Learn About Mantel Clocks

Mantel clocks are the smallest on average of the three main types. First created around 1750 in France, these were originally designed to adorn the fireplace of a home. Today, the form has evolved to include many different styles but most of the mantel pieces we sell are made of wood. These can have either mechanical or battery-powered movements and often include chimes and strikes for playing tunes upon the quarter hours and striking the hour.

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CHIMES

The chimes of a mantel clock are usually higher pitched than those of a floor or wall clock. This is due to the smaller physical size of the cabinet that houses the chimes. A shorter chime rod produces a higher pitch when struck. Many mantel clocks have three different chimes and some special models even produce their chimes on a series of nested bells. To learn more about chimes in clocks and to hear a selection of them, view the chimes page.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Battery powered clocks will run for roughly a year on their batteries. We recommend changing them when resetting the clock for daylight savings time each year. Mechanical clocks, much like a care should be relubricated periodically. For clocks, that period is once every 2-3 years. To learn more about clock care and maintenance, visit the basic clock care page.