Shop clocks — Wall, Table & Mantel Clocks

Buying a clock — what to know before you choose

The right clock depends on three things: where it will live, how much maintenance you want, and what the display is for.

The full cuckoo clock collection divides into mechanical and quartz. Mechanical models — particularly authentic Black Forest clocks from German makers — are weight-driven, need winding every 1 or 8 days depending on the movement, and last decades with occasional servicing. Quartz models run on batteries and never need winding. Both produce the same visual effect; the difference is in the experience of ownership.

Animated musical clocks perform an hourly display — the clock face opens, rotates, or splits while a melody plays. The Seiko Melodies in Motion collection is the only major line still in active US production. Rhythm Small World clocks remain available from existing stock while supply lasts.

Radio-controlled wall clocks synchronise automatically with the WWVB signal from Fort Collins, Colorado, keeping time to within a fraction of a second without manual adjustment. Install the battery, position it near an exterior wall, and it handles the rest.

The grandfather clock collection covers weight-driven floor clocks that chime on the quarter hour and strike the full hour. A well-made grandfather clock will run for generations with regular servicing every 5 to 10 years.

Vinyl clocks use a genuine pressed record as the clock face with a quartz movement mounted through the centre. Practical as a wall clock, and a popular gift for music fans.

Not sure which type suits you? The Clock FAQ Directory covers the most common questions about every category — from how each mechanism works to what to look for before you buy.