The oldest pendulum clock

From the perspective of horological history, the pendulum clock holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. For those who appreciate the perfect blend of mechanics, art, and history, there is a deep reverence for the pendulum clock, especially its earliest iterations. Such timepieces are not just a representation of timekeeping, but they also reflect our human journey through the evolution of science, technology, and design.

Before delving into the specifics of the oldest pendulum clock, it’s crucial to understand what precisely a pendulum clock is. Simply put, a pendulum clock is a clock that uses a pendulum, a swinging weight, as its timekeeping element. The introduction of the pendulum clock represented a giant leap in accuracy from earlier models of mechanical clocks, boasting precision that was unheard of in the era preceding it.

The genesis of the pendulum clock is attributed to the Dutch polymath, Christiaan Huygens, who first patented the design in 1656. This marked a significant milestone in the realm of horology, giving birth to what we now refer to as the “Golden Age of Dutch clockmaking”. The initial prototype by Huygens was not only the first of its kind but was also widely acknowledged for its improved precision and reliability over other timekeeping devices of that era. This 17th-century timepiece is now widely recognized as the world’s oldest pendulum clock.

The exact location of this oldest pendulum clock is a subject of much interest for horologists and antique lovers alike. You can find it on display at the Museum Boerhaave in Leiden, the Netherlands, amidst a fascinating collection of historical scientific instruments. The location is an embodiment of our passion for horology, and a visit would be a pilgrimage of sorts.

At first glance, Huygens’ pendulum clock may not seem as extravagant or visually compelling as the more ornate antique clocks produced in later years. It exhibits a simple oak case with a brass dial and a singular pendulum swaying to the rhythm of time. But this simplicity should not fool you. The true beauty of this clock lies not in its aesthetic value, but rather in the mechanical marvel it represents.

The clock uses a “cycloidal” pendulum, a concept inspired by Huygens’ study of the cycloid curve. In essence, a pair of cycloidal cheeks guide the pendulum bob along a precise path, minimizing the variations caused by amplitude changes and thereby improving accuracy. Huygens’ pioneering innovation solved the age-old issue of “isochronism,” a problem that had previously perplexed the best minds of horology.

Moreover, Huygens’ pendulum clock introduced the concept of “moment of inertia” to the clockmaking world, which essentially made clocks independent of the force of gravity and variations in driving force. The clock was indeed a masterpiece of scientific ingenuity.

When you turn your gaze to this 17th-century horological wonder, you’re not just looking at a clock. You’re witnessing the essence of a time when science and creativity came together to solve a complex problem. You’re seeing the birth of an innovation that would dictate the course of mechanical timekeeping for centuries to come.

The oldest pendulum clock isn’t merely an antique item of interest. It symbolizes the commencement of a journey that we’re passionate about. It reminds us of the curiosity, innovation, and precision that guide our field and continue to inspire us. To appreciate and understand this artifact is to comprehend and honor the past, thereby illuminating the path towards future horological advancements.

At the heart of it, the world’s oldest pendulum clock is a testament to the human spirit, to our relentless pursuit of knowledge and our innate ability to create. It stands as a beacon of a timeless era, ticking away, echoing the passage of time, and whispering the tale of our shared horological heritage.

Five different styles of pocket watches

When it comes to telling time, one might think the task mundane. But not so when you’re doing so with an antique pocket watch. Held in your hand, a pocket watch is more than a mere timekeeping instrument—it is a piece of history, a work of art, a testament to human ingenuity. This small, sophisticated mechanism is symbolic of an era when time was respected and precision celebrated.

For those who are fascinated by the world of antique clocks, barometers, and pocket watches, we present five distinctive styles that encapsulate the evolution, beauty, and functionality of these timeless pieces.

The Open Face Pocket Watch

Also known as the Lepine watch, this style emerged in the late 18th century. In contrast to other styles, the open face pocket watch lacks a protective metal cover. Instead, the face and hands are exposed, allowing for quick and easy reading of the time. This design is simple yet elegant, showcasing the watch’s face and often featuring an exhibition caseback that reveals the intricate inner workings of the mechanism—a captivating sight for any horology enthusiast.

The Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Named after the ‘hunting’ gentlemen who originally used them, these watches are characterized by a metal case that covers the dial for protection. Opening this lid—a satisfying action performed with the press of a button—reveals the watch face. Hunter case pocket watches often feature intricate engravings on the outer case, making them not only practical timepieces but also exquisite items of jewelry.

The Half-Hunter Case Pocket Watch

A variation of the Hunter style, the Half-Hunter adds a dash of practicality. While it retains the protective cover, a small window or a set of cut-out numbers are incorporated into the lid, allowing one to tell the time without having to open the case. These watches beautifully blend the sturdiness of the Hunter case with the convenience of the Open face.

The Demi-Hunter Case Pocket Watch

The Demi-Hunter is a further evolution of the Half-Hunter design. Alongside the window or number cut-outs, these watches sport additional engravings or markings around the viewing area, providing a more decorative touch. This elegant solution strikes a balance between protection, readability, and design sophistication.

The Double Hunter Pocket Watch

Akin to a precious locket, the Double Hunter pocket watch features protective lids on both the front and back. This design not only safeguards the dial but also the inner movements, which can often be seen through a crystal back cover. Double Hunter pocket watches are a favorite among collectors due to their symmetrical design and the ritualistic pleasure of opening both cases.

These antique pocket watches carry stories of their time, whispering tales of technological advancements, changing fashion trends, and the human pursuit of precision. Each style has its charm, bearing witness to the craft and creativity of watchmakers from centuries past.

Whether you’re a passionate collector or a curious novice, pocket watches offer an enchanting foray into the artistry of antique timepieces. Much like our treasured antique clocks and barometers, these watches symbolize a time when people were as captivated by the measurement of time as they were by time itself. Step into our world, and let us help you find the pocket watch that sings to you in ticks and tocks, whispering the melodies of yesteryears.

Fascinating finds of antique medical instruments

As connoisseurs of vintage and antique timepieces, we celebrate the intricate beauty of historical craftsmanship and the stories embedded within each piece we encounter. So, as part of our expanding interest in history’s treasures, we find ourselves drawn towards the fascinating world of antique medical instruments.

It might seem surprising, the parallels between horology – the study and measurement of time, and early medicine. Yet, just like our beloved clocks and barometers, antique medical instruments offer a captivating insight into our ancestors’ technological prowess and determination to unravel the mysteries of life.

The proliferation of both medical instruments and timekeeping devices saw its height during the period of Enlightenment in the 18th century. This era was characterized by a surge in scientific discovery and invention. Not only did we see advancements in horology, such as the marine chronometer by John Harrison, but the medical world also experienced significant leaps forward with the introduction of more refined and purposeful tools.

An intriguing instrument to consider is the sphygmograph, invented by German physician Karl von Vierordt in 1854. This device, a predecessor to today’s blood pressure monitor, recorded the pulse waveform and essentially allowed doctors to ‘track time’ through the human circulatory system. With intricate dials and recording apparatus, it demonstrated a fusion of horological and medical ingenuity. It reminds us that, just as time is fundamental to life, so it is to medicine.

Like the sphygmograph, the stethoscope is a fascinating antique medical tool. It’s a familiar tool even in modern medicine and has a rich history. The first stethoscope, invented by French physician René Laennec in 1816, was a simple wooden tube, quite different from the flexible, binaural design we see today. The evolution of the stethoscope mirrors the advancement in timekeeping, with both fields striving for greater precision and ease of use. The idea of ‘listening’ became pivotal in both sectors; physicians to the body’s rhythms and horologists to the ‘heartbeat’ of a timepiece.

Finally, we turn our gaze to the formidable surgical kits of the 19th century. These kits, complete with an array of specialized tools for various procedures, displayed a level of craftsmanship that mirrors the delicacy and precision found in horology. The intricate design and functionality of scalpels, bone saws, and trephines are reminiscent of the careful calibration of gears in a clock or the delicate adjustment of a barometer.

Just as each clock and barometer tells a story of its era, each antique medical instrument carries with it tales of innovation, determination, and a quest for understanding. They serve as reminders of humanity’s ceaseless drive to conquer time and disease, against the odds.

In conclusion, while antique medical instruments may at first glance seem far removed from our passion for clocks and barometers, they embody the same spirit of inventiveness and precision. Each piece, whether designed to measure time or to save a life, is a testament to the beauty of human curiosity and craftsmanship. It’s a story we are thrilled to explore, and we invite you to join us on this fascinating journey. After all, both the tick of a clock and the beat of a heart are rhythms that have guided us throughout history.

Clocks in Folklore and poems

Clocks in Folklore and poems

Clocks have played a major role in the minds, imaginations, and stories of mankind for as long as they have been built.  Have you ever wondered why that is? What is it about clocks that have inspired us for so long? Is it the fact that they count the passage of time, an indicator of mortality that reminds all of us that whether or not we choose to accept it, we have an expiration date.  On a less somber note, time and dates also mark important events in our lives, and in history, and clocks once again, help us to track the passage of each day.  Perhaps it has something to do with the sense of history that we feel when we gaze upon an antique clock and marvel at how something so intricate and precise could have been built so long ago using methods and tools that are primitive by today’s standards.

Clocks Inspire Imagination and Creativity

The human imagination is an incredible thing, all you need to do for proof of that is to look at all of the things that mankind has dreamed of.  From ancient mythology, to modern books, poetry, and movies, the human mind is capable of creating some amazing things, and in many cases there are common themes and symbols that pop up regularly in these creations.  It shouldn’t be surprising that clocks and time are a constant source of symbolism in creative works given the important role that time plays in all our lives.

Why Clocks Are Such Powerful Symbols

Clocks represent time, and time has both positive and negative connotations, depending upon your circumstances.  As a young person time probably seems as if it will never catch up to you, that you have all the time in the world.  But, as time passes, on you realize that your existence is fleeting, time can become more of an antagonistic force, making you realize that you won’t live forever, and that you need to take advantage of what time you have left.  This is why time and clocks hold a special place in the imagination of us all, and why works of literature and art focusing on them are so compelling.

Examples of Clocks Used as Symbols

In “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell time is used in a negative way as the narrators of the poem tries to urge his mistress to accelerate their courtship.  In the poem a lover is resistant to the advances of the narrator, and his frustration grows.  He explains to her that if he had all the time in the world he would be patient, but he doesn’t.  He recognizes the fleeting nature of life and urges her to embrace him quickly before they lose any more time.

Had we but world enough and time,

This coyness, lady, were no crime.

We would sit down, and think which way

To walk, and pass our long love’s day.

Thou by the Indian Ganges’ side

Shouldst rubies find; I by the tide

Of Humber would complain. I would

Love you ten years before the flood,
(….)

In, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, but Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the narrator uses contrasting imagery of Christmas, a joyous occasion, and the terrible war that was gripping the country.  This was written during the Civil War where the author’s son was wounded in battle.  The symbolism of bells and chiming and allusions to different time periods invoke imagery of a clock, in this case it’s not necessarily negative, but it does hold hope that happier times can replace the dark days that the author is currently living in.

Antique Clocks Were Works of Art Worthy of the Tales They Inspired

Compared with modern time pieces, antique clocks are as different from them as night is from day.  Antique clocks have age and beauty to them that almost makes them feel alive, making them far more than simple clocks.  When you stare at them and marvel at their design you can almost feel the history of each clock and the time, care, and effort that went into its creation.  Depending on circumstances time can mean feeling hopeful for the future, or it can indicate regret over the past and over opportunities that have been lost.  As you sit in your home, and gaze upon the antique clock before you it’s hard to not be mesmerized as you watch the rhythmic movement of the hands on the clock marking the passage of a constant that holds sway over us all.

Have you ever heard of antique Japanese clocks?

Have you ever heard of antique Japanese clocks?

If you haven’t, and you are a fan of antique clocks, then you are missing out on a very intriguing part of the collecting market.  Antique Japanese clocks are highly collectable, and some of the rarer ones can be worth quite a bit of money.  Japanese clocks differ from European primarily due to an innovation that the Japanese came up with.  The innovation involved the lacquering of the iron parts of the clock.  This process was slow and very labor intensive, so why would they bother taking this step when building a clock? Simple, it’s because lacquer helped to protect the delicate iron parts, helping to prevent corrosion.

When it comes to collectability there are a few important factors that come into play.  First, is the item rare? If it’s not rare, it may still be collectable, but it probably won’t be very valuable.  Is it attractive or appealing? Finally, what kind of condition is it in? Typically, collectors prefer items to be in pristine or near pristine condition.  Why is this important? Because most of the time, antique Japanese clocks check all three of these boxes.

Antique Japanese clocks are rare, they weren’t mass produced, and the more valuable ones were made with great care and with expensive materials.  Antique Japanese clocks are also quite beautiful, comparable to, or depending on who you ask, superior to other antique clocks from the same time period.

The final criteria regarding the collectability of Japanese antique clocks regards their condition.  When compared with other clocks form the same time period Japanese clocks hold up very well and are often in better condition.  Now granted, there are other factors that come into play.  Was the clock cared for? Was it maintained? Was it cleaned and has it been repaired? These are all important factors that contribute to the condition of a clock, and if a clock has been abused it doesn’t matter how well it was made, it’s still going to not be as valuable as a well-maintained clock.

But, with all other factors being equal, Japanese antique clocks are usually in better condition than their counterparts from around the world due to the lacquer coating on their iron parts.  This is why that extra step was taken, it shows a dedication to craftsmanship and into building something that is meant to last.  Because of this extra step that was taken, many Japanese antique clocks have survived and are working as well today as the day they were first built.

How were antique barometers used in the past

How were antique barometers used in the past

Have you ever wondered how antique barometers were used? If you have an antique barometer in your home or business for decorative purposes, you may be wondering what your decoration was originally used for.  While antique barometers are often very ornate and beautiful, they served an important purpose for their original owners, and learning about how they worked and what they were used for should only enhance your appreciation for them.

Why are antique barometers often so well made with such elaborate decorative features and expensive materials? What a lot of people may not realize is that the original design for barometers was based on the use of mercury.  Mercury was very expensive when barometers were first designed, so only wealthy people could afford them.  To market them effectively to wealthy people, barometers were designed to be very striking, a fitting design choice for an item meant to convey wealth.

What Exactly Do Barometers Do?

Barometers measure barometric pressure, that’s the pressure of the atmosphere at a given point on the surface of the planet at a given point in time.  This is possible, at least with the first barometers, through the use of mercury and a sealed tube.  Mercury levels fluctuate at a known rate based upon changes in barometric pressure, thus the barometer was born.

How Did Scientists Use Antique Barometers?

Prior to the advent of barometers any attempts at predicting short term changes in the weather largely revolved around looking out, seeing clouds, and assuming that a storm was on the way.  While it’s possible to sometimes guess correctly, there’s also a good chance that the clouds will head in the opposite direction.  So, the appearance of clouds, and even the scent of rain in the air are indicators that rain may be on the way, but they are not exactly reliable.

When the barometer was invented the ability of scientists to predict short term changes in the weather increased dramatically.  When a barometer drops that indicates that a low-pressure system was moving in.  Low pressure means that clouds will be drawn in instead of pushed away, which increases the chance for rain.  Using a barometer along with other pieces of information made it possible for the weatherman, or the weather app on your phone to give you a fairly accurate prediction of rainfall in the near future.

How Did Farmers Use Antique Barometers?

When you are a farmer one of the most important things that you need to account for is rain.  Crops need water, and that water typically comes from two sources, irrigation, and rain.  If it’s going to rain soon a farmer wouldn’t want to irrigate his fields for two reasons.  First, irrigation is an expense.  Water isn’t free, and a farm is a business, and all businesses need to make a profit.  One of the most important things that all businesses need to do is to reduce expenses.  So, if a farmer had a barometer, and the barometric pressure dropped indicating that a storm would be moving in, avoiding irrigating while waiting for that storm would cut down on the water bill.

The other reason that a farmer wouldn’t want to irrigate a field when rain is expected is that too much water could damage crops.  If a farmer irrigated a field to provide for the water needs for his crops, then heavy rainfall followed, that could actually damage or kill his crops.  So, being able to predict short-term weather is very important for farmers since it helps them save money and helps to prevent them from overwatering their crops.

How Did Navigators Use Antique Barometers?

It may surprise you to learn that navigators and pilots began to use barometers once the portable aneroid barometer was invented.  How could having an understanding of barometric pressure help a pilot? Well, barometric pressure fluctuates, and one of the factors that plays a significant role in those fluctuations is altitude.  As a general rule of thumb, the higher in altitude a point is, the lower the barometric pressure.  How does that work? It’s simple actually.  The higher you are the less atmosphere is above you, which means less pressure caused by the atmosphere.  Pilots and navigators used a barometer as a valuable tool to help tell when they are ascending or descending during flight.

How did the first barometers lead to current weather instruments

How did the first barometers lead to current weather instruments

The first barometer consisted of a very simple design, utilizing a tube and dish of mercury to measure barometric pressure.  Sure, there were a few other components, and it took time to get the measurement down, but ultimately it was a very simple design that proved to be highly effective, if somewhat limited in the ways it could be used.  As with anything else, when there is a need, and in this case that need was for a more accurate and portable barometer, innovation led to improvements in designs.  One of the more notable things about early barometers is how intricately designed and decorated many of them are.  The reason for this is simple, early barometers were owned almost exclusively by wealthy people, and they were often treated as decorative items as well as functional ones.

The Next Generation of Barometers

While mercury barometers were accurate, they had limitations.  Mercury was very expensive at the time, limiting who could afford to buy a barometer.  Mercury barometers were also not very portable, limiting how and where they could be used.  Necessity forced innovation resulting in the invention of the aneroid barometer.  The aneroid barometer had one distinct advantage over a mercury barometer besides the lower cost, it was also portable! This led to barometers being carried on ships and planes, and eventually to the invention of the modern electronic barometers that are used today.

Barometers Are Used to Predict Weather Patterns

Long-term weather patterns are well known and documented due to observation and historical precedence.  For example, if you’ve lived in the same region for a long time, you’ve probably noticed that there are times of year when rainfall increases, and periods of drought.  Barometers are used to help measure pressure changes which can help to predict short term changes in weather.  One example of this is if barometric pressure drops suddenly, this means that a low-pressure system is moving in, and with that low pressure clouds are not pushed away, which usually means more rain in the immediate future.

The Rise of Electronic Barometers

If you’re old enough you can probably remember rotary phones, or radios that used vacuum tubes instead of electronic circuits.  But those are rarely used today, largely because they are obsolete.  How did electronic barometers end up replacing traditional ones? The same way that other non-digital or electronic devices have replaced their now obsolete predecessors.  Today, when you want to know what the weather is like, or what to expect, you don’t get out your pocket barometer.  You probably get out a smart phone or smart watch and look at a weather app.

Electronic barometers replaced more primitive designs for two reasons.  First, they are more accurate.  The highly precise electronic barometers used today are far superior to the old mercury ones used decades ago.  Second, they are easier to make, electronic barometers are mass produced and cheap, meaning they are in use by people from all walks of life.  The combination of being less expensive and more accurate paints a clear picture of why electronic barometers has overtaken mercury or adenoid ones.

Appreciate What We Have Today by Learning How We Got to Where We Are

The technology we enjoy today would seem like magic to our ancestors, just as their technology would appear to be magic to those that came before them.  It’s important for us to realize where the technology we enjoy today came from and to realize the time and effort that went into it.

Antique Barometers and the Mystery of Barometric Pressure

Antique Barometers and the Mystery of Barometric Pressure

Antique barometers helped scientists to unlock the mysteries of barometric pressure, and in doing so opened a whole world of scientific discoveries.  What is barometric pressure? In simplest terms barometric pressure is the measure of the amount of weight the atmosphere is exerting at a point on Earth.  Barometric pressure varies from location to location and it can have very significant effects on just about everything around you.  Typically at higher elevations barometric pressure drops as the atmosphere gets thinner, and at lower elevations it increases.

Barometric pressure also has an influence on the weather, and scientists have learned to use the measurement of barometric pressures to predict weather patterns.  If you’ve ever wondered how the weather guy on television makes his predictions, a lot of it has to do with barometric pressure.  Did you know that barometric pressure helps pilots as well? That’s right, since barometric pressure changes according to altitude instruments on planes rely on it to some extent for determining how high they are flying.  Of course, there’s more to it than that, but the fact that planes use barometric pressure as part of their navigation is quite interesting, especially when you consider how the first barometers were constructed.

Air Has Weight?

You may not realize it, but air has weight.  It may seem to have no substance at all, but it’s made of molecules, just like everything else around you.  The difference is that the molecules in a gas are much less dense than what you would find in a solid.  And while those molecules are more spread out, when you look at the sheer volume of atmosphere above our heads, all of those spread out molecules add up to a lot of weight.  On average, at sea level, you are subjected to almost 15 lbs. of pressure per square inch.  You don’t feel it because our bodies adapted to survive in this environment, but even though you don’t feel it, that pressure is there.

Barometers Measure Barometric Pressure

Believe it or not, many modern barometers work on the same principle as their more primitive ancestors.  Sure, refinements have been made, and the measurements they produce are more precise, but barometers ultimately rely on one thing, mercury.  The simplest explanation is that a barometer consists of a sealed glass tube that sits atop a try of mercury.  As barometric pressure increases the mercury is forced up the tube indicating a rise in pressure.  Years of refinement allowed scientists to discover a way to correlate the rise of mercury with a specific increase in pressure, allowing for more and more accurate measurements.

While mercury barometers were the first type used, they had limitations since mercury was expensive, toxic, and it couldn’t be used on moving objects accurately.  Aneroid barometers became common and since they used a metal vacuum disc inside of a tube, but while portable, these barometers were not as accurate as their mercury based predecessors.  Today, most barometers are digital, using advanced electronics to detect differences in pressure.

Early Barometers Were Often Quite Ornate

Early barometers were expensive and were typically owned by wealthy people.  As such, they were often very beautiful with intricate designs that made them more of a work of art than a simple scientific instrument.  These barometers can often be seen gracing people’s homes today, their innate allowing them to outlive their original purpose.

Antique scientific instruments a window into the past

Antique scientific instruments a window into the past

When planning to decorate your home the idea of using antique scientific instruments as decorative objects might seem a bit peculiar, and while it is a unique choice, that doesn’t mean that it’s not the right choice.  When decorating a home there are a few basic rules that should be followed.  Once you understand these rules, then the idea of using antique scientific instruments, such as clocks and barometers, probably won’t seem as strange to you.

What should be your goals when decorating a home? First, the home should be unique.  Second, it should reflect the personality of the homeowner.  Third, it should have a style that will allow it to remain appealing for years to come.  This is why using antiques when decorating, be it furniture or other accessories, is such an appealing option.  They allow you to accomplish everything you should want to as an interior designer, making them a great choice for just about any home.

Another important thing to keep in mind about antique scientific instruments is how visually appealing they are.  Antique microscopes, barometers, and other scientific instruments are as much a work of art as they are a scientific instrument.  They were crafted with care and weren’t made with plastic or other cheaper materials.  They are often made of brass or some other type of metal, giving them a timeless appearance that will fit the décor of most homes.

When you use antique scientific instruments to decorate your home you are showing anyone that visits it that you think outside of the box and have a curious mind.  You aren’t someone that is going to fill your home with meaningless trinkets and clutter, you put time and effort into thinking about what you want in your home, and what you want it to say about you.  It shows that you understand the past, and how that past has played an important role in elevating our society to where it is today.

From important surgeries that saved people or even celebrities to challenging conditions on land or sea. From barbaric way of operating people a century ago to the modern techniques this was eventually leading to. And even though every piece has a story to tell, there are many blanks which are not known. And so every piece of scientific instruments has a story to tell, and which makes them both so intriguing and mysterious.

While antique scientific instruments should impress your guests, don’t underestimate the impact they can have on you as well.  Surrounding yourself with things of beauty and mystery should help to inspire you and lift your spirits on days when you may not feel quite as optimistic about life.  Your home should be a place where you feel welcome, and most of all it should be warm and comforting to you, so surrounding yourself with beautiful things makes perfect sense.  Antique scientific instruments give you a glimpse, a window into the past that should inspire a sense of wonder in yourself, and anyone else that sees them.

Antique grandfather clock materials

Antique grandfather clock materials

When it comes to materials, antique clocks boasted quite a range of them, some worked well, while others didn’t hold up quite so well.  It’s not surprising that antique clocks went through so many changes over the years, and that different designs and materials have been used with differing degrees of success.  Whenever there is innovation, there is change.  If that weren’t true, then we’d all still be driving a Ford Model T today, wouldn’t we? Just because a design works doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement, and that’s why you see a lot of different designs and materials in antique clocks.

Clocks With Metal Bodies

While not as common as wooden clocks, there are a lot of metal antique clocks available.  Brass, silver, chrome, and even gold have been used to make clocks, and as expected, clocks made from precious metals can be very pricey.  If you are willing to invest in a metal antique clock you also need to keep in mind that metal clocks tend to stand out more than wooden ones.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you need to be prepared to adjust the décor based upon a more visually striking clock becoming a dominant feature in the room.

Wood Is the Most Common Material That Antique Clock Bodies Are Constructed From

When you think of antique clocks the first material that probably comes to mind is wood.  That’s because wood is the most common material that clocks were made from.  The reasons for this are many, and simple.  Wood is abundant, inexpensive compared to metal, easy to work with, and is durable enough to create a long lasting time piece from.  When it comes to wooden antique clocks some are considered more desirable than others, but it all ultimately comes down to personal preferences.

Oak

When it comes to hardness and durability, few woods can compare with oak, which is why it is a prized material for all types of construction projects, and why clockmakers prefer to use it as well.  It is non-porous, so it won’t shrink, and moisture does not damage it either.  It’s also resistant to insects and fungus, further cementing its status as a top tier wood for clock making.  While there are many varieties of oak, the two most known and used are white and red oak.

White oak is not actually white, rather it is more of a beige color with a straight grained pattern.  Red oak is also, not as its name implies in terms of color, but it is a rosier colored wood.  Both white oak and red oak will turn darker over time, which creates a richer, deeper color ideal for antique clocks.

Maple

Many woodworkers prize maple wood for its light, creamy colour. Just like other types of hardwood, maple wood turns darker over time or when exposed to oxygen and UV light. Maple wood possesses a fine, straight pattern, but some varieties have wavy, rippled, or bird’s eye grain.

Hard maple is typically used in woodworking for its resistance to warping and cracking. It also holds up well against changes in temperature and humidity.

Cherry

Cherry is commonly used for woodworks and furniture making because of its attractive colour and smooth texture. Because it is a medium density hardwood, cherry wood is durable but flexible and has low stiffness. It is easy to cut, carve, or mould.

The colours of cherry wood can appear yellowish to light reddish-brown. It will darken as it age, but exposure to light and oxygen can speed up the aging process.

Walnut

Black walnut wood is a tough type of hardwood that is resistant to decay. However, it is vulnerable to insect infestation.

The colours of walnut wood vary based on the part of the tree the timber is sourced from. The heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown, while the sapwood comes in lighter shades, typically yellow to almost white. Some walnut wood can have a red, grey, or even purple appearance. Unlike other types of timber, black walnut wood gets lighter as it ages.

The grain is usually straight, but some black walnut wood patterns curl, look wavy, or form knots. In terms of texture, black walnut wood has a smooth finish.