It was about this time that the first efficient factories allowing for the mass production of clocks really took off. Aiming for inexpensive materials that were easily formed to represent almost any style, the early mass producers of clocks opted to use ceramics, or faence. Faence is a type of pottery associated with Faenza, Italy, that was used as something akin to plastic in the early twentieth century. Inexpensive, easy to shape or paint into any design, the decision to use this material for the casing of clocks was a great success between 1920 and 1940.

Although popular in Europe, especially in France and Belgium, the trend took off everywhere. This was the last big push in new, innovative – and popular – mantle clocks. Although the most famous of these ceramic mantle clocks were those that took on the Art Deco style popular at the time, in reality these clocks came in every conceivable style. Many were designed to look like more expensive middle class and upper class clocks, while others were given themes such as ancient Greek temples, biblical scenes and so on. These mantle clocks were not only designed to be functional, but were designed to be key elements of a room’s decoration. Often brightly colored and quite large, these clocks were both distinctive and considered prized possessions by many of their owners.

Beside modern replicas and reproductions of antique mantle clocks, most modern mantle clocks derive their inspiration from this craze for clocks between the two world wars. In fact, although plastic is less expensive, ceramics remain quite inexpensive today, so it is entirely possible to get fully historically accurate reproductions of these ceramic clocks today at a reasonable price. This is especially popular for those interested in the Art Deco style. Most of the originals of these mantle clocks were made in Belgium, France, and the Czech Republic and these areas still have businesses that produce these clocks today. However, after the end of World War II and the availability of inexpensive wrist watches and wall clocks these large mantle clocks fell out of style.

Nevertheless, someone looking around for a unique mantle clock to give their sitting room a unique appearance and style can still find modern reproductions of these ceramic clocks at very reasonable prices. The originals, being mass produced and fairly cheap, did not last very long, so the few that survived the war and remain in good shape and working are now extremely valued by collectors.

The first step, before the clock is running is to set the time. Though your can set the time once the clock is running, it is usually safer to do so when the clock is still as this minimizes the chances of accidently affecting the mechanism. You should probably set the clock back by a few minutes so that you can fine tune the setting by pushing the minute hand forward (clockwise) just a bit once the clock is running. You should always try to set the clock by the minute hand, leaving the hour and second hands alone as much as possible.

Next you must get the pendulum running. First wind the clock. Most pendulum clocks have to be wound before they will run at all. Once the clock is wound you can either light push the pendulum from side to side or you can tip the clock lightly from side to side. Either method should get the pendulum to begin swinging. If the pendulum fails to start then theree is probably a problem with your clock and you should consult with a trained clock repair person or restorer.

Once your clock is running, you can fine tune the time setting using a digital or electric clock by determining whether or not the clock is running correctly. If it is running extremely fast or slow, this should be readily evident within an hour or so. More often, the discrepancy is smaller and harder to notice, so you should probably monitor the clocks progress against your electric or digital clock over a period of a few hours. Chances are your clock will need an adjustment.

The basic rule of thumb to follow when setting a pendulum is that the longer the pendulum is, the slower it runs and the opposite is also true. If your clock is running fast, you will need to lower the pendulum bob; if it is running slow, you will need to raise it. As this is a normal part of owning and operating a pendulum clock, virtually all pendulum clocks make this process fairly easy to accomplish.

Most modern pendulum clocks have a nut or disk at the bottom of the pendulum bob that can be turned. Turning it to the left lowers the bob, lengthening the pendulum and thus slowing the clock, with the opposite being true if you turn it to the right. Some older clocks, especially antique clocks from the 1920s and earlier, have more complex mechanisms for accomplishing the same thing, but most are fairly obvious and user-friendly. Some rare clocks, however, require a special key to make this adjustment and if the key has been lost it is probably worth the time to consult with a professional clock expert as opposed to risking damaging the clock.

Tip #1: Be careful when moving the hands.

Generally speaking, you should only move the minute hand to set your clock’s time and you should ALWAYS move it clockwise, as turning it backwards can damage the gear assembly that operates it. Also remember to always slow down carefully as you push the minute hand past the hour and half hour mark in order to give your mantel clock’s bell and chimes a few moments to set up. Pushing through the hour and half hours marks too quickly can lead to permanently damaging your clock’s bell or chime mechanism.

Tip #2: Remove the pendulum before moving the clock

This rule applies primarily to legitimately pendulum-driven clocks, whether they are antiques or modern. The swinging pendulum is extremely sensitive to movement, so moving your clock with the pendulum still attached can result in the both the misalignment of the pendulum with the rest of the mechanism or its complete separation from its anchoring mechanism. Either problem can ruin your mantle clock. For modern, battery-driven electric clocks with a faux pendulum, obviously this does not matter as much.

Tip #3: Always place the clock right side up

Almost all mantle clocks are specifically designed to remain standing in only one direction. Laying your mantel clock on its back or side can result in the mechanism being seriously damaged. This is more of a concern for antique mantel clocks, but can be applicable to high quality modern clocks as well. Remember, your mantle clock is not a larger version of a wristwatch. Instead they usually have completely different driving mechanisms and rely heavily on gravity to work correctly. This means that laying them the wrong direction can have serious consequences.

Tip #4: Wind your clock before the very last minute

Most antique clocks and many high quality modern clocks using traditional mechanisms require regular winding. While most mantle clocks will go for up to eight days without winding, more often than not the mechanism becomes sluggish during the last two days of its wind. Therefore, it is advisable for people with mantle clock requiring winding to wind them every six or seven days as opposed to waiting until the very end. This will prevent you from having to reset the clock once a week.

Tip #5: Never force anything

Most mantle clocks – both antiques and quality modern versions – are highly crafted mechanisms that are designed to run very smoothly and precisely. The same is true for all of the adjustable elements of the clock. They also should be very smooth and easy processes. If you encounter resistance while making any sort of adjustment, either you are doing something wrong or the clock has a problem. Either way, assuming you value your clock, you should consider carefully examining it for problems or calling in an expert if you encounter much resistance from regular and routine adjustments.

The Art Deco style was characterized by the use of what were considered modern materials in the 1920s and 1930s, such as aluminum, lacquer, inlaid wood and stainless steel as well as other, more exotic, substances. Further, as something of a reaction to the post-world War I austerity, the Art Deco movement was extremely lavish and opulent in nature. Many notable artists of the period made their careers – and achieved fame – through the Art Deco movement and it remains a well defined style to this day beloved by many. Because the style employed elements of many other modern styles, there is often a question about whether or not any particular piece reflects Art Deco or one of the other art styles that it borrowed from.

In that Art Deco dabbled in almost all decorative mediums, not surprisingly this also included mantel clocks. Original Art deco clocks from the 1920s and 1930s were largely mass produced, but since much of this production was in Europe, only a small number of them survived the turmoil of the Second World War. Today, original Art Deco mantel clocks from the 1920s and 1930s are highly collectible and are often sold for huge thousands of dollars, depending on their current condition. Since these clocks were mass produced, they were often not produced very well, so when an example is found that is in excellent working condition its value as a collectible skyrockets.

Beyond the originals, there are also a lot of high quality replicas being produced today that can be obtained at a much more reasonable price. These replicas tend to be exact duplicates of the original clocks, using the same mechanisms and materials. These high quality replicas can still cost a significant amount of money, frequently running into the hundreds of dollars, but rarely more than this. Generally these high quality replicas can only be found at specialty stores, where the retail markup is significant, though you can also find them sold directly by the manufacturers online. Further, in an effort to drive up the price and keep certain designs and models fairly unique, many replica makers will only issue a limited number of any particular model.

Much less expensive are the imitation Art Deco clocks that can be found much easier. These are basically fully modern clocks, whose mechanisms and parts have nothing in common with the originals, but that are placed within an Art Deco casing. Most of these imitation Art Deco clocks are massed produced today and cost less than a hundred dollars. Depending on the style and make, these clocks may still provide the right aesthetic for your living room, but they have no real resale value. You can find these imitations in many generic clocks stores and even in massive discount

Finding the right decorative mantle clock

The range of mantle clocks available today reflects the many styles that have been developed throughout history as well as many modern designs that can compliment any interior design scheme. Further, today many historical versions have been reproduced using more modern technology inside, meaning that they offer the low maintenance convenience of a modern clock with the appearance of an antique.

The range of types is truly enormous and one can easily find a mantle clock that works with almost any room in almost any style. Since decorative mantle clocks have such a long and illustrious history, as well as an overwhelming range of styles and appearances, people considering adding a mantle clock to one or more rooms of their home should have no problem finding one that compliments the room’s already existing style. From extremely rustic to ultramodern and everything in between, there are mantle clocks available which can match any preexisting décor.

Are decorative mantle clocks expensive?

The price range for modern decorative mantle clocks is extremely wide, ranging from inexpensive mass produced models that can be bought for less than ten dollars to extremely expensive antique clocks that can cost thousands of dollars.  In the end it really comes down to what the individual wants, but most decent quality mantle clocks usually cost between thirty and one hundred dollars. If you are willing to double this amount it is fairly easy to find companies that can custom design a mantle clock for you.

So, unless you are a serious clock collector, and there are a lot of antique clock collectors out there, you can probably find a decent mantle clock that will work with any room in your home at a fairly reasonable price. Further they are sold at a wide range of outlets from discount megastores to high brow interior design places. Some of the best deals, and widest selections, can be found by shopping for your decorative mantle clock online today.