Good regulator clock adds touch of history to every home
A good regulator clock adds a touch of the historical to every home fortunate enough to have one.
Regulator clocks have become synonymous with pendulum clocks in the public eye, but originally a regulator clock was distinctly different in construction and purpose than the more generic pendulum clock. You might think of it this way: A good pendulum clock was fine for every day, run of the mill timekeeping. But a regulator clock was a top of the line pendulum clock, built with a focus on accuracy and long, quality service.
Regulator clocks were carefully, often beautifully crafted and generally displayed in public buildings where they were useful to the public for setting time on their clocks and watches. The increased accuracy of a regulator clock came about in part by the advanced internal technology used. Many were made from special metal alloys that resist changes caused by humidity and temperature. And strictly speaking, a regulator clock had no chime mechanism because the mechanics of the chiming clockworks detracted slightly from the clock's accurate timekeeping functions. (There are fine pendulum clocks which are often erroneously referred to as regulator clocks which do have a chime mechanism, however. And many contemporary wall clocks that are called "regulators" have chimes in them simply for the popularity and beauty of the sound.)
During the mid-1800s in Europe, some of the finest regulator clocks were built with beautiful wood and wood veneers, as well as hand-crafted steel parts, and sold to wealthy homeowners. The best and most expensive regulator clocks of that period were crafted in Vienna. Vienna regulator clocks from the mid- to late-1800s are now highly valued and very pricey as antique collectible clocks.
Simon, Aaron, and Benjamin Willard were the most famous American clock makers of the late-1700s and early-1800s, establishing America's best known clock manufacturing and apprentice system and creating highly prized, collectible Boston regulator clocks among their other handcrafted clocks. They reportedly created or helped handcraft more than 6,000 beautiful longcase and regulator clocks during their lifetimes.
Vintage regulator clock styles are so popular still that many home decor shops sell quality high-tech "regulator style" clocks to grace your walls. So whether you want the beauty of a regulator clock with the high-tech features of a modern wall clock, you can find many fine clocks online. Enjoy the beauty and touch of history a good regulator clock can add to your home.
Pendulum clocks add vintage charm
Beautiful pendulum clocks add vintage charm to your home decor, and you can find pendulum clocks at very reasonable prices through one of our excellent online merchant partners such as Home Living Style Furniture -- or being sold at auction on eBay.
Pendulum clocks date back to 1656 when they were invented by a Dutch scientist who based the idea on earlier experiments by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. Galilei discovered that the time span it takes for a pendulum to swing is approximately the same for different sized swings. Don't worry about the science behind beautiful vintage pendulum clocks -- just enjoy the beauty and the calming "tick-tock" sound a good pendulum clock, such as a beautiful grandfather clock or other floor clock, adds to your home's decor.
Clocks were handmade by individual craftsmen throughout most of the timekeeping world until the 1800s. Early pendulum clocks in homes regulated most of the framework of daily life and that function gave its name to more accurate pendulum clocks crafted for businesses and factories as the Industrial Revolution grew and flourished -- these industrial and factory clocks were called "Regulators."
Home pendulum clocks generally reflect the time period and furniture style of when and where they were made. You can find them in beautiful floor cases (such as grandfather clocks), suitable for wall mounting, and smaller more graceful models fit nicely on a fireplace mantel. Vintage or antique pendulum clocks are made so the length and arc of swing of the pendulum can be lengthened or shortened to adjust them for timekeeping accuracy. Newer models are battery powered and as accurate as any modern clock or wristwatch -- while made to reflect the charm and even the sound of a vintage pendulum clock.
Whatever the style and period of your home decor, use some lovely pendulum clocks to add vintage charm and character to enhance any and every room in your home!