A brief history of Grandfather Clocks
The man said to be responsible for inventing the first grandfather clock was celebrated Dutch astronomer and physicist Christian Huygens who developed a pendulum style floor clock around 1657. Huygens' clock was described as keeping a 'more even' time than any known clock of its day. The device that kept this clock so regular was called the pendulum (the long swinging weight inside the wooden case). 

In about 1660 London clockmakers improved Huygens' invention by making the grandfather clock as we know it today. It stood about six-feet tall in a well-crafted wooden case, with an enclosed pendulum and weights. 

Over the years clockmakers elongated the pendulum for greater accuracy, enhanced the craftsmanship of the wooden case and added chimes. Today grandfather clocks are a great symbol of time and antiquity, acting as family heirlooms and museum quality relics.

What is a Grandfather Clock?
A grandfather clock is a floor clock that is operated by the movement of a swinging pendulum and suspended weights enclosed in a tall cabinet.

How do Grandfather Clocks work?
The pendulum swings back and forth by the force of gravity allowing the weights to drop at given paces. The functions of the clock are then driven by the movement of the weights. The weights are either suspended by chains or cables and need to be adjusted periodically to keep proper time. Grandfather clocks are very accurate and can keep time to within one minute per month.

Are Grandfather Clocks hard to set up?
Actually they are much easier to set up than you might think. This is because you are doing just that, setting it up and not building it. All that is required is a little time and some basic tools. Most Grandfather clocks even come with an instructional video showing how to set it up and take proper care of it. . 

How do you take care of them?
You should have it professionally cleaned and oiled every two to three years. Also, periodic dusting and general cleaning will keep your grandfather clock in great shape. 

Can Grandfather Clocks be turned off at anytime? 
Yes, most grandfather clocks have a night shut-off lever which allows you to disable the sounds and movements at anytime, while still keeping the correct time. 

What is the difference between cable-driven and chain-driven?
The cable-driven grandfather clock is wound by inserting a key or crank to set the weights, whereas the chain-driven grandfather clock is wound by pulling the chains until the weights are in the correct position.

What is a Pendulum?
A disc-shaped body (bob) suspended by cables from a fixed support that swings freely back and forth under the influence of gravity, which operates the clock and assures accurate time. 

What is a Bob? 
The bob is the polished round disk at the lower end of a pendulum.

What is the Crown?
The crown is generally referred to as being the top portion of the grandfather clock. The most common crown styles are the split pediment and the bonnet, which has a full arched façade. Other common styles are arched, flat top and federal crowns.

What is a Finial? 
Decorative ornament, usually in wood or brass, placed on top of the clock cabinet. Used most frequently in between split pediment crowns on grandfather clocks. 

What are the Access doors? 
The access doors are hinged doors or panel inserts on the upper sides of clocks, which allow access to the movement.

What is a Moon Dial?
A dial usually found at the top of the clock face which tracks the moon's phases through the 29-1/2 days of the lunar month. As the rotating moon dial passes behind the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, the phases of the moon are represented as they appear at each stage of the cycle: new moon, waning crescent, half moon, etc.

What do the weights do?
The weights provide the motive force which drives the clock mechanism in grandfather clocks. They usually have a weighted insert with a brass shell.