Hermle Anniversary Clocks

Anniversary clocks are tremendously attractive pendulum mantel clocks that are normally safeguarded with glass dome covers. Their rotating pendulums and dials are distinguishing and each is the work of a master craftsperson. Well-known clocksmiths such as Kaiser, Hermle, Schatz and Kundo made virtually all of the original clock parts in Germany. Kaiser made just a few hundred masterpieces, which are collector’s items nowadays.

These original anniversary clocks were made in the early 20th century and needed to be wound up annually, unlike most others that required being wound daily or at least once a week. They were therefore known as perpetual clocks, 400-day clocks or anniversary clocks. They were made from either silver or polished brass, and make wonderful gifts. Typically, anniversary clocks have metal bases and rotating pendulums, which often have very distinctive and unique designs. Most of them don popular chimes every hour on the hour.

Many of these anniversary clocks have been tenderly restored by experts, so one now has the good fortune of seeing polished brass clocks with diamond engraved pillars, filagree hands, and quartz revolving pendulums and domes. Other anniversary clocks may have different kinds of pendulums such as the two or four-balled pendulum or revolving globe pendulum, with the backdrop consisting of moon phases.

While divinely restored anniversary clocks can be found, it is easier to get reproductions. Many of these are based on old designs and look rather similar. These anniversary clocks run on batteries while the attractive pendulums rotate like that of the original. They are very popular 1st anniversary gifts and make great wedding presents too.

Besides the glass domed designs, another desirable style has a brass tone metal base and dial with a brass tone resin back. Anniversary clocks can be found with roman numerals which adds to that “old world” charm. Leading manufacturers of modern anniversary clocks are Seth Thomas, Howard Miller, Loricron, and Hermle of Germany. Loricron has a model with a cut glass crystal base and embossed metal dial, as well as a crystal cut pendulum. The mechanisms are still largely made in Germany.

Ave Maria and the Westminster melody are two very popular chimes that one can hear in anniversary clocks on the hour every hour. In some models, it is possible to adjust the volume and even turn the chime off. This is a perfect example of modern adaptation of an old design.

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