What Is A Grandfather Clock?

Grandfather clocks are also know as long-case clocks, tall-case clocks, or floor clocks and must be free standing. They are typically weight-driven, pendulum clocks where the pendulum and weights are inside the waist, or tower, of the clock.

This style of clock is typically around 6 feet tall and often features elaborate ornamentation on the bonnet surrounding the frame dial or clock face. This style of clock is most often attributed to William Clement, an English clockmaker, and entered the world stage around 1670. (also see History of Antique Clocks for more information on this style). This style is usually a striking clock meaning they sound the time every hour and sometimes fractions of an hour.

The terms "grandfather", "grandmother", and "granddaughter" have been applied to longcase clocks. Although there is no specifically defined difference among these terms, the general perception seems to be that a clock smaller than 1.5m (5 feet) is a granddaughter; over 1.5m (5 feet) is a grandmother; and over 1.8m (6 feet) is a grandfather.

There are many popular models of grandfather clocks. Any family would be proud to have an Edward Meyer Grandfather Clock, or perhaps an offering from Howard Miller Clocks or Seth Thomas Clocks. Whichever manufacturer and model you choose, we know you and you family will love your grandfather clock for many generations to come.