Anniversary Clock Biography

An anniversary clock biography would start with American inventor Aaron Crane. In 1841, he invented the 400 day clock, which was the first to employ the torsion pendulum. Another inventor, the German Anton Harder, is said to have created a similar device in 1879. However the name itself is copyrighted to the Bowler and Burdock Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

The Clock as Wedding Present

The clock that Bowler and Burdock invented in 1901 came with an escapement and mechanism that permitted it to run for 400 days without needing a rewind.

It is for this reason that it became known as the anniversary or 400 day clock. Through the years, couples who got this gift on their wedding would wound it up on their wedding anniversary.

Evolution of the Clock

The popularity of the clocks would spread after World War II. Soldiers coming home after the war would give the clocks as gifts for their loved ones. In time the tradition of giving the clock as a wedding gift became widespread. By the middle of the 1950s, over a hundred styles would appear.

A study of the anniversary clock biography will show that these models came with their own suspension system. By the 1960s however, the number of manufacturers had gone down. The high cost of repairs, lack of spare parts and brittle suspension led to the decline.

This would lead to the invention of the battery operated timepieces. Instead of winding the clocks yearly, one just has to replace the batteries.

Styles and Designs

The typical clock has a rotating pendulum, situated below the dial and is under the glass dome. Another type that is becoming popular is the clock with glass panels and encased carriage style. These types combine the features of the 400 day clock and classic mantel clocks. They make for very elegant gifts.

There are others styles currently available. German 400 day clocks are known for their classic and traditional look. The Haller and Concordia clocks come with scrolled pillars at the mechanism. The dial is also elaborately decorated. This feature sets them apart from the typical 400 day clock.

If you go to online stores, you will see many more different styles and concepts. Aside from the modern clocks, vintage and antiques are still available.

What this brief anniversary clock biography shows is just how much the device has changed throughout the years. The various models now available means you have plenty of clocks to select from.