Long Case Floor Clocks - pendulum clocks, chiming clocks - modern grandfather clocks and reproduction antique Grandfather clocks - new built Grandfather clocks . New grandfather clocks - modern grandfather clocks and Reproduction antique grandfather clocks. A range of long case floor clocks from Billib the grandfather clocks specialist New grandmother clocks - Reproduction antique grandmother clocks. A range of long case floor clocks from Billib the grandfather clocks specialist A collection of shelf clocks - unique desk clocks from Clocks & Chimes and a range of mantel clocks and table clocks from Billib. A selection of beautiful mantel clocks and table clocks from Billib in various wood finishes; fitted with the finest clock movements and dials. Delightful small desk clocks designed to take advantage of the inherent elements of a particular piece of hardwood, such as: the wood's colours, its distintive grain and particularly any organic shape that the it may have. A collection of wall clocks from Clocks & Chime together with a selection from Billib – large wall clocks and small wall clocks, reproduction antique clocks and modern wall clocks - housing quality German clock movements. Built or finished in a range of woods such as oak clocks, mahogany clocks etc. Large wall clocks in reproduction antique clock styles and stunning modern clock designs Small wall clocks in contemporary clock designs and reproduction antique clock styles Clocks & Chimes - Clock Menu Page - Links to Longcase pendulum clocks weight driven grandfather clocks regulator wall clocks and shelf clocks: desk mantel and table clocks. Newly buit small wall clocks from Clocks & Chime in contemporary clock designs, and a selection of reproduction antique clocks and modern wall clocks - housing quality German clock movements from Billib. Built or finished in a range of woods such as oak clocks, mahogany clocks etc. Newly buit large wall clocks from Clocks & Chime in contemporary clock designs, and a selection of reproduction antique clocks and modern wall clocks - housing quality German clock movements from Billib. Built or finished in a range of woods such as oak clocks, mahogany clocks etc.
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Longcase Clocks

The invention of the long pendulum in 1657, which needed a long-case to house it, not only advanced the accuracy of clocks but also established a new piece of furniture – the longcase clock. At the time, the development of this new technology and its form as a new item of furniture, were appealing from both a design and horology perspective.  Today over 300 years later the finest of these clocks, that have survived the rigours of age, built by the early celebrated makers are still sought after and fetch a six sum.
 
Back then - as is the case now - the development of these new products, with their finely engineered mechanical movements, and superb wood cabinets, were only available to those who could afford to pay for innovation and quality, which inevitably meant Royalty and the nobility of the period. Through time longcase clocks progressed from being an innovative to an established item of furniture; increased demand and improved production saw its wider availability and greater numbers produced. consequently later longcase clocks are much cheaper to procure. In terms of antique clocks - the younger the clock, the less you’ll pay.

New versus Antique!
No matter what the period of manufacture, some clocks were always better and more costly than others. The quality of the movement and dials along with the use of solid hardwoods and veneers or wood constructs, are variables in the production of clocks that apply to antique and new clocks alike. Antique clocks vary tremendously in aesthetic and functional quality.  With the exception of the surviving early clocks mentioned above, that were built by master craftsmen, with complex movements in magnificent cases aimed at the premium market of the day, the majority of antique clocks do not compare favourably with fine quality clocks made today.

The vast majority of antique clocks (circa 75%) were built by local carpenters, lacking the master craftsmen's experience and skills in constructing fine pieces of furniture.  They were built with simple movements housed in simply made pine or oak cases for the mass market of the period.  By the 19th century a huge variety of clocks were available as most villages around Europe had their own clockmaker. Whether produced for the premium or mass market, the bottom line, when it comes to antique clocks, is condition.  Lots were made, and over the centuries many have had bad things happen to them through neglect or accident: movements being dropped or badly repaired; dial paint flaking off, mouldings falling off, parts lost, cases dented, feet rotted away, clocks cut down or altered to suit fashion trends of the time and in some instances even exposed to infestation.

Of course, most of these problems are repairable by skilled restorers. Virtually every antique clock you see has had some restoration and this is reflected in the sales price, the extent of which depends on the degree of work undertaken.  It is quite possible that £3000 of £5000 price being asked is actually the cost of restoration; this does not of course detract from the aesthetics and functionality of these old clocks.  However, taking all of the above into account, buying an antique clock requires substantial consideration, not to mention a thorough inspection!

New Longcase Clocks
A newly built longcase clock offer the joy of owning, a beautiful clock with a superb modern mechanical movement and piece of mind in the knowledge that you are purchasing a aesthetically pleasing and function clock, manufactured to meet today's exacting standards and expectations. A clock from Clocks & Chimes is a statement piece of furniture, hand crafted using traditional methods within modern processes and constructed from the best available materials in real wood and precision movements. Each clock is made to order and built to the highest standards.  Although based on a small design range, being hand crafted, no two clocks are exactly the same each having features derived from its own build process, which takes many hours in timber preparation, assembly and finishing. 

Clocks & Chimes clocks are a quality item, in a limited quantity and each is individually numbered. The result is a clock that: keeps excellent time; is a delight to look at; a pleasure to own and with appropriate care is likely to be a future family treasure passed down the generations.

Clocks & Chimes also supply a range of new built longcase clocks from Billib “the grandfather clock specialists” who are UK agents for probably the finest clock brands/manufacturers in the world. These are finished to order.
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