Posted August 27, 2011
We got what we found to be a fascinating call from a 50-something woman who was buying a really nice wedding gift for a couple with whom she is very close. She said, I want to get them something that is not on their Bridal or Wedding Registry, and something that i know I have enjoyed in my home many decades. She was referring the the Howard Miller grandfather clock that she had in her home all these years, and was thinking it might bring the same sense of warmth and comfort and loving that it had brought to her and her family. Then, she went onto say, I thought this very “old-fashioned” kind of grandfather clock as a perfect wedding present was reminiscent of previous eras. While she may very well be right from a macro trending standpoint, we were nonetheless at something of a loss for words, except for saying what an ideal wedding gift a grandfather clock might be.
We talked a little about very special wall clocks or mantle clocks, but this customer ultimately decided she wanted her friend to experience the same pleasure she had over the years from her grandfather clock, or is it really a grandmother clock, she mused.
We talked about the various grandfather clock options available today that were not available at the time she purchased her clock, such as automatic nightime shut-off as an option, illuminated dials, automatic wind mechanical grandfather clocks, and some new and exciting other options that are available now on some grandfather clocks, such as the Ave Maria chime and the Ode to Joy chime.
While many of the top-tier clock companies remain the same, there are some new grandfather clock entrants, and other grandfather clocks makers who have for now, at least, gone by the wayside. Some of the highest quality and best names in the grandfather clock niche business remain a constant, such as Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, Hermle Floor Clocks, and Kieninger Grandfather Clocks. Some prominent grandfather clock makers that have for now at least exited the grandfather clocks marketplace include Sligh Grandfather Clocks, Bulova Grandfather Clocks and Seth Thomas grandfather clocks. One very new entrant which we are excited about working with very soon is Americana Grandfather Clocks, which will have amazing solid wood cases of the type described, and German Hermle Clock movements. Stay tuned for further details as the grandfather clock segment may once again begin heating up.
And don’t forget, a grandfather clock or grandmother clock can make an incredible special gift as a different an unbelievable wedding present, a gift for a very special wedding anniversary, a way to mark a special occasion, such as either a promotion or for a retirement.
We actually expect to see an increasing demand for grandfather clocks in the years ahead as people both realize the advantages of buying new as well as a resurgence in fixing up and decorating existing homes rather than the continuous trade-up rush which had been fueling much of the housing market over the last decade.
What do you think? We would like to know.
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