Pendulum Wall Clocks - Unique And Decorative Time Pieces

Amazingly, the pendulum wall clock was invented over 350 years ago. Yet to this day pendulum wall clocks still remain very popular. Today's pendulum clocks are purchased just as much for their time keeping abilities as they are for their decorative value.

 Antique pendulum clocks are also oftentimes passed down between families as inheritances and heirlooms.  These antique clocks are especially known for their style and craftsmanship. It is not unusual for the pendulum clocks of each country to have distinct styles and craftsmanship unique to their region. Pendulum clocks can also prove to be quite collectible and valuable due to the determining factors of age, rarity, and condition.

Upon their introduction, pendulum wall clocks were viewed as revolutionary. Early version of pendulum wall clocks allowed time keeping pieces to accurately count seconds for the first time. Prior to the invention of the pendulum clock, time pieces were unable to even count minutes reliably.

By 1889, clock maker Sigmund Riefler had created a pendulum clock that boasted an error of only one hundredth of a second per day. As a result of its accuracy, pendulum clocks soon found widespread popularity and use. Pendulum clocks were initially very expensive and could only be afforded by wealthier members of society.

A pendulum wall clock works so well because it utilizes a swinging weight or bob, known as the pendulum, to help it keep time. The pendulum in a pendulum clock is suspended from a pivot. This suspension allows the pivot to move freely.

Pendulums require mechanical stability and the pendulum case must not be moved to ensure accuracy. Pendulums in pendulum wall clocks are typically suspended by a rod of wood, or more common today, metal. The weight of the swinging bob actually improves the accuracy of the clock and should be made as heavy as the suspension will allow.

There are several different traditional styles of pendulum clocks. Some of the more popular pendulum clocks include the banjo clock, the cuckoo clock, and the grandfather clock. Other styles include the bracket clock, the lantern clock, the cartel clock, and the turret clock among others.

Perhaps the most famous pendulum clock of all is "Big Ben". Big Ben is located at the Palace of Westminster in London, England and is the largest four faced chiming clock in the world. Like other pendulum clocks, Big Ben is famous for its reliability and accuracy.