Mantel Clock Buying Guide

Mantel, desktop and tabletop clocks are terrific accents for any room and with our large selection of styles, youre sure to find the perfect clock for your mantel, desk or table. If youre having trouble deciding on a specific style, check out this guide for more specific information on various styles of mantel clocks.

Clock Types
Mantel clocks are relatively small clocks that are traditionally placed on a shelf or on the mantel above the fireplace. The style, first developed in France in the 1750s, can be distinguished from earlier clocks of similar size due to their lack of a carrying handle. Tabletop clocks differ from mantel clocks because they tend to have more contemporary features and functionality. These features include analog or digital faces, sleek and contemporary designs as well as other functions such as maritime and travel geponents. Desktop clocks tend to differ from mantel and tabletop clocks because they function as more than simply a decorative time keeping piece. Our desktop clocks have accessories such as picture frames, note pads and pen holders attached.

Clock Styles
Tambour: These clocks are drum shaped with a wide base.
Arched: These are similar to the tambour style clock except the base runs straight from the face to the bottom of the clock.
Anniversary: This style is intricately designed and is usually constructed of brass fixtures in a glass casing. Traditionally, these clocks maintain time for a year before needing a new battery or to be re-wound, hence the name "anniversary."
Maritime: Maritime clocks include fascinating features like barometers and tide position indicators as well as a standard clock face.
Lantern: This is also called a carriage clock because of its traditional hinged carrying handle on top.

Time Keepers

Atomic: This clock is accurate to less than one second per every 100,000 years. It works by using a small radio antenna to capture, through a low radio frequency, the official time out of Fort Collins, Colorado.
Key Wound: These clocks are powered by a main spring and can be wound using a built in mechanism, or sometimes a separate key.