Expert: Martin Meyer - 6/18/2007

Question
I'm looking for a wall lock (pendulum type) that has a nice ticking sound, preferably to give the house a vintage, old-fashioned sound (nothing modern). Do most of the Howard-Miller wall clocks have a nice ticking sound?  I really know nothing about clocks.  Also, is quartz better than a wind-up?  Do quartz ticks and wind-up ticks sound different?  My maximum price is around $500.  Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.  My home decor is cottage, vintage.

Answer
Hi Nancy,
  I appreciate what you mean about a nice ticking sound. Virtually all modern clocks, including Howard Miller, will have a very soft tick which you may find too quiet. For a nice noticeable tick, you will probably have to find an actual antique clock. To my ears, quartz clocks sound nothing like mechanical clocks; instead of "tick, tock," they sound to me like "click, click, click."
 In your price range you should be able to find a very good selection of antique and semi-antique clocks that will fit your style. You can try antique stores, although they're inclined to be expensive, ebay, online clock auctions and online antique clock dealers. Beware of antique cases with new (usually poor quality) movements in them. Personally, I prefer an original finish even if it's not perfect, over a refinished clock which looks like a reproduction.
 For a pleasant positive tick sound, look for an American clock with an original 8-Day Time-and-Strike movement. European clocks will probably not be compatible with your style, with the possible exception of some French Country Style clocks, which are often painted with decoration quite similar to American craft painting.
  If you're dead set on a new clock, I think Howard Miller has some beautiful styles, but you'll have to settle for a very quiet tick sound. I would also be wary of reproduction clocks made in Korea and the Far East; many of them have gorgeous cases, but the movements are often of extremely poor quality. But don't rule anything out based purely on what I say, which is of course just my opinion.
 Thanks for your question, and I wish you enjoyable decorating.  Martin