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Clocks

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Put it to good use. Spend some time here learning about clocks, their history, where to find an affordable clock for your home that matches your decor. Take a peek at some of the cutest novelty clocks or just browse through my clock collection.


A clock should mean more to your home than just being a neccessity for telling the time. Clocks can be important decor features that highlight a wall or simply a novelty item to make you smile.


I have been collecting all kinds of clocks for as long as I can remember. I didn't set out to be a clock collector. It just sort of happened. I always seem to find myself drawn to them and can now say that I have at least one clock in every room of my house. Take a look at some of my favorite styles in this online clock collection to find something that suits your kitchen, your home or your imagination while also learning some things about clocks that you might not have known.

Clocks, Clocks and More Clocks

Quick links to what you will find here.
  1. The History of Clocks
  2. Sundials
  3. The Hourglass
  4. The Simple Kitchen Clock
  5. Antique Clocks
  6. Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide Online
  7. Are you a Horologist
  8. Mantel Clock
  9. Retro Clocks
  10. German Cuckoo Clocks
  11. Collecting Cuckoo Clocks
  12. All You Need to Know About Grandfather Clocks
  13. How the Grandfather Clock Got its Name
  14. Novelty Clocks
  15. Celebrity Clocks
  16. Vote for Your Favorite
  17. Collectible Alarm Clocks
  18. Clocks for Cat Lovers
  19. Got a Minute or Two Left?

The History of Clocks

The history of clocks is very long, and there have been many different types of clocks over the centuries. Not all historians agree on the history of the clock. The word clock was first used in the 14th century (about 700 years ago). It comes from the word for bell in Latin ("clocca").

Using the Sun

The first way that people could tell the time was by looking at the sun as it crossed the sky. When the sun was directly overhead in the sky, it was the middle of the day, or noon. When the sun was close to the horizon, it was either early morning (sunrise) or early evening (sunset). Telling the time was not very accurate.

Sundial Clocks

The oldest type of clock is a sundial clock, also called a sun clock. They were first used around 3,500 B.C. (about 5,500 years ago). Sundials use the sun to tell the time. The shadow of the sun points to a number on a circular disk that shows you the time.

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Sundials

The Oldest Clocks

Bring ancient tecnology home to your modern garden by adding a sundial to your landscape.

Find a beautiful sundial for your garden right here. Click the product link to learn more or to purchase one of these great items.
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The Hourglass

wikipedia article

An hourglass, also known as a sandglass, sand timer or sand clock, is a device for the measurement of time. It consists of two glass bulbs placed one above the other which are connected by a narrow tube. One of the bulbs is usually filled with fine sand which flows through the narrow tube into the bottom bulb at a given rate. Once all the sand has run to the bottom bulb, the device can be inverted in order to measure time again. The hourglass is named for the most frequently used sandglass, where the sands have a running time of one hour.

Factors affecting the amount of time that the hourglass measures include: the volume of sand, the size and angle of the bulbs, the width of the neck, and the type and quality of the sand. Alternatives to sand that have been used are powdered eggshell and powdered marble.

Hourglasses are still in use, but typically only ornamentally or when a relatively approximate measurement of time is needed, as in egg timers for cooking or board games. Hourglass collecting has become a niche but avid hobby for some, with elaborate or antique hourglasses commanding high prices.
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Hourglass

Godinger Crystal Hour Glass Shaped

Godinger Crystal Hour Glass Shaped

Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

Famous Godinger quality and value.
This beautiful piece is made of faceted as well as plain crystal
The hour glass function actually works, with sand showing the passage of time.
This lovely crystal hour glass makes a great teacher gift.

Recommended Reading

Wheels, Clocks, and Rockets: A History of Technology

As technology transforms our lives at an ever quickening rate, Donald Cardwell reminds us that technological innovation is not created in a vacuum-rather, it is the product of the successful interaction between social change, scientific developments, and political vision. In this wide-ranging, "spirited" (Booklist) survey of the machines and tools that humans have developed throughout history, Cardwell not only explains the mechanical technicalities but also delves into the underlying trends that have culminated in eras of great change. In particular, he highlights the eighteenth century as a watershed in the modern history of technology, analyzing how scientific developments in physics and chemistry spurred the mechanical innovations of the Industrial Revolution.
Wheels, Clocks, and Rockets: A History of Technology

Wheels, Clocks, and Rockets: A History of Technology

by: Donald Cardwell

Amazon Price: $10.83 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

From the steam engine to electrical power to nuclear energy to today's world of electronics and computers, this book opens a discussion of how science and technology together change our lives. Originally published as The Norton History of Technology. 8 pages of b/w illustrations, line drawings throughout.

Find More Clock History Information

Learn more about the history of the modern day clock by following one of these fabulous links.
History of Clocks
Ancient timekeeping - sun and water clocks - mechanical and quartz clocks - time standards - time zones.
Clock - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clock From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
UK Parliament - History of the Clock Tower (Big Ben)
The Clock Tower (Big Ben)
History of one of the World's most famous clocks.
Westclox, Seth Thomas, Standard Electric Time Co, Telechron History
History of the Alarm Clock Westclox and Western Clock Company History Westclox Company History

The Simple Kitchen Clock

Most kitchens sport very simple clocks. They are usually round, basically very plain and easy to read.
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Antique Clocks

Read about Antique clocks, buy antique clocks, find prices and learn a bit of history at these great sites that I found while researching about clocks.
A Brief History of Antique Clocks
A Brief History of Antique Clocks Your antique clock's value? Find out! 10,000 clocks, descriptions, prices, 17,000 color photos. How to identify, appraise, buy and sell antique American, English, European mantel, wall and grandfather clocks, huge index. like your own personal Antiques Road Show
Antique Clock History
Welcome to TickTockTony Antique Clock Sales Frequentley Asked Questions.

Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide Online

Antiqueclockspriceguide.com

Online database shows 9,832 antique clocks with 17,100 color photos. Descriptions and "real world" values show actual auction and retail prices. American, English and European clocks of all types. Extensive index. Search by manufacturer, type or key word.
Antique Clocks Price Guide - Grandfather Wall and Mantel
Antique Clocks Price Guide - Grandfather Wall and Mantel Your antique clock's value? Find out! 10,000 clocks, descriptions, prices, 17,000 color photos. How to identify, appraise, buy and sell antique American, English, European mantel, wall and grandfather clocks, huge index.

Find an Antique Clock

The following antique clock items for sale are brought to you from ebay.com. Click on a product link to learn more or to purchase directly from ebay.
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Are you a Horologist

Horology

Horology is the study of the science and art of timekeeping devices. Clocks, watches, and marine chronometers are examples of instruments used to measure time. The name of the study is derived from the Latin word hora, meaning "hour" but can be taken to mean "time" or season.

People interested in horology are called horologists. That term is used both by people who deal professionally with timekeeping apparatus (watchmakers, clockmakers), as well as aficionados and scholars of horology. Horology and horologists have numerous organisations, both professional associations and more scholarly societies.
Source

Learn More about Horology Here

Follow the links to learn more about horology and what horologists do.
Horology
HOROLOGY - The Index
The Horology Source
The Horology Source is the premiere gateway to all aspects of clocks, watches, timekeeping, and the science of horology
What is Horology
What is Horology??By Donn Lathrop What on earth is horology? Briefly, it's the science or art of measuring time. It's a science that

Mantel Clock

Could not locate item B000BJSE58. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Retro Clocks

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German Cuckoo Clocks

From My GermanCuckooClocks.com

"German cuckoo clocks have been around for nearly 300 years and are mainly produced in the mountain villages of Germany. During the long, cold winter months, villagers would spend their days working on wooden crafts because the snows would prevent them from farming the fields or mining the mountains. So, they would keep busy by perfecting the traditional crafting methods that had been handed down to them over the decades. As industry changed over the years and villagers looked for new ways to support their families due to the lessening demands for fresh farm goods and the depleting mining resources, German villagers redirected their focus from working the land to creating find handmade crafts. As a result, Germany has become world famous for producing some of the finest handmade wooden crafts using the traditional methods that have been handed down for centuries."

Read more at this interesting site I found about Cuckoo Clocks.My German Cuckoo Clocks has everything you've ever wanted to know about German Cuckoo clocks including how they work and how they are made.

Buy a Cuckoo Clock

Take a look at these cute Cuckoos and I'm sure you will fall in love.
Click the product link to learn more or to purchase one of these fine timepieces at prices you can afford.
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Collecting Cuckoo Clocks

Gotta Love the Cuckoo

Cuckoo clocks have to be the most fun clocks to collect. Take a look at what ebay has to offer today. You never know you might find a new one for your collection.
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All You Need to Know About Grandfather Clocks

Find fascinating information about all aspects of the Grandfather clock including it's history at these sites on the web.
History of the Grandfather Clock and Grandfather Clock Song
Grandfather Clock Song and Lyrics..History of the Grandfather Clock.
Klockit - History of Grandfather Clocks
Wooden clocks add elegance and character to any home, and a clock you make yourself is certain to become a family heirloom that will last for generations
Mark Laverton Clocks UK - Clock History
Clock History
index
Grandfathers Clock Genealogy and History Pages
"Your Rest Stop On The Information Super
Highway" About Grandfathers Clock

How the Grandfather Clock Got its Name

From Clocktypes.com

This is a snippet from the Grandfather clocks section of a very cool website I found called Clocktypes.com where you can find just about anything you want to know about clocks.

"In 1876 Henry Clay Work stayed at the George Hotel. The George Hotel had an old grandfather clock that no longer worked. When Henry asked about the clock he was told that it had always kept perfect time until the Jenkins brothers (who used to own the hotel) died. At the moment the last brother died the grandfather clock stopped and it was never repaired. Henry decided to write a song about the clock which became very popular. In the song he referred to the long case clock as "my grandfather's clock." After that most people started calling all long case clocks, grandfather clocks."
Read More at Grandfather Clocks - Clocktypes.com

Buy a Grandfather Clock at Discount

Ebay makes it easy to find just the right Grandfather clock for your home at discount pricing.
This is todays top listings for Grandfather Clock brought to you from ebay. Click a product link to learn more and to be immediately directed to ebay.com where you can bid and buy with confidence.
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Novelty Clocks

From The San Diego Union Tribune

October 15, 2006

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTING RALPH AND TERRY KOVEL

Novelty Clocks Are Real Time Keepers

Novelty clocks have entranced buyers for centuries. In the 19th century, short bob pendulums and reliable spring movements made new types of clocks possible.

Makers made figural cases of men, women, peddlers, dogs, lions, houses, churches and more. Then they put a clock in an appropriate place, like the church steeple, or a strange spot, like the center of a woman's stomach.

The "blinking eye" mechanism was patented in 1857 by Pietro Cinquini, and then assigned to Bradley and Hubbard who made the cases but had other companies make the works. Other companies in the United States and Europe made moving-eye clocks.

Soon novelty clocks with other moving parts were made. The tongues on dogs moved in and out, tails wagged on dogs or cats, and the cuckoo came out of the clock to tell the hour.

These animated clocks have always interested collectors, and fakes are known that were made as early as the 1930s. The original blinking-eye clock cases were made of cast iron, and early fakes were often made of brass. Today, cast-iron and aluminum fakes are being made, probably in China. The fakes are made of poor-quality cast iron.

Beware if the clock is an amazing bargain. A good blinking-eye or early novelty clock sells for thousands of dollars.
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Celebrity Clocks

John Wayne Wall Clock

During his college days, young Marion Morrison got a summer job at a movie studio, thanks to then-cowboy star Tom Mix, caught the eye of director John Ford, and the rest is history! Rustic-look wood wall clock with exposed hour/minute hands captures his rugged charisma. 14" x 9" x 1.25". Uses one AA battery, not included.
John Wayne Duke Wall Clock


John Wayne Duke Wall Clock


Marilyn Monroe Glass Wall Clock

Throughout her film career, Marilyn captivated us with her unique style and beauty. This exquisite tempered glass wall clock pays tribute to the luminous legend. 12" diameter. Uses one AA battery, not included.
Marilyn Monroe Glass Wall Clock


Marilyn Monroe Glass Wall Clock

Vote for Your Favorite

Novelty Clocks

Vote for your favorite novelty clock or click on the product link to learn more and to purchase.

1

Vote Up
Amazing Water Clock - Blue (PI-3206)

Amazing Water Clock - Blue (PI-3206)

Amaze your friends! Teach children the science of more...1 point

2

Vote Up
Rubber Duck Ducky Duckie Digital Alarm Clock

Rubber Duck Ducky Duckie Digital Alarm Clock

How cute is this? This durable yellow rubber ducky more...0 points

5

Vote Up
PIRATE jolly roger Skull Cross Bones black & white WALL CLOCK Home Decor

PIRATE jolly roger Skull Cross Bones black & white WALL CLOCK Home Decor

Pirate Clock - How is your crew supposed to know w more...0 points

6

Vote Up
Whatever Wall Clock

Whatever Wall Clock

The Whatever Wall Clock is a fun decoration for yo more...0 points

7

Vote Up
Backward Wall Clock

Backward Wall Clock

Backwards ClockDoes the frantic pace of today's wo more...0 points

8

Vote Up
Tiki Bar Chrome Finished Neon Clock - (red)

Tiki Bar Chrome Finished Neon Clock - (red)

Time will fly with this Tiki Bar Chrome Finished R more...0 points

9

Vote Up
Billiards Chrome Finished Neon Clock - (green)

Billiards Chrome Finished Neon Clock - (green)

Fans of pool won't find a cooler clock than this B more...0 points

Collectible Alarm Clocks

Lucy Chocolate Factory Alarm Clock

Lucy and Ethel's chocolate candy caper highlights this retro 50s-inspired Quartz-precision alarm clock. Enameled metal case with curved glass lens. Approx. 6"x6"x1.5". Uses one AA battery, not included.
Lucy Chocolate Factory Alarm Clock


Lucy Chocolate Factory Alarm Clock


Talking Boop Alarm Clock

You'll treasure this heart-shaped Talking Boop Alarm Clock! Our deluxe clock features a red neon light and Betty says "Good Morning!" when you turn the alarm off! It also plays 8 different love songs! Alarm clock has a 5-minute snooze alarm with glow-in-the-dark hands and quartz movement. 4.25"L x 4"H x 1.75"W. Uses 2 "AA" batteries, not included.
Talking Boop Alarm Clock


Talking Boop Alarm Clock


Marilyn Monroe Alarm Clock

Start your day with the ultimate glamour goddess! Quartz-precision alarm clock features sleek 50s modern style enameled metal case with curved glass lens. Approx. 6" x 6" x 1.5". Uses one AA battery, not included.
Marilyn Monroe Alarm Clock


Marilyn Monroe Alarm Clock

Clocks for Cat Lovers

Novelty Cat Clocks

Swinging tails and whispy whiskers make these cat clocks super cute.
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Got a Minute or Two Left?

Please leave your suggestions or comments about Clocks Rock right here.

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  • Reply
    scar4 Dec 21, 2010 @ 9:12 pm | delete
    A pretty kitchen clock is a piece of art works and harmonious decoration.
  • Reply
    aesta1 Sep 2, 2010 @ 10:49 pm | delete
    Clocks are all over our house as our family are clock lovers. I have never seen so many collectibles before. The ones you have included are so unique especially the alarm ones.
  • Reply
    Chris Aug 25, 2010 @ 5:11 pm | delete
    great page

    really unique clocks - keep up good work

    http://www.londonwallclock.co.uk
  • Reply
    JoyfulPamela Aug 22, 2010 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    My brother is an amateur horologist. (I've never heard that word before.) He has a collection of old clocks that he has fun repairing and learning about. I think he got it from my grandfather who was always tinkering on things with his hands. Anyway, I enjoyed reading about all the clocks you have here, Robin!
  • Reply
    VivekS Jul 8, 2010 @ 12:22 am | delete
    Brilliant lens, nicely done. And thanks for mentioning all those stuffs for the history-bugs. Thanks that you introduced to me to a host of them! Cheers :)
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rms

Robin Svedi is a Community Organizer and the QuestMaster for Squidoo. You can keep up with her at rms on Squidoo. She's also the author of Eye Popping... more »

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