Quality Clocks

Do you ever wonder where clocks came from? If you do you may be interested in a little clock history lesson:

~ The first clock past was invented by Jost Burgi. He invented the minute-hand clock part in 1577 for astronomer Tycho Brahe. Brahe needed an accurate clock for his stargazing.

~The pendulum wall clock was designed by Christian Huygens in 1656.

~The first wrist watch was created by Peter Henlein in 1504.

~The French word “cloche” means bell and is the root of the English word clock.

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re working on an important project at your home desk. Planning your time well is a key factor in organization, and if you misuse your time you can foul up your daily or weekly schedule. Many people rely on their computer clocks or cell phones to remind them of the time, but other people prefer more traditional methods of time management.

One way to make sure you finish projects on time is to use a desk clock. When you have a clock on your home desk you can always be sure to schedule your time efficiently. Computer clocks are usually small and can be hard to see. Desk clocks, on the other hand, feature larger digital numbers that are impossible to ignore.

I loved going over to my papa’s house when I was little. The house had so many special little knick knacks that kept the kids entertained for hours. Papa would always make sure there were candies and cookies available for us kids, and chocolate milk to drink. Needless to say—it was a kid’s heaven.

Papa also collected clocks. My favorite clock in the collection was this antique mantle clock. It was hand-painted with little boys, girls and baby animals. As a kid, I just thought there was nothing better than that clock. Now when I think back on my affinity for that clock I chuckle and I think about just how much I miss my papa.

My husband’s parents had just bought a lake house and they were hosting a small housewarming party. I had always hated these parties because I never knew what to bring. Most people gave plants, wine or flowers, but I thought those gifts were cliché. After all, I was a leader, not a follower.

Their new house was decorated in cabin motif. You know, exposed beams, rough wooden walls, old-fashioned furniture—that sort of thing. I took a chance and decided to get them a southwestern-style wood clock. It was pretty rustic looking and I thought they would appreciate it. They actually loved it! Apparently their neighbors have been hounding them ever since to find out where they got it.

This diminutive mantel clock was created for homes or offices where space is at a premium.

This wood mantel clock features a cherry finish on white maple which offers striking contrast to the brass and silver-colored dial.  The cherry finished wood clock cabinet is enhanced with lacquer top coats and polished brass finish handle for the crowning touch of elegance.

The Tremont II features a battery operated quartz clock movement and comes in three models:

 Tremont II:  No Chime
 Tremont II  Single Chime
 Tremont II  Dual Chime

All of Bradford’s wood mantel clocks are handmade in the USA. These quality mantel clocks feature solid oak, walnut or cherry construction and are finished in rich wood tones. Each mantel clock is assembled using the finest clock movements for maximum reliability. To buy a quality wood mantel clock from Bradford Clocks is to own a timepiece sure to become an heirloom. Grace any decor with a classic and unique traditional style mantel clock from Bradford Clocks.

There is a renewed interest in sun dials.  Part of the interest is a scientific desire to refine the art and technology of the ancient time pieces.  The other interest is a nostalgic desire to reflect back to a simpler quieter time.

Prehistoric man observed that he could measure time during the day by the length and direction the shadow cast by various objects.  This led to the use of a stick stuck in the ground in a vertical position.  The seasons of the year could also be indicated by the position of the shadow.

The sundial was developed independently by different civilizations around the world.  The Egyptians were the first Western civilization who developed the sun dial.  It was a “l” shaped device with marks for the hours.  The Greeks and Romans continued the development of sun dials.  They developed different forms including horizontal, vertical (wall clock), spherical, cylindrical, and portable sundials.

The art and science of sundials reached their peak in 1500 to 1800.  Sundials were used in both private homes and public places.  Sundials were relied on for business and social appointments so being a few minutes late was not a big problem.

After 1800 the sundial lost popularity due to the availability of reasonably accurate clocks and watches. 

The renewed interest started in the 1970”s.  The British Sundial Society was formed in 1989, and the United States Sundial Society was formed in 1994.

The Niagara Park Commission spent about $30,000, and used the latest technology, including an intricate GPS system to provide tourists with accurate time.

The new Table Rock clock tower displays a three foot diameter wall clock on each of its four walls.  The high humidity and mist near Horseshoe Falls imposes unique requirements.  Each clock has a heater and ventilation system.  A special computer system controls all of the clocks.  The computer automatically adjusts for daylight savings time.  It senses power outages, and automatically adjusts the time when the power is restored.  It has a GPS sensor that once each day checks with the satellites for the time signal, and if necessary makes minor corrections.

When you have a desk clock that works; it is a task master to keep you on target.  Having a reminder there to let you know how long you have for each of your various projects.  Procrastination is a time honored pastime that everyone has indulged in.  But when it comes to your dream assignment, and what you want accomplish in a year, you might need certain aids to help you along your way.

When we are sitting at our desks, quietly frittering time away, it is great to have a reminder of the amount of time that is spent on each individual thing.  Here is a way to manage your time well and get things accomplished.

In my office, I want to have some antique items.  The look of an old cherry wood office with leather chairs, hard cover books, and a pendulum wall clock has always been my vision of the perfect office.  The aesthetic of the past just seems to me a little more permanent feeling, like it was built to last.

I want to have a space that I could call my own and where I feel comfortable creating something great in.

               A Collinsville, Illinois woman remembers traveling across country on family vacations.  When they traveled they always ate at truck stops.  “Truck drivers know where the good food is”.  She remembers there was always a black Kit Cat wall clock behind the checkout counter of these truck stops.  In the Kit Cat wall clock the cat’s eyes roll from side to side in time with its wagging tail.