You’ve seen them in clock shops, antique stores, and maybe even a loved one’s house. Pendulum clocks, also called grandfather clocks, are perhaps the most popular type of non-portable timepiece ever created. 

What Is the Origin of Pendulum Clocks?

These clocks date back to the 1600s—to 1656 specifically. While Galileo Galilei had experimented with pendulums in the 1630s, it was Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch mathematician who popularized their use in keeping time. 

By calculating the specific length of the pendulum, he made it swing at the speed needed to move the gears and keep accurate time. While some clocks before it would be off by 15 minutes at day’s end, the pendulum variation would be off by only about 15 seconds. 

How Were Pendulum Clocks Improved?

While pendulum clocks showed more accuracy than many other timepieces before them, they weren’t perfect. It was found that pendulums with wider swings could lead to inaccuracies. Humid conditions could also present a similar problem as they caused the pendulum rod to expand.

The solution was the deadbeat escapement, popularized by Richard Townseley, Thomas Tompion, and George Graham. Essentially functioning as a limiter to reduce the swinging range by a few degrees, this helped to make the clock even more accurate.

Why Are Pendulum Clocks Still Popular?

Modern pendulum timepieces are still a mainstay in clock shops and antique stores around the world. Even in an age where digital clocks can go a full day without losing a second, the pendulum clock remains popular.

Their elegant design makes them just as appealing as furniture as they once were for their accuracy. Add in their antique appeal, and they’re a popular collector’s item as well.

When you’re looking for a clock shop to repair your old clock and get the pendulum swinging again, choose Tic Top Shop in Mason, OH. With 50 years’ experience providing clock restoration and repair services, they’re a popular option any clock owner in the area should consider. To contact them for in-home grandfather clock repair services, visit them online or call (513) 922-0315.