The History and Production of Ridgeway Clocks

Ridgeway Clocks have been adding charm and character to homes for generations. From their classic grandfather clocks to their careful craftsmanship, Ridgeway has built a name that stands for both style and quality. In this post, we’ll dive into the story behind Ridgeway—how it all started, how the brand grew, and what goes into making each beautiful clock. Whether you're a fan of traditional design or just curious about how these clocks are made, this one's for you.

👉 Find a full selection of Ridgeway Clocks at Premier Clocks.

 

The Origins of Ridgeway Clocks

The history of Ridgeway Clocks starts in 1926 in Virginia as The Gravely Furniture Company as a sofa maker. Eventually, the company was producing a variety of well-crafted products for bedroom, living room and dining room as well as grandfather clocks. The company shifted its focus after World War II and started producing clocks. This move led to the creation of high-end grandfather clocks that quickly gained a strong reputation. Only in 1960, The Gravely Furniture Company moved to producing grandfather clocks exclusively. This makes Ridgeway the oldest continuous producer of grandfather clocks in the United States. Over time, Ridgeway became one of the most respected names in American clockmaking, known for combining craftsmanship with timeless design.

 

Growth and Innovation Over the Years

The Gravely Furniture Company was sold to Pulaski Furniture Corporation in 1985 and was renamed Ridgeway Clocks. Interestingly, the name "Ridgeway" appears on some clocks prior to 1985. This is because prior to being sold, Gravely had introduced the Ridgeway version of its grandfather clocks. Ridgeway Clocks made the famous grandfather clocks near Martinsville Speedway.

As Ridgeway grew, it began expanding its clock collection to include more styles and designs. The company introduced mechanical movements with charming chimes like the popular Westminster chimes. With these upgrades, Ridgeway became one of the top manufacturers of grandfather clocks in the United States. Their clocks stood out for their detailed craftsmanship and reliable American-made quality, earning the trust of collectors and families across the country.

 

Acquisition by Howard Miller

During the 1990s and 2000s, Pulaski started  focusing on furniture for homes that had higher interest among consumers. In this change of focus, the Ridgeway Clocks was not a prime seller and it was decided by the management to sell Ridgeway.

In 2004, Ridgeway was purchased by Howard Miller, another well-known name in American clockmaking. With this, the clock-making work was also moved to Zeeland in 2005 that introduced new modern technologies in Ridgeway grandfather clocks production.

Instead of changing everything, Howard Miller chose to continue producing clocks under the Ridgeway name. They kept the classic Ridgeway style that customers loved, while also adding updated technology and modern improvements. This partnership helped maintain the high quality and elegant design Ridgeway was known for, while also making the clocks even more reliable and easy to maintain.

 

The Production of Ridgeway Grandfather Clocks

The Ridgeway grandfather clocks have had some changes over the years with all the changing of owners and craftsmen. Nowadays, Ridgeway grandfather clocks are built with superb craftsmanship and high quality parts and machinery. The mechanical grandfather clocks are crafted by American clockmakers that will guarantee the highest quality.

The most modern techniques in quality manufacturing are being used in the production of Ridgeway Clocks in the factory in Zeeland. The high level of consistency across the product lines is achieved by the computer numeric control that cuts all wood for cases making them exactly the same. Instead of air curing, the Radio Frequency method is used for gluing the cases which makes a much stronger joint.

Since Howard Miller Company also owned the Germany based manufacturer of movements Kieninger, these movements started being used in Ridgeway Clocks ensuring the high quality.

 

What Makes Ridgeway Clocks Popular

Ridgeway clocks are known for their classic beauty and lasting craftsmanship. Each piece is made to be more than just a timekeeper—it’s a statement piece for the home.

Here are some of the features that make Ridgeway clocks stand out:

✅ Traditional Grandfather Clock Styles: Tall, elegant cases that bring timeless charm to any room.

✅ Detailed Dials and Chimes: Many models feature intricate dials, moon phase details, and rich chimes like the Westminster melody.

✅ Quality Movements: Most Ridgeway clocks include weight-driven pendulums and cable-driven mechanisms for smooth and accurate timekeeping.

✅ Heirloom-Quality Design: Built to last for generations, these clocks are both decorative and durable.

 

Are There Ridgeway Wall Clocks and Mantel Clocks?

Yes, Ridgeway has produced both wall clocks and mantel clocks in addition to their well-known grandfather clocks.

While Ridgeway's current collection primarily showcases grandfather clocks, historical records and listings on various platforms indicate that the company has offered a range of wall and mantel clocks over the years. These timepieces often feature quality craftsmanship and traditional designs, aligning with Ridgeway's reputation for elegance and durability.

For instance, Ridgeway wall and mantel clocks have been available through authorized retailers and are also found in pre-owned markets. These clocks typically include features such as mechanical or quartz movements, chimes like the Westminster melody, and are crafted from quality materials like hardwoods.

 

The 3 Top Selling Ridgeway Clocks

The Ridgeway Henley Grandfather Clock 2592 brings a timeless, antique-inspired look to your home. Crafted from select hardwoods in a distressed Westmont Cherry finish, it features elegant carvings, beveled glass panels, and a detailed illuminated dial with moon phase. This wooden floor clock runs on a cable-driven movement and plays the Westminster chime with an optional nighttime shutoff. Complete with an Heirloom Record Document, it’s a beautiful and authentic piece for any traditional living space.

The Ridgeway Nori Grandfather Clock 2588 is a luxurious timepiece with elegant details and classic charm. Finished in Bellair Cherry on select hardwoods, it features a swan neck pediment, carved accents, and crystal-cut glass. The ornate brass-finished dial includes a moon phase and is softly illuminated for added beauty. With a cable-driven Westminster chime movement, mirrored back, and nighttime shutoff option, this clock blends fine craftsmanship with timeless style—making it a stunning focal point in any traditional home.

Featuring a contemporary flat-top design in a rich Manhattan finish on cherry hardwoods, the Ridgeway Rutland Floor Clock 2570 includes a crisp white dial with chrome details and a matching grid pendulum. The energy-efficient LED light inside the case adds a modern touch, while the cable-driven Westminster chime movement provides traditional sound with convenient features like automatic nighttime shutoff and chime silence. This floor clock is a stylish and functional centerpiece, crafted to last for generations.