Contents
Mechanical (Windup) Clocks
Why I like it
You know I love me some art nouveau. Look at it! Those curved lines, ornate weights and pendulum, and the leafy, ornamentation with a very high degree of attention to detail. Plus, quality components such as piano hinges, and chime rods make this clock one of the best ever made for me.
Why I like it
While the gothic styling isn't my taste, the reason why it's still a favorite is because of the high pitched, cute bells. It also contains a battery powered music box that plays after the hour count.
Why I like it
Known as the world's finest grandfather clock, the Model 250 is completley hand made, right down to their in-house tubular bell chiming movement, the face, and the burl venneer. Herschede's movements are also known to be very durable and are top notch. This clock is also the last ever to be produced when Herschede stopped making complete grandfather clocks in the early 80s to produce movements only.
More photos | Westminster chime + overview | Whittington chime | Canterbury chime
Why I like it
The first thing to mention about this is the sound. These are some of the best bells I have ever heard on a clock. They're almost a combination of chime rods and bells. Note that the lined videos show a clock that is missing the brass/gold dial accents.
Why I like it
What can I say... it's a grandfather clock shrunk down. Look how small it is!!! Besides that, the beveled, paned glass around the clock gives it a modern touch while also not being overly simple or plain. The chimes also sound loud and clear.
Why I like it
The art deco font of the face has a very sharp look that contrats well with the simplistic and curvy case. The main event however, is the deep, rich tones of the chime rods. I also love the deep, bassy resonance.
Why I like it
While it is simpler and less beautiful or featured than my other clocks (since it's only a striking clock), I included it simply because of how nostalgic this video is. It was one of my favorite clock videos years ago and thought that it was interesting to see a mass produced animated clock that's not a Rhythm or a cuckoo.
Why I like it
Years ago, around 2017-18, I used to watched this video simply titled German Westminster Chime. As angelic as the chimes were, I didn't like the slight glitching of the audio. A few days ago, someone in a clock chat brought up that same video and asked what brand it is. Another member quickly brought up the brand, which is how I discovered this clock and its glitch-free video.
Why I like it
One of the best clocks in terms of acoustics. It's one of the most resonant and clear high pitched chimes I ever heard, and unlike most clocks, closing the door for the dial amplifies the sound becuase the chime rods are close to the door, causing the sound to vibrate throuh the door.
Pre-2010 Rhythm
Why I like it
This clock has a very geometric yet whimsical styling, with a city background, a rotatig ferris wheel or sun, and the ballons. The balloons floating around hourly gives it a calm, relaxing display. The expressive DWS sound system adds on to why this clock is one of my all-tine favorites.
Why I like it
This clock uses what is considered to be predesssor to DWS: FM sound. I like the music box sound this clock has, the way the clock openes up is remiscent of theatre. The clock's decorations are very elegant and refined as well. It also plays "Fly Me To the Moon" and "Moonlight Serenade", both of which are songs that I really like.
Why I like it
This was one of the first animated DWS clocks to be released in 1999. DWS is known for being a very expressive yet synth-y sound system, giving this clock a very unique late 90s appeal, while having a traditional European look.
libraryoftime.miraheze.org Wiki entry | Video | Video of Japan exclusive blue framed version, all songs
Why I like it
This is where the DWS sound system really shines. The track listing on this, in my opinion, has the most varity of moods, from slow paced and chill, to upbeat and optimistic.
Why I like it
This is one of the most frutiger aero-like clocks I ever saw due to the bubbly water theme and the songs that are reminiscent of old calm Samsung alarms. I wish there was a green forest variant, though.
Why I like it
The silliness and whimsy of this thing !! The bouncing pipes, the pumping robots, the flute sound, ahh!!!! :3 need i say more?
Why I like it
yet another whimsical and goofy rhythm clock!! its juts like me, normal most of the time but when the time allows i bcome all silly! bring back the whimsical rhythm era !!
Why I like it
The J-pop songs on this clock are not commonly found on other clocks, and is probabaly even one of the first models to recieve J-pop. I also enjoy the FM sound of this clock.
Why I like it
the electronic 8-bit sound is pretty whimsical, although not as much as the Live or the Eclore. This also has the geometric city style, similar to the Magic Balloons, but was released in the early 90s
Post-2010 Rhythm
Why I like it
Its "Creative Sound" sound system is very relaxing, with a mix of synth and violin sounds, although for some reason it is labeled as "Clarion Tone System" in the US, while the Japanese version has the same sound system but is properly labeled. I also really like the design of the clock, with its subtle copper color, its transparent back, the gently swinging olive pendulum, and the elegant face. The blue-ish hands are also reminiscent of high-end watches.
timelessclocks.co Product Info | libraryoftime.miraheze.org Wiki entry | Video
Why I like it
The gear motion and classic color scheme give this clock a very 'mechanical' apperance. The design also makes it looks more like a regular clock, helping it become a statement piece without being too flashy. I also appreciate the bells intro. The playlist isn't the best, however. If they would make a version of the clock with the Harmony Blessing II playlist, it would be perfect.
Why I like it
Most Rhythm Clocks have an oval or sometimes circular shapes that make them unusual compared to other clocks, but this clock has a more traditional look and even more subtle than the Gadget and would fit mist into most home decor. However, it may not have sold well as the motion was more subtle, with 2 figurines shaking bells and rotating gears, causing it to be quite short-lived in the US.
Why I like it
It's essentally like a "grown-up" version of my Lily N clock, with a karakuri (animation) on the hour, 30 melodies instead of 6, and a newer and more refined version of a crystaline sound system known as Clarion Tone System. Note some sound samples in the linked product info page are incorrect, such as Ballets des Champs-Elysees, and Air.
Why I like it
This clock is the perfect mix of whimsical pre-2010 rhythm with the elegance of post 2010 Rhythm. The clock is overall based on a whimsical design from ovr 20 years ago, but manages to make it have a elegant appeal by having a back and gold color scheme in the background, and by using the latest version of Clarion Tone System, a clear and crystaline sound system. Note some sound samples in the linked product info page are incorrect, such as Ballets des Champs-Elysees, and Air.
Why I like it
The. Sound. This is possibly the best iteration of Clarion Tone System, reminiscent of a grand, crystal organ. Some older versions of Clarion Tone Sound songs by contrast sound cheap and poorly composed.
Why I like it
Most battery operated cuckoos use cheap, annoying speakers, a cuckoo sound effect with unneccessary stream and echo effects, and cheap parts to operate the motion. Mechanical (windup) cuckoos are higher quality, but can be more expensive and have a loud "gong". The sound of a Rhythm cuckoo however, is cuter and relaxing to me due to its use of real whistles while being relatively affordable, and due to its high quaity, the clock doesn't create any loud mechanical noises. Rhythm also makes the Muji cuckoo clocks and is a cheaper option I will consider.
Why I like it
The wispy, flowing accents around the face, near the bottom, and on the corners of the clock really give it a charming, almost art nouevau apperance almost on par with the Gazo clock. The Westminster Chimes are also some of the highest quality avaliable today for a battery powered clock, although the classical music selection is limited to 6 songs, compared to later models with 16 songs.
Why I like it
The dial on this clock is more reminiscent of vintage clocks due to its roman numerals and minutes markers. The silver accents and pendulum give it an elegant appeal whilst making it not cheap looking. As with other WSM clocks, the Westminster Chimes are also some of the highest quality avaliable today for a battery powered clock, although the classical music selection is limited to 6 songs, compared to later models with 16 songs.
timelessclocks.co Product Info | libraryoftime.miraheze.org Wiki entry | Video
Why I like it
The case design is highly detailed and an accurate representation of antique clock cases, to my untrained eye at least. The stained glass accents are very unique and are not usually seen in many clocks. The ribbed dial with pearl-finish inlay is the cherry on top for its design. As with the Randolph, it has the 16 classical melody selection instead of the 6. I wish they made a wall clock variant of this, though.
Seiko
Why I like it
They made ":D" into a clock. thats all you need to know.
Why I like it
I love the relaxing and serene themes the clock plays. It's also a very rare model, and not many collectors own this model. The calming light shows accompany the melodies, and I prefer wooden frames over plastic colored frames.
Full length song samples, played through a white version of the clock. | Video
Why I like it
First off, the song playlist is unparrelled. The playlist has pop songs, Studio Ghilibi songs, and classical. Nowadays, not much clocks have copyrighted music due to licesncing restrictions. The Wave Symphony sound system is one of the best sounding ones I've heard from a clock. The modernistic floral design ties the clock together, and you know by now how much I like florals.
Why I like it
The design and animation of this is something to behold. The entire face drops down on the hour, revealing a door reminiscent of a traditional cuckoo clock, but instead of a cuckoo, a flute player is revealed. It's also a more of a "fantasy" rendition of a usual pendulum clock.