocks, Bulova grandfather clocks, Howard Miller grandfather clocks, antique grandfather clocks or even discount grandfather clocks or wholesale grandfather clocks, you will find it all online. And when you are thinking about making a purchase as large and important as a grandfather clock it is vital that you save money where you can.

Maintenance of grandfather clocks should never be too much of an issue. Everyone can simply call on a clocksmith to come in and fix anything that goes wrong with grandfather clocks. This should not cost too much money, but it will depend on what the actual problem is. Most of the good grandfather clocks will not need a lot of work, but like anything else in the world, parts do wear out over time and you may need to repair the odd piece from time to time.

About the author:

Jeff King is a technologist who writes on many consumer topics. There’s more about clocks at Every Clock

Written By: Jeff King

The earliest clocks were simply ways of keeping track of time using the elements. The sundial did this, as well as a clock created in ancient Greece often ascribed to Plato, that used water dripping from a bowl. The Romans later took this clock and claimed it for their own, calling it a Horologium.

The first mechanical clocks were run using the falling of weights. When they started to become mechanical, they were called Clockes, Latin for bell. This was because they kept time by sounding a bell at the hour. When they invented a clock that could tell time visually, they named it a watch. This is an obvious pun on the word watch, both in its to see meaning, and in its meaning for sentries such as in Ill take first watch. In the early days when a watch was made that also chimed, it was called as clock-watch.

The next big improvement in the clock was the creation of what is known as average escapement. This was a device that allowed equal distribution of the force in a clock, allowing them to keep time accurately. Most early clocks were large and expensive, due to the precision hand crafting that went into them. It wasnt until the seventeenth century that clocks started to be seen in homes, mainly in Britain.

The first household clocks were known as chamber clocks. These were generally hung from a wall, with weights dangling from the bottom. The weights were used to keep the hours. Most of these clocks only had an hour hand, and the earliest ones would run for little more then ten hours. As the system of force distribution, was improved on these clocks became smaller and better designed. The invention of the pendulum in 1658 made these clocks much more reliable, and easier to manufacture. This is shown in the long case clock, invented to house the pendulum.

The next few years saw many improvements on the pendulum as they made it longer and more accurate. The invention of spring clocks was a major improvement to the clock industry. At first the springs caused these clocks to go faster right after they were wound, and then gradually slower and slower. This problem was solved in small parts over the next 300 years, as the making and application of the springs got better and better.

The modern clock is often an electric machine that runs much more accurately then the old water driven Greek clocks. However they are still not perfect. Trying to attain precision timing has caused people to look to quasar timing, timing by the pulses in a pulsar star. There are also clocks that measure the spin of electrons, or sun spots. Future innovations may make clocks even more accurate in ways we haven’t even thought of. Its an exciting time in clock design and fabrication.

About The Author

This article was written by Joey Lewitin, an author, webmaster, and home furnishing designer. His unique work can be seen on the site http://decorative-wall-clocks.com

info@decorative-wall-clocks.com

Written By: Joey Lewitin