If you're new to the world of grandfather clocks, the number of brands and styles available can feel overwhelming. From classic wooden designs to modern takes on this timeless piece, each manufacturer brings something unique to the table. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the most well-known grandfather clock makers, what sets them apart, and how to choose the right one for your home. Knowing the top brands is a great place to start.
👉 Find your perfect Grandfather Clock at Premier Clocks.
When choosing a grandfather clock, it’s not just about looks. A reliable manufacturer makes all the difference.
Here’s what to look for:
✅️ Craftsmanship and Materials Used. High-quality wood like cherry, oak, or mahogany, along with detailed finishes and solid construction, show a maker’s commitment to quality.
✅️ Mechanical vs. Quartz Movements. Top brands offer both. Mechanical (key-wound or cable-driven) movements are traditional and long-lasting. Quartz clocks are battery-operated and need less upkeep. A good manufacturer will offer both types with precision and care.
✅️ Reputation and Heritage. Long-standing clockmakers usually have decades (or centuries) of experience. Their name is often tied to consistency, accuracy, and beautiful design.
✅️ Warranty and Customer Support. A trustworthy brand stands behind its product. Look for manufacturers that offer a solid warranty and easy-to-reach support if anything goes wrong.
When it comes to grandfather clocks, the brand you choose can make a big difference in style, quality, and reliability. Some manufacturers have been crafting clocks for decades—or even centuries—earning a trusted name in the industry. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most well-known and respected grandfather clock brands to help you find one that fits your taste and needs.
Howard Miller is one of the most trusted names in clock industry. The company was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller in Zeeland, Michigan. What started as a small clock shop grew into one of the largest clockmakers in the world. Howard Miller grandfather clocks was passed down through three generations of clock makers. Over the years, Howard Miller became known for its commitment to quality, design, and craftsmanship.
🔸 Wide Range of Styles: Howard Miller offers everything from traditional cherry wood clocks with ornate carvings to sleek contemporary designs with clean lines and metal accents. Whether your home is classic or contemporary, there’s likely a clock that fits.
🔸 Triple Chime Movements: Many of their mechanical clocks include triple chime options. Whittington, St. Michael, and Westminster chime movement that plays every quarter hour with full chime and strikes on the hour.. You can choose the sound you like best or turn it off when you want quiet.
🔸 Heirloom Quality: These clocks are built to last for generations. Solid hardwood cases, detailed craftsmanship, and high-quality movements make Howard Miller clocks a smart investment and a potential family heirloom.
🔸 Extras: Features like automatic nighttime shut-off, adjustable levels, illuminated dials, and locking doors make them both beautiful and practical.
Ridgeway Clocks has a long history that dates back to the 1920s. Once an independent American clock company, Ridgeway became known for its fine craftsmanship and elegant floor clocks. Today, Ridgeway is part of the Howard Miller family, but it continues to keep its own unique style and charm.
🔸 Classic American Style: Ridgeway clocks often feature traditional designs, such as arched tops, decorative moldings, and rich wood finishes like oak, cherry, and walnut.
🔸 Detailed Craftsmanship: These clocks often include carved details, brass pendulums, and decorative weights, offering a timeless look that feels both grand and warm.
🔸 Reliable Movements: Ridgeway clocks include mechanical movements that are designed for long-term performance. Many also come with features like Westminster chimes, automatic night shut-off, and adjustable volume.
Hermle Clocks is a German clock manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for precision and craftsmanship. The company was founded in 1922by Franz Hermle and is based in the Black Forest region of Germany, an area known for its rich clockmaking history.
🔸 Precision German Movements: Hermle produces its own high-quality mechanical movements, trusted by clockmakers around the world. Their clocks are known for accuracy, smooth operation, and long life.
🔸 Clean European Designs: While some Hermle clocks feature traditional designs, many have a sleek, minimalist look with clean lines, glass panels, and polished metals. They work especially well in modern or transitional homes.
🔸 Wide Product Range: Hermle makes everything from grandfather and wall clocks to mantel and table clocks. Their designs often blend old-world tradition with modern elegance.
Kieninger is one of the oldest and most respected clockmakers in the world. Founded in 1912 in Germany, Kieninger built a strong reputation for crafting high-end mechanical clock movements. Today, the brand is part of the Howard Miller family, but it continues to stand on its own as a symbol of precision and luxury.
🔸 Luxury Mechanical Movements: Kieninger is known for its premium, hand-assembled movements that are designed to last for generations. Their clocks often include features like triple chime options, moon dials, and cable-driven mechanisms.
🔸 Handcrafted Finishes: Each Kieninger clock is made with care, using fine woods, polished brass, and glass panels. The attention to detail gives these clocks a high-end, refined look.
🔸 Classic European Elegance: Kieninger clocks often feature timeless European designs, with tall cases, rich wood tones, and ornate accents that add character and sophistication to any space.
Bulova is a well-known American clock and watch brand with a long history dating back to 1875, founded by Joseph Bulova in New York. While the brand started as jewelry store on maiden lane, the brand is mostly recognized for its wall clocks, mantel clocks, and tabletop clocks, it has also produced a limited selection of floor clocks over the years.
🔸 Contemporary Style: Bulova floor clocks often feature modern materials like metal, glass, and bold finishes. Their look leans more toward sleek and stylish rather than ornate or traditional.
🔸 Minimalist Features: Unlike more complex grandfather clocks, Bulova’s designs tend to be straightforward—focusing on form and function with simple dials, clean lines, and battery-operated quartz movements.
🔸 Trusted Brand: Even with fewer floor clock options, Bulova’s strong reputation in timekeeping gives buyers confidence in their build quality and reliability.
Trend Clocks was once a well-known American clockmaker, especially popular during the mid-20th century. The brand was eventually acquired by Howard Miller, and over time, the Trend name was phased out. While the company is no longer active, Trend grandfather clocks are still valued by collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
🔸 Traditional American Designs: Trend clocks featured classic shapes, warm wood finishes, and simple detailing that fit comfortably into many home styles.
🔸 Reliable Construction: Though more affordable than some high-end brands, Trend clocks were built with care and used solid materials and dependable movements.
🔸 Accessible Heirlooms: These clocks were often passed down through generations and are now found in antique shops, estate sales, and second-hand markets.
Choosing the right grandfather clock brand isn’t just about picking a name—it’s about finding the best fit for your style, needs, and budget.
Think about how the clock will look in your home.
⭐ If your space is modern, look for brands that offer clean lines and sleek finishes.
⭐ For classic or traditional homes, go with brands known for carved wood, rich finishes, and vintage designs.
Grandfather clocks come with different price ranges.
⭐ Quartz (battery-powered) clocks are usually more affordable and low-maintenance.
⭐ Mechanical (key-wound or cable-driven) clocks cost more but offer a more authentic and traditional feel.
Choose a brand that offers the right balance of quality and cost for you.
A good clock should last for years—or even decades.
⭐ Check if the manufacturer offers a warranty.
⭐ Look for brands with customer service support and authorized repair centers in case you ever need help.
Some grandfather clocks are meant to be passed down through generations.
If you want a clock that becomes part of your family history, choose a brand known for heirloom quality and durability.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
