As someone who has spent the last 15 years immersed in the world of grandfather clocks, I’ve had the privilege of working with timepieces from virtually every major manufacturer across the globe. My journey began in a local clock company where I learned to appreciate not just the mechanical precision of these magnificent pieces, but also their artistic craftsmanship and historical significance.
Today, I’m excited to share my insights about the 10 best grandfather clock manufacturers that have consistently delivered exceptional quality, innovation, and timeless elegance.
1. Howard Miller Clock Company is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturers
Heritage and Legacy
Founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, this American company has become synonymous with premium grandfather clocks. During my years in the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Howard Miller has maintained its reputation for over 95 years, consistently producing clocks that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.
Product Range and Quality
Howard Miller offers an extensive collection ranging from traditional cherry wood models to contemporary designs. Their attention to detail is remarkable—each clock features precision German movements, hand-selected hardwoods, and meticulous finishing. I’ve personally inspected dozens of their models, and the consistency in quality never fails to impress me.
Signature Features and Innovations
What sets Howard Miller apart is their commitment to both mechanical excellence and aesthetic beauty. Their clocks feature Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim-Bam chimes, automatic nighttime chime shut-off, and solid wood construction. The company’s Curios division also creates stunning display cases that complement their timepieces perfectly.
Market Position and Availability
Howard Miller remains one of the most accessible premium brands, with authorized dealers worldwide. Their price points range from mid-range to luxury, making quality grandfather clocks available to a broader audience without compromising on craftsmanship.
2. Hermle Black Forest Clocks is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
German Engineering Excellence
Hermle represents the pinnacle of German clockmaking tradition, established in 1922 in the heart of the Black Forest region. Having worked with numerous Hermle movements throughout my career, I can attest to their exceptional precision and longevity—these are clocks built to last generations.
Mechanical Movement Mastery
Hermle specializes in creating their own mechanical movements, which are considered among the finest in the world. Their 8-day movements, triple-chime systems, and moon phase complications demonstrate a level of mechanical sophistication that few manufacturers can match. Each movement is hand-assembled and rigorously tested.
Traditional Craftsmanship Methods
The company maintains traditional Black Forest clockmaking techniques passed down through generations. Their use of genuine cuckoo clock mechanisms, hand-carved wooden components, and time-honored assembly methods creates timepieces with authentic German character and reliability.
Global Recognition and Awards
Hermle clocks are recognized internationally for their precision and craftsmanship. They supply movements to other premium manufacturers worldwide, solidifying their reputation as the movement specialists of the grandfather clock industry.
3. Ridgeway Clocks
American Craftsmanship Heritage
Ridgeway has been creating exceptional grandfather clocks since 1960, representing the finest in American clockmaking tradition. In my experience working with various brands, Ridgeway consistently delivers pieces that showcase both technical excellence and artistic beauty.
Premium Materials and Construction
Ridgeway uses only the finest hardwoods, including cherry, oak, mahogany, and walnut, sourced from sustainable forests. Their attention to wood grain matching, hand-rubbed finishes, and solid wood construction (not veneer) creates heirloom-quality pieces that appreciate in value over time.
Chiming Systems and Sound Quality
The acoustic quality of Ridgeway clocks is exceptional. Their Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael chimes are carefully tuned and positioned for optimal sound projection. Having listened to hundreds of grandfather clocks, I can confidently say Ridgeway’s chimes are among the most melodious and well-balanced.
Limited Edition Collections
Ridgeway regularly produces limited edition clocks that become collector’s items. These special releases often feature unique wood combinations, special movements, or commemorative designs that make them highly sought after by serious collectors.
4. Kieninger Clock Company is also Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
Bavarian Excellence Since 1912
Kieninger represents over a century of German clockmaking expertise from Bavaria. As someone who appreciates mechanical precision, I’ve always been impressed by Kieninger’s commitment to maintaining traditional manufacturing methods while incorporating modern quality control standards.
Mechanical Movement Innovation
Kieninger produces their own high-grade mechanical movements, including complex astronomical displays, multiple chime sequences, and perpetual calendar mechanisms. Their movements are known for exceptional accuracy and smooth operation, requiring minimal maintenance when properly cared for.
Astronomical and Complication Features
What distinguishes Kieninger is their expertise in creating grandfather clocks with astronomical complications—moon phases, seasonal adjustments, and celestial displays. These features add both functional value and visual interest to their timepieces.
Collector Appeal and Investment Value
Kieninger clocks are highly regarded by collectors and often appreciate in value. Their limited production numbers, combined with exceptional craftsmanship, make them excellent investments for those who appreciate fine timepieces.
5. Sligh Furniture Company is Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
American Luxury Clockmaking
Sligh has been synonymous with luxury American furniture and clocks since 1880. Throughout my career, I’ve observed how Sligh maintains its position as a premium manufacturer by focusing on exceptional materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Furniture-Grade Construction
Sligh clocks are built using furniture-grade construction techniques, with dovetail joints, hand-selected veneers, and multiple coats of hand-rubbed finish. This approach results in grandfather clocks that are as much fine furniture as they are timepieces.
Customization and Personalization
One aspect I particularly appreciate about Sligh is their willingness to create custom pieces. They offer various wood species, finish options, and even custom engraving, allowing customers to create truly unique heirloom pieces.
Heirloom Quality and Longevity
Sligh clocks are built to last multiple generations. The company’s commitment to using traditional joinery methods, premium materials, and precise assembly ensures that these timepieces will continue functioning and looking beautiful for decades to come.
6. Chelsea Clock Company is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
American Maritime Heritage
Founded in 1897, Chelsea Clock Company has a rich heritage in precision timekeeping, originally serving the maritime industry. This background in creating accurate, reliable timepieces for ships translates beautifully to their grandfather clock collection.
Precision and Reliability Focus
Chelsea’s emphasis on precision timekeeping is evident in every grandfather clock they produce. Their mechanical movements are regulated to chronometer standards, ensuring exceptional accuracy that rivals modern quartz movements.
Nautical-Inspired Design Elements
Many Chelsea grandfather clocks incorporate subtle nautical design elements—brass fittings, ship’s bell chimes, and maritime-inspired case designs that reflect the company’s seafaring heritage while maintaining elegant home décor appeal.
Limited Production and Exclusivity
Chelsea produces relatively few grandfather clocks compared to larger manufacturers, making each piece somewhat exclusive. This limited production approach allows for greater attention to individual quality control and craftsmanship details.
7. Tempus Fugit is also Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
Traditional Clockmaking Values
Tempus Fugit represents traditional clockmaking values with a focus on mechanical movements and classic designs. Having worked with their clocks extensively, I appreciate their commitment to maintaining old-world craftsmanship standards in modern production.
Mechanical Movement Specialization
The company specializes in mechanical movements exclusively, avoiding quartz alternatives. This dedication to traditional timekeeping methods appeals to purists who appreciate the artistry and engineering of mechanical clockwork.
Classic Design Aesthetics
Tempus Fugit clocks feature timeless designs that complement both traditional and contemporary home décors. Their case styles range from simple elegance to ornate traditional patterns, all executed with careful attention to proportion and detail.
Value-Oriented Premium Quality
Tempus Fugit offers excellent value in the premium grandfather clock market. They manage to provide high-quality mechanical movements and solid wood construction at price points that make fine clockmaking accessible to more collectors.
8. Emperor Clock Company is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
Asian Craftsmanship Excellence
Emperor Clock Company brings Asian craftsmanship traditions to grandfather clock manufacturing. Their unique approach combines Eastern aesthetic sensibilities with Western mechanical traditions, creating distinctive timepieces.
Innovative Design Approaches
Emperor clocks often feature innovative design elements—unique case shapes, non-traditional wood combinations, and modern interpretations of classical grandfather clock forms. This creative approach appeals to customers seeking something distinctive.
Quality Control Standards
Despite their innovative designs, Emperor maintains strict quality control standards. Their mechanical movements are reliable, their wood finishing is excellent, and their overall construction quality meets professional standards.
Market Positioning and Accessibility
Emperor clocks are positioned in the mid-to-upper market segment, offering distinctive designs at competitive prices. This positioning makes them attractive to customers who want something unique without premium pricing.
9. Bulova Clocks is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
American Brand Heritage
Bulova’s clockmaking heritage dates back to 1875, establishing them as one of America’s oldest timepiece manufacturers. While known primarily for watches, their grandfather clock division maintains the same commitment to precision and quality.
Technology Integration
Bulova uniquely integrates modern technology with traditional grandfather clock design. Their harmonic triple-chime movements and precision quartz timing offer maintenance-free operation while maintaining classical appearance.
Diverse Style Offerings
Bulova offers grandfather clocks in various styles, from ultra-traditional to contemporary designs. This diversity allows them to serve different market segments while maintaining consistent quality standards across all product lines.
Reliability and Service Support
Bulova’s extensive service network and parts availability make their grandfather clocks practical choices for long-term ownership. Their customer service and warranty support are among the best in the industry.
10. Coaster Fine Furniture is a Grandfather Clock Manufacturer
Contemporary Design Focus
Coaster Fine Furniture brings a fresh, contemporary approach to grandfather clock design. Their clocks appeal to modern homeowners who want traditional functionality in updated aesthetic packages.
Modern Manufacturing Techniques
Coaster utilizes modern manufacturing techniques and materials while maintaining traditional grandfather clock proportions and functionality. This approach allows them to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Style Versatility
Coaster grandfather clocks complement contemporary, transitional, and modern traditional home décors. Their design team understands current interior design trends while respecting grandfather clock traditions.
Accessibility and Value
Coaster positions their grandfather clocks as accessible luxury, offering quality timepieces at price points that make them attainable for a broader market while maintaining acceptable quality standards.
Conclusion Choosing Your Perfect Grandfather Clock
After 15 years of working intimately with grandfather clocks from these manufacturers and many others, I can confidently say that each of these companies brings something unique to the market. Whether you’re drawn to German mechanical precision, American craftsmanship traditions, or innovative contemporary designs, these manufacturers represent the finest the grandfather clock world has to offer.
When selecting a grandfather clock, consider not just the initial purchase price, but the long-term value, serviceability, and how well the piece will complement your home for years to come. A quality grandfather clock from any of these manufacturers will serve as both a functional timepiece and a treasured family heirloom for generations.
Remember, the best grandfather clock is the one that speaks to your personal taste while meeting your functional needs and budget requirements. Each of these manufacturers has earned their place among the world’s finest through decades of commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
