About Our Clocks
Hi-end clocks come in a variety of styles, sizes and options and in different price ranges (for higher-priced items, feel free to contact us to ensure you’re getting the best price we can offer).
When considering which clock to purchase, the first question to ask is: Do I want a floor clock, a table clock or a wall clock? If the clock is a gift, the choice may depend on the person and occasion. Also, often, the choice depends on where the clock would likely be placed, the size of the space, and how the clock would complement the furniture and other décor that may already be in that room.
For many people, the question of traditional vs. contemporary is a big consideration. Are you looking for a grandfather clock or traditional wall clock with a mechanical movement that has enduring value and can serve as a true heirloom piece? Are you looking for a whimsical and futuristic wall clock to brighten a room? Astronomical clocks, such as the Tellurium, are in a class by themselves, and coveted by many as the gift of a lifetime.
Another big consideration tends to be the question of mechanical key-wound movement vs. quartz batter-operated movement. Here the decision comes down to whether or not the recipient wants to play the role of clock winder.
Of course, the “look and feel” of the clock and the materials used in the design and production invariably come into play in the decision-making process. Do you want an all-wood case, as is standard for traditional designs? A metal and glass look? Metals run the gamut, from polished bronze and nickel to wrought iron. Some designs feature weights and pendulums. Some feature finials or moon dials. Some feature frosted dials.
The chiming melody, which is offered with most traditional clocks, may be another consideration. Historic chimes, including St. Michael (wall, floor, mantel), Westminster and Whittington, can still be heard in many traditional clocks. Some of the higher-end mechanical movement clocks feature triple chime options.
Choosing between a clock with a mechanical movement (which requires periodic winding) and one that is battery-powered (which requires no winding) is a little like choosing between a car with manual transmission and one with automatic transmission. Both options offer distinct advantages – and also, in the minds of some people, certain disadvantages. In the end, the choice depends on personal preference.
For some people, the act of winding a clock is pure joy. They delight in engaging with the innerworkings, of hearing the clicking sound of the gears as they turn the key, and perhaps feeling a certain historic connection to the machinery. Other people are happy to let clock run on its own, free of responsibility. Mechanical key-wound clocks require routine maintenance, including regular cleaning and oiling. Battery-powered clocks are generally maintenance-free, aside from the need to replace the batteries once every few years.
Different mechanical clocks have different winding requirements. Some clocks have a single winder 14-day key-wind movement. Clocks with a 4/4 Westminster chime or triple chime movement have three separate winders. The center winder is used for timekeeping, the right winder for the quarter-hour chime, and the left winder for the hour strike. For optimum performance, it is best to fully wind these clocks every 7-8 days.
Clocks' Chimes, Melodies and Cuckoo Clock Calls
Kieninger Mantel Clock Triple Chimes
Kieninger Mantel Clocks typically play all three of the popular melodies (Westminster, St. Michael's and Whittington Chimes) on the 8 or 9 rod gong. All clocks have automatic night shut off.
Of course, one of Kieninger's most popular mantel clocks, Mozart plays a melody by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on a nine rod gong
Westminster Chimes
This clock is playing a version of the Westminster Chimes, also known as the Cambridge Quarters, from its place of origin, the church of St. Mary the Great in Cambridge, England. People commonly associate the Westminster Chimes with Big Ben at the House of Parliament in London.
St. Mary (Whittington) Chimes
This clock is playing a version of the Whittington Chimes, also called St. Mary's Chimes. There are four variations of this chime sequence. The tune originated with the bell tower of the church of St. Mary le Bow in London, England. In the 14th century, the chimes became famous through a legend that connects them with Dick Whittington.
St. Michael's Chimes
This clock is playing a version of the St. Michael Chimes, which originated in the United States. The bells for this chime were originally cast in London for installation in St. Michael’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Ave Maria Chimes
This clock is playing a version of Franz Schubert's Ave Maria, which was inspired by the Sir Walter Scott poem "The Lady of the Lake." The composition came into usage as clock chimes in the 1940s.
Traditionally, with cuckoo clocks, a gong is struck by a mechanical hammer. This adds depth of sound to the cuckoo call. If the hammer is too close to the gong, then the clock might produce a sick-sounding cuckoo.
Some quartz cuckoo clocks come with as many as 12 melodies that take turns playing on the hour after the cuckoo call, usually while other animated characters of the clock "perform". Some of the most popular melodies can be heard here:
Shop for Hermle Mantel and Table Clocks
Shop for Hermle Regulator Clocks
Shop for Hermle Astronomical Clocks
Founded in 1922 in the Black Forest region of Southern Germany, Hermle ranks as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious clock manufacturers. Now approaching its first centennial, the company continues to set the gold standard in the design and production of exquisite, museum-quality timepieces of uncommon beauty and enduring value.
From the beginning, Hermle has been known as the industry's most modern and efficient manufacturer of high-end clocks. With facilities in Germany as well as the United States, the company employs more than 500 designers, technicians and craftsmen. Celebrated the world over by aficionados of grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, wall clocks and table clocks, many of them showcased in the lobbies of countless luxury hotels and resorts, Hermle products are exported to more than 100 countries.
Hermle also makes the industry's most precise mechanical clock movements and ranks as the world's largest manufacturer of clock mechanisms, used by many other leading clock brands. The company is also the leader in computerized and automated parts as well as precision quartz movement.
Precision is the quality of being accurate and exact. Hermle epitomizes that quality, in both its manufacturing practices and its products.
Shop for Kieninger Mantel Clocks
Shop for Kieninger Wall Clocks and Regulators
Shop for Kieninger Floor Clocks
The Kieninger tradition began in the early 1900s when Joseph Kieninger apprenticed with a clockmaker. By 1913, his innovative style, attention to detail, and reliability of the products he created was fueling the growth of a company that was producing drives and timers for gas lamps.
In 1921, Kieninger moved his production to a factory near the Black Forest and started producing the clocks for which his name would become famous. Many clock technologies can be traced back to his inventions and refinements of clocks from this time.
The company’s ownership passed to Kieninger’s son and brothers following his death, and the brand continued to make great strides. Progressively, women made up some of the 70+ employees in the late 30s, and by the early 1940s, the company’s products were being shipped abroad.
The Kieninger brand is still in great demand today. In 2012, two special models were created to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary: a 30-day precision second pendulum regulator and a second indication tourbillon mantel clock.
What makes a Kieninger clock so special is it’s timeless yet modern sensibility. A Kieninger brims with technology that has always been ahead of its time, yet holds fast to the drivers and gears that have been designed to last a lifetime. Each product that bears the Kieninger name looks right at home in a stately manor house, or the most contemporary of dwellings. They are timeless works of art that can be passed down as heirlooms and they never fail to enchant those lucky enough to own one. It’s so easy to fall under the historic Kieninger spell.
Timely and Timeless is honored to have the distinction of authorized dealer for this very special brand. Kieninger is a master of clockmaking, and only a few select dealers are allowed to represent the brand. We take this duty very seriously and are pleased to present a selection of Kieninger clocks in our curated selection of the world’s most sought-after timepieces.
To shop for Kieninger and other exquisite clocks, click on the shop tab of our websites header. Take your time and enjoy your experience on our site. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any assistance. We truly do have all the time in the world.
Kieninger: Masterpieces of the German Clock Craft
Shop for 1st Generation of Romba Clocks, The Shield Clocks
Shop for the 2nd Generation of Romba Clocks, The Traditional Clocks
Shop for the 3rd Generation of Romba Clocks, The Modern Clocks (The Cube)
Rombach & Haas Clock Company was founded in 1894. The company is now managed by Ingolf and Conny Haas, the fourth generation of clock makers. The factory retains its original look. Workbenches from the 18th century are still in use, and the components are still taken from drawers with porcelain knobs, which were already used more than 100 years ago to store similar parts. Ingolf Haas works hard to maintain the historic work atmosphere and promises to continue to ensure all timepieces to be manufactured in this unique ambiance. “Romba” clocks have made a name for themselves worldwide in terms of quality, design, inventiveness and diversity. They came up with the idea to make the clocks adapted to the times and while expanding the line of the shield clocks (1st generation) and traditional cuckoo clocks (2nd generation), Rombah also came up with an entirely new and innovative line of cuckoo clocks: modern cuckoo clocks - the 3rd generation. This innovation has been nothing short of a “small revolution” in the Black Forest clock industry.
Ingolf’s wife Conny devoted almost 30 years to clock painting and her individually created, hand-painted shield clocks are recognized worldwide and much sought after. The couple has three children and we can only hope that they are as enthusiastic about cuckoo clocks as their parents and ready to cary on their family tradition into the 5th generation.
Authentic cuckoo clocks come from Germany’s Black Forest, and few cuckoo clocks are more authentic and historical than the Sternreiter.
Sternreiter line is instantly recognizable for their intricate hand-carved cuckoo clocks that feature lifelike leaves and birds poised in repose or flight. There is a rustic yet refined quality only seen in hand carving that truly brings these clocks to life.
The Sternreiter cuckoo brand also includes chalet and vintage clocks, and its tradition of producing each cuckoo clock by hand ensures each and every piece has been created by a master clockmaker, and in a tradition of excellence. Sternreiter clockmakers boast more than 60 years of hands-on craftsman experience.
Which Sternreiter cuckoo clock enchants you? Maybe you love the stately dark wood traditional bird and leaf clock with it’s bold strokes and commanding presence. Not to be outdone is the vast selection of traditional deer-themed cuckoo clocks – a lesser known style that is coveted for its expertly carved buck with towering antlers. Then there is the chalet cuckoo clocks, which are perfect miniature houses that emulate the charm of traditional German dwellings.
The Sternreiter line of contemporary quartz cuckoo clocks are battery driven. but traditional bird/leaf and chalet quartz clocks expertly cloak the battery mechanism, making them nearly impossible to distinguish from their non-quartz counterparts.
Quartz Sternreiter cuckoo clocks have a light sensor that automatically shuts the sound off at night. During the waking hours, the clock features a recording of a real wild cuckoo bird with the gentle sound a stream in the background. Each chime makes you pause, adding a beautiful moment of repose to your day.
Sternreiter cuckoo clocks, thanks to their handcrafting, are each original in their own way. Subtle difference in each craftsperson’s style means no two clocks will be completely alike.
In addition to cuckoo clocks, Sternreiter produces superb mantel and wall clocks as well as modern and practical alarm clocks. When buying a Sternreiter clock, you can count on purchasing the item made with true love for the art of clockmaking and care for the customer.
Timely and Timeless is committed to bringing you the most exquisite timepieces in the world, which is why we are incredibly proud to represent Sternreiter’s famous and beautiful cuckoo clocks. Enjoy our selection of these and other renowned timepieces. Each interaction with Timely and Timeless comes with our outstanding customer service and attention to what makes your shopping experience with us as unique as the timepieces we offer.
If you are looking for the authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock, you must know that only mechanical movement clocks handmade in the southwestern region of Germany known as Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, are considered authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks. For more than 300 years, woodcarvers and clock makers in the region have been preserving the art and craftsmanship of cuckoo clock keeping it essentially unchanged since the early 1700s. In 1987, the remaining cuckoo clock craftsement formed the Black Forest Clock Association to preserve and protect the Black Forest clock making tradition. Known as the Verein die Schwarzwalduhr, or VdS, the Black Forest Clock Association is comprised of producers, traders and experts, as well as providers, dealers and collectors, who are passionate about preserving the time-tested traditions of Black Forest Germany clock makers.
A cuckoo clock is deemed an authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock when the clock and all of its essential parts—everything from the clock case and the decorative details to the cuckoo pipes and the mechanical movement components—have been handmade exclusively in the Black Forest region of Germany. The clock must be made entirely of wood, except the movements, which are made of hard brass. Additionally, the clock must work using mechanical movement, which is how cuckoo clocks worked centuries ago. Only if a clock is driven by mechanical movements and is completely produced in the Black Forest region will it earn the VdS seal and official certificate deeming it an authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock.
Authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks are delivered to customers with an official certificate of authenticity and a seal from the VdS. The seal indicates the cuckoo clock originated from a clockmaker in Black Forest Germany who is registered with the association.
Timely & Timeless is happy to offer a fine selection of cuckoo clocks with the authentic VDS seal. We do however offer some clocks by the clockmakers certified by the VDS that do not carry the VDS seal because they are quartz versions and only traditional mechanical versions can be certified. We are also proud to carry Sternreiter cuckoo clocks that are a fine display of true German tradition and quality. Sternreiter specializes in traditional hand carved clocks, chalet style clocks and vintage cuckoo clocks and their cuckoo clocks are in fact made in the Black Forest region. Sternreiter produces all of their cuckoo clocks by hand following the strict tradition for which the clock makers of Germany are so well known. While high in quality and hand crafted, not all Sternreiter clocks are not certified by VDS Black Forest clock association as authentic black forest cuckoo clocks since at some point, the manufacturer was acquired by a US based company and some clocks have parts manufactured in the USA. Sternreiter clocks without the VDS certification are not in any way inferior to the VDS-certified models but if you prefer to have the actual seal, please make sure that it is mentioned in the clock description or contact us at 800-390-4067 for inquiries.
We are pleased to offer "white glove" delivery and in-home setup services for all floor clocks, including grandfather and grandmother clocks as well as contemporary floor clocks, anywhere within the continental United States, at no extra cost.
Our specially-contracted carrier delivery agents will be happy to transport your new floor clock inside your home and into the room of your choice, even up or down flights of stairs. They will position the clock in the room of your choice according to your instructions. They are trained to assemble the various parts, including any chains, tubes and pendulums, and to check that the clock is in proper working order.
Our friendly delivery agents are the best in the business and often receive rave reviews from our customers. The service includes removal and disposal of all packing materials.
For customers located outside of the continental United States, including Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, please contact us to explore options for white glove delivery and setup service, if desired.
You can shop for and buy grandfather and grandmother clocks at the convenience of your own home, online from Timely & Timeless. In addition to the free delivery you can also benefit from the complimentary engraving we offer.
If you have any questions or concerns, want to check availability and delivery estimates as well as the latest price updates, please call us at 800-390-4067
