Franz Hermle Traditional Mantel Clocks

There is something about an elegant timepiece that never loses its appeal. Perhaps that is why classic mantel clocks have always been heirloom items. Browse our Hermle traditional mantle clock collection and see it for yourself. You’ll be enchanted. 

Mantel clocks are still so popular, perhaps because they come from a place of comfort. They are part of the home-made memories of fireplaces and family gatherings. On the table top, or on the mantelpiece, mantel clocks have a distinctive tick and chime that many will remember. Sound is one of the strongest memories, and the sound of the clock ticking and striking the quarter hour is a fond memory from many childhoods. 

The classic mantel clock can never go out of style, because of its variety in looking like it belongs anywhere it sits. The Hermle clock, or mantle clock, as it is sometimes called, is made from a variety of material, and comes in many shapes and sizes; it fits into any time period.  Who wouldn’t want a tabletop clock that will sit steadfastly and beautifully, and become part of the family? 

Mantel clocks have their own history as well. They came from a period where the fireplace, a place of warmth, was the heart of the home. While mantle clocks were easily moved from place to place in the house, ideally they were meant to stay in one place, signaling a greater wealth in the family, because now the household could afford a clock for every fireplace in the home. It also said that clocks were more affordable, but the metaphor was still quite clear— stability in clock placement meant there was stability in the house. 

Tambour clocks are a clock completely enclosed in an upright drum case that usually had an extended, solid and stable base. The Hermle Sweet Briar mechanical  clock is a great example of a classic clock in this style with a recognizable design, but still with great variety in finish — cherry, light oak, or dark oak. It has an ivory colored dial, old style serpentine hands and brass detail. The clock stays wound for eight days and plays Westminster chimes to mark every quarter hour or hour. They don’t just fit into a living area; they work in an office or library too. Any of the Barrister mantel clocks would be perfect to make an office area feel warm and homey, but also strong and trustworthy. 

Other mantel clocks are also fairly traditional and classic now, but in the past they might have seemed very modern. You can see more of these types of mantel clocks in our collection of modern design mantel clocks, such as the skeleton, and the amazing astronomical mantel clock like the Tellurium III Zodiac mechanical tabletop clock. Those designers and the original purchasers of those styles clearly loved the idea of a good clock and what the clock was capable of doing. That, if anything, is the reason why clocks have taken humanity from sundials to digital watches, but we still love the timeless, evocative elegance of a mantel clock. 

Shop for Hermle mantle clocks or enjoy any of our classic or contemporary styles. We have clocks in all shapes and sizes, for any room in your home or office, and reminiscent of the past, present and future.