The Terminology and Parts Of A Grandfather Clock

If you started looking for a grandfather clock and got confused with all the expressions used on the grandfather clock descriptions, then you came to the right place. Premier Clocks prepared a detailed guide on grandfather clock parts and terminology.

Find a full selection of Grandfather Clocks here.

The Top Part of the Grandfather Clock

The Grandfather's Clock Top is called Hood or Bonnet and it houses the movement. The hood includes the Crown (the upper part) and the Face (the front part).

The Grandfather Clock Crown

There are four types of crown types that can include different parts and details.

The split pediment crown in the center has a finial (sometimes also called an eagle), it is a wood or cast brass decoration. Some grandfather clock models also have two finials or spires on the sides of split pediment.

The bonnet crown is a full arched facade that is also referred to as a hood.

The flat top crown has simple details and decorations.

The federal crown has a pinnacle facade.

The Grandfather Clock Face

The central part of the Grandfather’s Clock Face is Dial.

Traditionally, the dial of the grandfather clock includes:

Hour hand
Minute hand was added when the clocks had enough accuracy after the invention of the total escapement mechanism
Corner spandrels are decorative painted or applied corner frame elements
Center disk
Chapter ring with numerals that can be Arabic or Roman
Winding holes
Chimes levers to adjust chime options

Additionally, the grandfather clock face has:

Moon dial keeps the 29.5 day lunar cycle. The image of the moon moves showing the lunar date and position of the moon in the sky
Upper door with a lock to protect the clock dial and movement
Side access panel to the movement

The Middle Part of the Grandfather Clock

The Grandfather Clock's Middle is called the Waist Section or the Trunk. This part houses the grandfather’s clock mechanism that includes two important parts: the clock pendulum and the clock weights. Additionally, there is a door with the key lock to protect the mechanism parts.

The Grandfather Clock Pendulum

The Pendulum of the Grandfather Clock is a swinging weight used as a timekeeping element. It had influenced the design and style of grandfather clocks.

Normally, the grandfather clock pendulum has:

Pendulum stick or lure hung from a fixed support
Pendulum bob is the mass on the end of a pendulum
Cast center is the central part of the pendulum bob
Time adjustment screw is located on the bottom of the pendulum bob to regulate the time

The Grandfather Clock Weights

The Weights of the Grandfather Clock can be attached with Cables or Chains.

Normally, the grandfather clock weights have:

Weight shell banded or etched
End caps are the tops and bottom of the weight casing
Cable pulleys to carry the weights (for the cable-driven movement)
Weight hooks and rings to carry the weights (for the chain-driven movement)

The Bottom Part of the Grandfather Clock

The Grandfather Clock Bottom is called the Base Section.

The Grandfather Clock Base

The grandfather clock base section includes:

Base panel is the front part of the grandfather clock base
Base molding is decorative treatment
Clock foot
Levelers under each clock foot provide stability on uneven and carpeted floors