The Terminology and Parts Of A Grandfather Clock

If you started looking for a grandfather clock and got confused with all the expressions used on the grandfather clock descriptions, then you came to the right place. Premier Clocks prepared a detailed guide on grandfather clock parts and terminology. This guide will be helpful for both grandfather clock owners and people who are still looking to buy one.

➤  Find your perfect Grandfather Clock at Premier Clocks.

Grandfather clocks consist of various parts that work together to make the clock function properly and give accurate time. An antique and new grandfather clock might have differences in what clock parts they have, especially when it comes to grandfather clock movement. Older and antique clocks always have mechanical cable or chain mechanism, while newer models of grandfather clocks can have quartz battery-operated movement.

 

Grandfather Clock Case

The outer wooden or metal structure of the clock that houses all the internal components is called grandfather clock case or clock cabinet. Traditional grandfather clocks have a classic case with small differences, but current grandfather clocks have a wide variety of shapes - from minimalistic to U-shaped grandfather clocks.

To explain grandfather clock parts in a simpler manner, we are going to divide the case to three parts: top, middle and base.

 

The Top Part of the Grandfather Clock

Common grandfather clock tops are called Hood or Bonnet and it houses the movement. The hood includes the Crown (the upper part) and Face (the front part). 

 

The Grandfather Clock Crown

Four Types of Grandfather Clock Crown Types

The grandfather clock split pediment or swan's neck crown has a center finial (sometimes also called an eagle), it is a wood or cast brass decoration. Some grandfather clock models add wooded accents, such as two finials or spires on the sides of split pediment. 

The bonnet crown is a full arched facade that is also referred to as a hood. Often, it is decorated with gorgeous overlay or wooden carvings.

The flat top crown has simple details and decorations.

 

The federal crown has a pinnacle facade. 

 

 

The Grandfather Clock Face

The central part of the Grandfather Clocks Face is Dial.

Traditionally, the dial of the grandfather clock includes:

• Hour hand that can have a minimalistic or intricate design.

• Minute hand was added when the clocks had enough accuracy after the invention of the total escapement mechanism.

• Cast corners or spandrels are decorative painted or applied corner frame elements on fine clocks.

• Center disk that is often decorated. 

• Chapter ring with numerals that can be Arabic or Roman.

• Winding holes on grandfather clocks with cable driven keywound mechanisms.

• Chimes levers to adjust grandfather clocks chimes. 

 

 

Additionally, the grandfather clock face has:

• Moon dial keeps the 29.5 day lunar cycle (full moon rotation). The image of the moon moves showing the lunar date and position of the moon in the sky.

• Upper door made from glass with a lock to protect the clock dial and movement.

• Side glass or wood access panels to the movement. Beveled glass is often used for an access panel to show inner workings.

 

The Middle Part of the Grandfather Clock

The Grandfather Clock's Middle is called the Waist Section or the Trunk. This part houses the grandfather's clock mechanism that includes two important parts: the clock pendulum and the clock weights. Additionally, a lower doorfrequently with the key lock to protect the mechanism parts.

 

 

The Grandfather Clock Pendulum

ThePendulum of the grandfather clock is a swinging weight used as a timekeeping element. It had influenced the style of grandfather clocks creating long case clocks design.

Normally, the grandfather clock pendulum has: 

• Pendulum stick or pendulum lyre hung from a fixed support.

• Pendulum bob is the mass on the end of a pendulum.

• Cast center is the central part of the pendulum bob. The cast center is a decorative element of grandfather clocks.

• Time adjustment screw is located on the bottom of the pendulum bob to regulate and ensure proper timekeeping. Time adjustment screw makes the clock go faster if a clock run slower than it should and the other way around.

 

 

The Grandfather Clock Weights

Most mechanical grandfather clocks have three weights, each drives different functions. Right weight is responsible for chime sounds; center weight powers the pendulum; left weight controls the hour strike.

Normally, the grandfather clock weights have:

• Weight shell banded or etched.

• End caps are the tops and bottom of the weight casing.

• Cable pulleys to carry the weights (for the cable-driven movement) .

• Weight hooks and rings to carry the weights (for the chain-driven movement).

 

 

The Bottom Part of the Grandfather Clock

The Grandfather Clock Bottom is called the Base Section.

 

The Grandfather Clock Base 

The grandfather clock base section includes:

• Base panel is the front part of the grandfather clock base.

• Base molding is decorative treatment of a grandfather clock. Sometimes, it is made from other woods.

• Clock foot holds the clock case.

• Levelers under each clock foot provide stability on uneven and carpeted floors.

Contact Premier Clocks if you would like to get help deciding on the right type of a grandfather clock.

 

More about Grandfather Clocks: