A pendulum is a weight that is hung from an overhead source, and is the driving force that is behind the mechanics of pendulum mantel clocks. The first pendulum clock, in fact, was invented back in the beginning of the 17th Century, which gives them quite a historical background. The pendulum clocks of today, however, have come a long way in terms of design and how streamlined they are in comparison to those clocks of yesteryear. The basic principle is the same, but they don’t need to be constantly wound up, and have a much higher level of accuracy.
Despite the flaws in some older pendulum mantel clocks, there are still plenty of collectors out there who have a high interest in this design. That is because it has such an elegant look that reminds people of another, more genteel era, perhaps. There is a huge range of different designs of these clocks, however, even though their basic mechanism is the same. All that they have in common is that they are small enough to stand on a mantel, and that they are operated by a pendulum. Within these boundaries, that leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which is part of what makes clock collecting so exciting for many.
Those who are just looking for an elegant timepiece to put on their mantel, however, will want to look at the current catalogue of pendulum mantel clocks. This includes skeleton designs, dark oak radio controlled clocks, and arch top designs. These could be constructed from any number of materials. Currently, oak and walnut are two of the best selling materials. These have a rich brown colour that blends in well with all sorts of decorating schemes. If you are giving this clock as a gift, you may want to think about whether a wooden or metal clock would suit the interior decoration of the recipient’s home.
For extra special occasions, or for a more elegant look overall, some of the most popular types of pendulum mantel clocks that are currently available are those that are etched and engraved. This gives a more winsome and old-fashioned look to the clock, that sits nicely on top of the mantel. The etchings could vary, but most are floral. There is also a contemporary style version available, which has a more modern and smooth line to it in comparison to the other types of pendulum clocks.
