Anniversary Clock History

The origin and history of the anniversary clock is still subject to debate. The following is a brief overview of the facts, as well as the points that are being contested.

Historical Background

The available records show that the earliest inventor of these types of clocks was the US clockmaker Aaron Crane. The clocks that Crane invented in 1841 became known as the 400 day clock. Its most noticeable feature was the torsion pendulum, unique during its time.

The clock earned its name because they did not require everyday wounding up. They only needed wounding once a year. This was in stark contrast to the antique grandfather clock which had to be wound up every 30 hours. Another timepiece popular during the time was the mantle clock. It has to be wound up every eight hours.

Of German Origin

Some researchers of the history of the anniversary clock claim that the real inventor was Anton Harder back in 1879. According to the story, Harder was looking at some servants lighting candles on a rotating chandelier.

It was from this observation that he got the idea for the device’s winding mechanism. The date is later than Crane’s. However, some claim that his invention has more in common with the mechanism of the clock.

Copyright

However, the term “anniversary clock” was registered to a clock making company in Ohio. The company was called Bowler and Burdock. The copyright was registered in 1901.

Increase in Popularity and Evolution

World War II led to a slowdown of the production of these clocks. After World War II, production resumed. The clocks were popularized by the GIs, who took several of these clocks home with them. During those days, there were 13 clock manufacturers.

Together they produced over 120 different styles and designs. Every model had custom suspension systems. These classic clocks would come in various shapes and forms. Their features also varied.

By the mid 1960s, their number had gone down to only five. Part of the reason is that the clocks are difficult to make. The repairs cost a lot of money, and finding replacement parts was getting difficult. This would lead to the development of battery–run clocks.

While the origin and history of the anniversary clock is still unclear, one thing is certain; these timepieces are here to stay. The classic models have become collector’s items and the new ones popular as wedding presents.