Today there are clocks of every kind available through a number of reputable vendors such as 1-800-4CLOCKS; and as modern consumers most of us rely on the more modern technology available through such pieces as atomic clocks. But pendulum technology is still quite popular and is seen in everything from wall clocks to grandfather clocks.

More often than not we connect pendulum technology with the grandfather clock, simply because of the sheer size of the clock, as well as the sound of the large swinging pendulum. A pendulum – as utilized in a grandfather clock relies on its own weight to swing from side to side; and the swing of the pendulum becomes part of the hum of a home.

The pendulum clock was invented in the mid-1600s but its popularity remains strong even today. The pendulum in a grandfather clock is held in the clock’s casing; which inspired the grandfather clock’s original name – the longcase clock. The pendulum inside the case of the clock swings to keep time and many grandfather clocks will even chime or play music upon the hour.

Pendulums, as utilized by grandfather clocks, can be quite accurate; but it’s absolutely essential that the clock is level and kept still, as any movement whatsoever can affect the swinging of the pendulum, and ultimately the accuracy of the time.

We may have more modern – and certainly more accurate methods for keeping time, but the grandfather clock will always have a place in our hearts, as much for its showmanship inside our homes as its history for keeping time.