Types of Clock Pendulums

Types of Clock Pendulums

There are three basic categories for types of clock pendulums. These are lyres, wood sticks and brass rods. Mantle clocks have very short pendulums which use a mantle bob. This section will not discuss these types of pendulums. Instead, search the keywords mantle bob if working with a mantle clock.

This will bring up the correct product for mantle clocks. What is in this section is the types of clock pendulums available for shelf, wall and floor clocks. Each of them have their own pros and cons. We can make recommendations on what was typical for a particular clock. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

• Brass rod style pendulum for small shelf or wall clocks.
• Metal Lyre style pendulums for floor clocks.
• Wood stick pendulums are for almost everything.

Metal Lyre

A Metal Lyre pendulum is a type of clock pendulum that is most decorative of pendulums. A floor clock can mean a grandfather, grandmother, or granddaughter clock. Basically, any clock that sits on the floor versus a wall or mantle. These types of clock pendulums are for post WW2 German movements.

This would be Urgos, Kieninger, Jauch and Hermle units.

These are the only post WW2 German units made. Generally speaking, the stamp may have another name on the backplate of the movement. This is due to companies paying a premium to have their name put on the movement. However, this does not change who the actual manufacturer is. In short, the ones who made the movement are one of the German companies already on the above list.

Wood Stick

The wood stick type of clock pendulum is sent with no stain on it. This is so the stick can have the same stain to match the clock case. Likewise, a black stick looks nice with the gold bob as well. Certainly, by leaving it plain the customer can customize the stick to whatever color they deem fit.

A wood stick type of clock pendulum consists of the stick, the top hook, the rating assembly and the round bob. They are capable of accepting any size bob and can easily be cut if too long. Because of these qualities, they are the most versatile pendulums out of the three.

Brass Rod

Shelf clocks or wall clocks mainly use brass rod types of clock pendulums. It is not common for them to be on granddaughter or grandmother clocks. It is possible but not likely. These pendulums tend to cost more for a couple of reasons.

First, they are made of brass. Of course this is a much more expensive medium than the wood. Second, they are custom cut to size by us here at Clockworks. We will cut it to the exact length needed for the specific clock movement upon ordering. Getting the correct CM length is very important to ensure the brass rod is the right length.

Types of Clock Pendulums In Summary

As shown above, the three styles of pendulums have their own good points and drawbacks. For the most part, wood stick types of clock pendulums tend to be the most versatile. They can have stain, or paint, in any color. Moreover, modifications are fairly easy.

After that, the brass rod would be the next flexible type. They are custom cut to the correct length prior to being sent. Lastly, the lyre pendulum is the most decorative out of the three styles. Modifications to these pendulums are minimal.

Please feel free to contact us if there are any questions on any of these types of clock pendulums. As always, we are here to help. When contacting us, make sure to have the movement number that is on the backplate of the movement itself. This is the only way to know who made the movement. Without this information it is not possible to direct you to which pendulums would be correct. As always, pictures of the movement are always helpful.