Anniversary Clocks – Perfect Gifts For Special Occasions

Anniversary clocks are extremely attractive pendulum mantel clocks that are usually protected with glass dome covers. Their rotating pendulums and dials are distinctive and each is the work of a master craftsperson. Well-known clock makers such as Kaiser, Hermle, Schatz and Kundo made most of the original clock pieces in Germany. Kaiser made just a few hundred masterpieces, which are collector’s items today.

These original anniversary clocks were made in the early twentieth century and needed winding only once a year, unlike most others that had to be wound daily or at the least weekly. They were hence known as perpetual clocks, 400-day clocks or anniversary clocks. They were made of polished brass, or even silver, and make perfect anniversary gifts. Typically, anniversary clocks have metal bases and rotating pendulums, which often have very distinctive and unique designs. Most of them have popular chimes on the hour.

Many of these anniversary clocks have been lovingly restored by experts, so one now has the good fortune of seeing polished brass clocks with diamond etched pillars, filigree hands, and crystal rotating pendulums and domes. Other anniversary clocks may have different kinds of pendulums such as the two or four-balled pendulum or revolving globe pendulum, with the phases of the moon as a backdrop for the dial.

Modern Day Anniversary Clocks

While beautifully restored antique anniversary clocks are available even today, it is easier to get replicas. Many of these are based on old designs and look quite similar. These anniversary clocks run on batteries though the attractive pendulums rotate as in the original. They are very popular modern first anniversary gifts and make ideal wedding presents too.

Besides the designs with glass domes, another popular style has a brass tone metal base and dial with a brass tone resin back. One can find some with Roman numerals to add to the old world charm. Leading manufacturers of modern anniversary clocks are Seth Thomas, Howard Miller, Loricron, and Hermle of Germany. Loricron has a model with a cut glass crystal base and embossed metal dial, as well as a crystal cut pendulum. The mechanisms of many are still made in Germany.

Ave Maria and the Westminster melody are two very popular chimes that one can hear in anniversary clocks on the hour every hour. In some models, it is possible to adjust the volume and even turn the chime off. This is a perfect example of modern adaptation of an old design.