Our Picks For Top Of The Best
Chiming Grandfather Clocks
Check List On The Best Chiming Grandfather Clocks
Howard Miller Vuchinich II Grandfather Clock
Best heirloom-quality grandfather clockDescription of Howard Miller Vuchinich II Grandfather Clock
We recommend the Howard Miller Vuchinich II for anyone seeking a full-sized, furniture-quality grandfather clock. Standing over seven feet tall, it combines fine woodworking, a substantial presence, and a triple-chime cable-driven movement that delivers authentic chime sequences at the quarter-hour and full-hour.
We consider this Howard Miller Vuchinich II a top-tier grandfather clock for homeowners seeking an heirloom-quality timepiece. Its cable-driven triple-chime movement, moon phase dial, and fine cabinetry make it a centerpiece that performs as well as it looks.
Movement and decorative features
- Cable-driven triple-chime movement offering Westminster, St. Michael, and Whittington melodies with quarter-hour chiming and full-hour sequences.
- Satin brass-finished illuminated dial, astrological blue moon phase, brass numerals, and a swan-neck pediment that showcase traditional craftsmanship.
Practical considerations and ownership notes
This is a heavy, large piece—plan for professional delivery and installation and confirm clearance in doorways and stairwells before purchase.
Because of size and shipping complexity, inspect upon delivery (photos of damage on arrival are not uncommon) and work with the seller/manufacturer for any needed repairs or adjustments.
What Are The Pros
- Cable-driven, triple-chime movement with three melodies
- High-quality cabinetry with select hardwoods and veneers
- Moon-phase dial, illuminated chapter ring, and detailed face
- Adjustable levelers and secure locking door for stability
What Are The Cons
- High price point—significant investment
- Very large and heavy; delivery and placement can be challenging
- Limited short manufacturer warranty in some listings
PremiumHoward Miller Vuchinich II Grandfather Clock
Howard Miller Vuchinich Grandfather Clock II, Wood Finish with Triple Chime Movement Floor Clocks, Swan-Neck Pediment Perfect for Home Decor, Living Room & Office Heirloom Modern Timepiece
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Seiko Stately Solid Oak Chime Wall Clock
Best value solid oak chime clockDescription of Seiko Stately Solid Oak Chime Wall Clock
We recommend this Seiko Stately wall clock when you want the look and presence of a high-quality wooden clock without mechanical winding. The solid oak case and hand-rubbed finish give it a genuine, heirloom feel that photographs and displays extremely well.
We rate this Seiko as an outstanding value for a solid-oak chime wall clock. It delivers satisfying Westminster/Whittington chimes, solid wood construction, and useful features like volume control and automatic night silence.
Chimes and features
- Westminster/Whittington chime options with quarter-hour chiming and hourly strikes.
- Volume control, automatic night silence, applied numeral accents, and a decorative brass-finish pendulum.
Practical notes and limitations
The exterior is solid wood but some internal parts and small adjustment knobs are plastic; treat them gently during setup.
The pendulum is battery-driven and ornamental; if it doesn't swing continuously it can sometimes be corrected by checking the magnet/coil placement or battery power.
What Are The Pros
- Solid oak case with hand-rubbed finish
- Quarter-hour chimes with full-hour strikes (Westminster/Whittington)
- Night shut-off and volume control for convenience
- Accurate quartz movement with long battery life
What Are The Cons
- Some internal components are plastic despite solid wood case
- Controls are small and located on the back—adjustments can be fiddly
- A minority of units report pendulum or assembly issues
Editor's ChoiceSeiko Stately Solid Oak Chime Wall Clock
SEIKO Stately Dark Brown Solid Oak Case Wall Clock with Pendulum and Chime
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Seiko Light Oak Schoolhouse Chime Clock
Best small chime wall clockDescription of Seiko Light Oak Schoolhouse Chime Clock
We recommend this Seiko Light Oak schoolhouse clock when you want a traditional-looking wall clock with real wood styling and musical chimes in a compact form. It’s sized to fit hallways, kitchens, offices, or living rooms where a full-sized grandfather clock would be too large.
We think this Seiko schoolhouse clock blends classic style with practical chime features—dual chimes, adjustable volume, and automatic night silencing. It’s a compact, well-built option for hallways and living rooms that need a tasteful chiming presence.
Notable features
- Octagonal off-white dial with Roman numerals and a metal pendulum for classic charm.
- Dual chime functionality with quarter-hour chiming and hourly strikes, plus an automatic night silencer and volume control.
Practical considerations and tips
All control dials are located on the back; fine adjustments (exact time or chime settings) can be fiddly and may require temporarily removing the clock from the wall.
The pendulum is ornamental and driven by the electronics—do not expect it to affect timekeeping.
What Are The Pros
- Solid wood construction with authentic appearance
- Dual chime options and quarter-hour chiming
- Volume control and automatic night silencer
- Includes metal pendulum and uses a single C battery
What Are The Cons
- Controls and adjustments are on the back and small
- Pendulum is decorative and not involved in timekeeping
- Setting to the exact second can be fiddly
Editor's ChoiceSeiko Light Oak Schoolhouse Chime Clock
Seiko Light Oak Traditional Schoolhouse Wall Clock with Chime & Pendulum
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Bulova Durant Walnut Chiming Mantel Clock
Classic mantel clock with Westminster chimeDescription of Bulova Durant Walnut Chiming Mantel Clock
We think the Bulova Durant is an attractive mantel clock choice for traditional interiors. The old-world walnut finish, decorative carved accents, and screened glass panels provide a timeless look suited to mantels, shelves, and bookcases.
We appreciate this Durant mantel clock for its old-world walnut finish, decorative glass panels, and pleasant Westminster melody on the hour. It’s a handsome centerpiece for a mantel or shelf at a moderate price point.
Practical features
- Westminster melody on the hour, a revolving pendulum for display, and an included engraving plate for personalization.
- Solid wood case construction provides visual weight and presence on a mantelpiece.
Limitations and buyer tips
While the case is wood, some internal components and decorative crystals may be plastic—this reduces cost but is worth noting if you want fully traditional construction.
If chime tone is a top priority, auditioning the sound (or reviewing customer sound impressions) helps, since electronic chimes vary in perceived richness.
What Are The Pros
- Solid wood case with carved accents and walnut finish
- Westminster melody and revolving pendulum for visual charm
- Compact mantel footprint with classic styling
What Are The Cons
- Some interior parts are plastic rather than fully metal
- A few users report the chime can sound tinny or thin
- Requires multiple battery sizes—check the manual for correct installation
Best SellerBulova Durant Walnut Chiming Mantel Clock
Bulova B1845 Durant Chiming Clock, Walnut
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Brass Door Key Set for Howard Miller
Handy spare keys for heirloom clocksDescription of Brass Door Key Set for Howard Miller
We recommend keeping a set of spare door keys for grandfather and grandmother clocks—especially when the original key is lost or damaged. This two-key brass-finish set is an economical solution that fits many Howard Miller and similar clock cabinets.
We find these brass-finish keys to be a very practical spare for Howard Miller and similar clocks. They’re inexpensive and often save an owner from a tricky situation when the original key is lost or breaks.
What’s included and who it fits
- Two keys sized to work with many door locks found on modern and vintage floor clocks (common lengths and shaft dimensions).
- Designed to work on many Howard Miller models as well as other manufacturers that used similar lock barrels.
Caveats and practical tips
Because this is not an OEM part, exact fit can vary—measure your lock or bring an old key to confirm dimensions if you can.
If a key arrives slightly off, minor filing or light modification can help; we recommend a skilled hobbyist or locksmith for that work to avoid damage.
What Are The Pros
- Two-key set gives you a spare on hand
- Brass finish that matches many antique styles
- Affordable and widely compatible with Howard Miller locks
What Are The Cons
- Not OEM—fit can vary across older models
- Occasional quality variance; one key may be imperfect
Universal Grandfather Clock Skeleton Key
Most compatible single clock keyDescription of Universal Grandfather Clock Skeleton Key
We suggest this universal skeleton key when you lost the single key to a grandfather clock or when you want a quick, economical replacement. It’s aimed at clocks manufactured prior to roughly 2004 and claims broad compatibility with brands like Ridgeway, Sligh, Seth Thomas, and others.
We view this single universal skeleton key as a reliable option when you need one replacement key for an older clock door. It fits the majority of modern grandfather-clock locks but is not guaranteed for every model.
Practical features
- Brass finish and dimensions tuned to match the typical lock geometry used across many modern grandfather clocks.
- Compact, single-unit purchase—convenient if you only need one key instead of a set.
Limitations and user tips
Because this isn’t an OEM key, not every lock will accept it. We recommend checking lock dimensions if possible.
If fit is slightly tight, a careful tiny filing can often help; if it’s too different, return or exchange to avoid damaging your lock.
What Are The Pros
- Widely compatible with many grandfather clock doors
- Simple, single-key purchase when you only need one
- Brass finish that blends with classic clock styling
What Are The Cons
- Not guaranteed for every make/model—some locks require different sizes
- Occasional reports of slightly oversized or undersized bits
Best SellerUniversal Grandfather Clock Skeleton Key
Grandfather Clock Door Key for Most Clocks Prior to 2004, Compatible with Ridgeway, Sligh, Emporer, Pearl, Seth Thomas, Trend Grandfather Clock - 1 Pack
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Hermle 76-inch Grandfather Clock Cable
Best replacement cable for HermleDescription of Hermle 76-inch Grandfather Clock Cable
We keep this Hermle 76" cable on hand for grandfather clock maintenance. It is sized specifically for older Hermle 1161 movements and is commonly compatible with clocks built by manufacturers that used Hermle movements (Howard Miller, Ridgeway, Sligh, Emperor, etc.).
We consider this the go-to replacement cable when a weight cable snaps on older Hermle 1161-style movements. It’s the correct length for older movements and simple to swap when you’re doing maintenance or repairs.
Features and practical benefits
- 76-inch overall length suited to tall floor clocks with long weights.
- Designed to replace snapped or frayed weight cables so your movement will run normally again.
Installation notes and limitations
Confirm your movement model before ordering: this cable targets older 1161-style designs (pre-1978).
If your movement uses a different attachment method or shorter/longer cable, measure carefully and consult a clock technician to avoid improper tensioning.
What Are The Pros
- Correct 76" length for many older Hermle movements
- Durable construction designed for clock weights
- Simple, direct replacement—minimal modification required
What Are The Cons
- Compatibility limited to certain older movements (pre-1978 1161)
- Not useful for cable-less or modern cable designs
Must-HaveHermle 76-inch Grandfather Clock Cable
Hermle Grandfather Clock Cable 76"
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Bulova Tristan Brass Desk and Table Clock
Elegant anniversary-style desk clockDescription of Bulova Tristan Brass Desk and Table Clock
We recommend this Bulova Tristan as a stylish desk, mantel, or tabletop clock when presentation matters. The polished metal dial, glass dome, and revolving pendulum give it an anniversary-clock aesthetic without the maintenance of a mechanical torsion movement.
We find this Bulova Tristan desk clock attractive and gift-worthy, with a polished brass finish and a glass dome that showcases a revolving pendulum. It keeps good time and has a tasteful presentation, though some users note higher battery consumption.
Features that matter
- Polished brass finish, spun-finish chapter ring, and a glass dome that lends a classic, display-oriented look.
- Revolving pendulum movement (battery-driven) and included engraving plate make it suitable as a commemorative gift.
Practical limitations and tips
The clock requires two batteries (one for time, one for the pendulum mechanism) and some users report faster battery drain—keep spare batteries handy.
While elegant in appearance, many of the internal components are modern and plastic rather than traditional clock metalwork.
What Are The Pros
- Polished brass finish and glass dome create a refined look
- Revolving pendulum adds visual interest
- Compact size fits mantels, pianos, and desks
What Are The Cons
- Uses two batteries and can be battery-hungry
- Some internal parts are plastic; not fully mechanical
- Occasional reports of noisy motor in quiet rooms
PremiumBulova Tristan Brass Desk and Table Clock
Bulova Tristan I Desk and Table Clock | Model B8818 | Polished Brass Finish | Polished Metal Base | Floating Dial | Roman Numerals | Elegant Pendulum Design
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EEEKit Battery Chime Movement Replacement Kit
Best budget replacement movementDescription of EEEKit Battery Chime Movement Replacement Kit
We use this kit when we need a low-cost, battery-powered chime movement for vintage mantle or grandfather-style clocks. It includes a chime box, a quartz battery motor with a long shaft, and three sets of aluminum hands so you have pieces to fit a range of dials.
We found this kit to be an inexpensive way to restore chiming functionality to older mantel and grandfather-style clocks. It offers multiple chime melodies and a silent-night feature, but build quality and instructions are noticeably basic.
Key features and benefits
- Four selectable sound modes (strike-only plus three melodies) with an adjustable rotary volume control.
- Automatic night silence (10:00 PM–5:59 AM) and a SET button to advance the chime hour.
- Quartz sweeping movement for quiet timekeeping and low power draw; fits panels less than ~0.11" thick.
Limitations and practical tips
Construction is lightweight: hands are thin aluminum and the plastic parts can feel fragile. We recommend handling the hands gently during installation to avoid bending.
The instructions can be unclear; allow time for trial-and-error when synchronizing chime and time motor. Users have reported inconsistent quarter-hour behavior in some units.
What Are The Pros
- Very affordable option for movement replacement
- Multiple chime melodies and adjustable volume
- Built-in night silence window for quiet evenings
- Fits thin clock panels and includes hands
What Are The Cons
- Thin, lower-quality materials prone to bending
- Sparse or confusing instructions; setup can be fiddly
- Some users report difficulty syncing quarter-hour chimes
EEEKit Battery Chime Movement Replacement Kit
EEEKit Chiming Clock Mechanism Replacement, Battery Motors with Chime Melody Hour Trigger and 3 Set Hands for Vintage Grandpa Clock Repair Parts
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Final Thoughts
We recommend the Howard Miller Vuchinich II Grandfather Clock as our top pick. It earns that spot for true heirloom quality: cable-driven triple-chime movement, a moon-phase dial, and fine cabinetry make it a centerpiece that performs beautifully and lasts generations. Choose the Vuchinich II if you have the space and budget and want a formal, show-stopping clock for a living room or entry hall.
For excellent value and a more modest footprint, pick the Seiko Stately Solid Oak Chime Wall Clock. It delivers authentic Westminster/Whittington chimes, solid-oak construction, adjustable volume, and automatic night silence—perfect for everyday rooms, hallways, or anyone who wants the sound of a chiming clock without the floor-space or price of a full grandfather.
If you already own a high-end piece or plan to keep one long-term, consider a spare Brass Door Key Set to avoid being locked out of performance when the original key goes missing.
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