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Posts Tagged ‘clock’

Cuckoo Clocks

January 27th, 2010 No comments

The quirky and irreplaceable cuckoo clock is a design that seems pulled right out of childhood imagination. Its whimsical carvings, flapping wings, and almost comical chirpings delight many of us even today. It seems a design that has not been lost to the modern era of sleek fashions and “less is more” styles.

The cuckoo clock as it is generally thought of is a descendant of Black Forest designs. The Black Forest is a region in Germany that is rich in culture and skills of days gone by. Thats right the cuckoo clock was popularized in Germany not Switzerland as many Americans falsely believe. But even the Black Forest designs were descendants of earlier versions of this charming clock. It seems that people have always had a desire for humor and whimsy!

Singing clocks like the cuckoo clock have been dated to as far back as the sixteen hundreds. Some versions are even believed to have been built prior to these! Sadly over time they have been lost or destroyed leaving only some drawings behind. The earliest versions of the cuckoo clock were a simple design to help keep costs low. They were flat paneled with painted dials and two small doors for the bird to crow from. As time went on and cost came down they were detailed more and more to resemble Victorian period furnishings. This is the most commonly thought of style today.

The Swiss also developed their own twists to the clock. When we think of the cartoon clocks of modern generations this seems to be there styling. It is a shame that the glory of a finely detailed wall clock such as this was diminished through the years but many still see the value in them. These versions were made in stunning detail and were meant to replicate the cottages of Switzerland. The Germans actually enjoyed this idea so much that they started designing their clocks this way also. One last feature that the Swiss can take credit for is the addition of the music box into the clock. This surely has brought joy into many homes!

Modern cuckoo clocks are of course a far less hand built and quality product for the most part. Alas they have almost been exclusively delegated to the ranks of tourist traps. They are still as quirky as ever though and can now be bought at cheap prices and with a much greater variety then times of past. Indeed if you are looking for an individual statement nothing will bring greater character and individuality then a Cuckoo Clock!

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A Clock Isn’t Just To Show How Late It Is

December 14th, 2009 No comments

A simple explanation of a clock is: “A device that keeps track of time”. While this definition correctly explains the basic function, it fails to describe what a clock really does. Clocks are more than just a device to keep track of time.

If this was their only purpose then they would not be as decorative or as varied as they are. There are almost an endless variety of styles. They are a popular decorating accent. They help provide a unique statement to a room. They have been used to adorn major structures such as city halls and railroad stations.

While these locations provide a purpose they do it in an often grand and ornate manor. There are some famous ones that are definitely more than just devices to keep track of time. Perhaps the most famous in the world is Big Ben. This large four faced time keeping device at the top of the tower at the Palave of Westminster in London is recognized worldwide and has been keeping time since 1859.

One of the oldest still working is located in the zytglogge Tower. This astronomical clock located in Bern, Switzerland has been providing time for over 500 years. An astronomical clock displays the time and also displays astronomical information such as the positions of the sun, moon, and constellations.

Another popular astronomical is the Prague Astronomical. This device located in the Old Town section of the city of Prague in Poland has been telling time and providing astronomical information since 1410. It displays the position of the sun and the moon, and displays an hourly showing of figures of the Apostles of Christ, known as. “The Walk of the Apostles. “. It also displays a calendar.

Standard household clocks are available in endless sizes and shapes. While they all keep track of the time, they also provide a unique decorating accent. They are also a great way to express your personality and tastes.

Learn more about the best alarm clock. Stop by our popular clock site where you can find out all about clocks and find out why they’re so popular.

categories: famous clocks,clock history,time keeping,antique clocks,clocks,clock,time