Anniversary Clocks - Perfect Presents For Extraordinary Events

By Author: Gregory Hepburn
Total Articles: 38
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Anniversary clocks are very attractive pendulum mantel clocks that are generally protected with glass dome covers. Their rotating pendulums and dials are unique and each is the work of a master craftsperson. Renowned clock makers such as Kaiser, Hermle, Schatz and Kundo made most of the original clock pieces in Germany. Kaiser made just a few hundred masterpieces, which are collector's items today.

These original anniversary clocks were made in the early twentieth century and required winding only once a year, unlike most others that had to be wound daily or at the least weekly. They were therefore referred to as perpetual clocks, 400-day clocks or anniversary clocks. They were manufactured from polished brass, or even silver, and make perfect anniversary gifts. Usually, anniversary clocks have metal stands and rotating pendulums, which often have very distinctive and exclusive designs. Most of them have well-liked chimes on the hour.

Most of these anniversary clocks have been lovingly restored by experts, so one now has the good luck of seeing polished brass clocks with diamond etched pillars, filigree hands, ...
... and crystal rotating pendulums and domes. Other anniversary clocks may have different types of pendulums such as the two or four-balled pendulum or rotating globe pendulum, with the phases of the moon as a backdrop for the dial.

Modern Day Anniversary Clocks

While beautifully restored antique anniversary clocks are available even today, it is easier to get imitations. Most of these are copies of old designs and look quite the same. These anniversary replicas run on batteries though the attractive pendulums revolve as in the original. They are very well-liked modern first anniversary presents and make ideal wedding presents also.

Besides the designs with glass domes, another well-liked style has a brass tone metal stand and dial with a brass tone resin back. One can find some with Roman numerals to add to the old world allure. Well known makers of modern anniversary clocks are Seth Thomas, Howard Miller, Loricron, and Hermle of Germany. Loricron has a type with a cut glass crystal stand and imprinted metal dial, as well as a crystal cut pendulum. The mechanisms of many are still Manufactured in Germany.

Ave Maria and the Westminster melody are two very well-liked chimes that you can hear in anniversary clocks on the hour every hour. In some models, it is possible to adjust the volume and even turn the chime off. This is an ideal example of modern adjustment of an old design.