Although many people these days use their phones to tell time, classic clocks remain beautiful antiques. They're rich with history and have a story to tell, which is why grandfather clock repair remains an important service. For more understanding of this significance, consider the following guide on how the grandfather clock got its name. 

The History of the Grandfather Clock

The origin of the grandfather clock dates back to the 1580s when Galileo first noticed that pendulum swings were always exactly the same length in time. Although nothing further came of this observation at the time, the idea would later inspire Christian Huygens to produce the first clock of its kind in 1656. The use of a pendulum within a clock to improve accuracy continued to grow and inspire clockmakers to adapt their designs.

Originally, these were referred to as "Wags on the Wall" since the pendulum kind of resembled the wagging of a dog's tail. Eventually, the swing was narrowed using a longer pendulum that had slower beats. This improved accuracy, but required a new design to house the components. Thus, the grandfather clock was born. There are many people to thank for this invention, but the most notable is George Graham. 

How the Grandfather Clock Got Its Name

After their invention, grandfather clocks became luxury items. They required a lot of work, and grandfather clock repair needed to be handled by a delicate craftsman. Therefore, only the wealthy could afford them. They eventually became more affordable, and people were buying them around the world. However, the name didn't originate until about 1875.

At this time, Henry Clay Work, a songwriter, was visiting a hotel when he noticed a clock that didn't tick. It had belonged to the previous owners of the hotel, but once they passed away, the clock stopped working. Work was intrigued by this story, so he wrote a song called, "My Grandfather's Clock." The song was a huge hit and, ever since then, the name for these types of clocks remains. 

If you have an antique clock that needs to be repaired, put your trust in the team at Tic Toc Shop in Cincinnati, OH. Established in 1963, this clock repair shop can restore all types of vintage pieces. They excel in grandfather clock repair, cuckoo clock restoration, quartz clock movement replacement, and more. To learn more about their services, visit them online. You can also call (513) 922-0315 or (513) 398-1474 to schedule a house call today.