All About Chiming Clocks & How These Movements Work

A chiming clock is a timepiece that not only tells the time but also produces a sound—often a melody or a series of tones at certain intervals. These sounds serve as a reminder of the time, usually marking the hour or quarter-hour. These sounds bring a unique atmosphere to a room and are commonly found in larger, traditional timepieces like grandfather clocks, mantel clocks, and large wall clocks. Chiming clocks were originally designed as large public town clocks, however as the centuries went on, forms of chiming clocks have become smaller with more intricate mechanisms, though large city clocks still exist (such as Big Ben in London). Utilising a system of hammers which strike bells, rods, or gongs, chiming clocks produce a variety of sounds, from simple hourly chimes to more complex melodies. Today, chiming clocks are appreciated not only for their functional purpose but also for their aesthetic value, adding a rhythmic element to any chosen space.

64cm Oak Battery Chiming Wall Clock By AMS

 

The Mechanics Behind Chiming Clocks

193cm Mahogany Contemporary Longcase Clock With Westminster Chime By HERMLE

At the core of any chiming clock lies an intricate mechanical movement. The chime is typically powered by a series of weights or springs that are connected to the clocks gear train. When the gears move, they drive a hammer or a set of hammers that strike metal rods, producing the accompanying sound. 

A typical chiming mechanism consists of several key parts:

1. The Movement: This is the system of gears and springs that regulates the timekeeping (motion of the hands) and the chiming sound. The movement may be powered by either weights, a spring, or a cable which are wound manually. 
2. The Striking Mechanism: When the clock reaches a specific time or interval, a set of hammers is released to strike tuned rods or bells, creating the chime sound. The number of strikes usually corresponds to the number of hours, whilst the chimes usually play at every quarter-hour mark, with the full chime set to mark the hour. 
3. The Chime Rods or Bells: These are the objects struck by the hammers to create the chime. Each rod is tuned to produce a specific note when hit. Different chimes require different numbers of rods, each tuned to different pitches.
4. The Escapement: This part of the movement is essential for synchronising the chimes with the time.

 

207cm Dark Oak Grandfather Clock With Triple Chime & Hand Painted Dial By SCHNEIDER

 

Different Types of Chimes

Over the centuries, several distinct types of chimes have become popular with chiming clocks. The chime can influence the overall experience of the clock. Here are some of the most famous chimes that are found in clocks:

1. Westminster Chime

The Westminster chime is arguably the most famous and widely recognised chime pattern. It originated from the bells of the Westminster Quarters, a set of bells in London’s Westminster Abbey. For this reason it is also often called the Big Ben chime. It’s a distinctive melodious sequence of a four-note melody that repeats every quarter hour. Many grandfather clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks feature the Westminster chime.

2. Whittington Chime

The Whittingtons chime is another popular melody that is often used in clocks, especially those of a more traditional style. The chime is more complex and melodious, made famous by the bells of St. Mary Le Bow in London. It’s typically used for full-hour striking and quarter-hour chimes, adding a rich and resonant sound to the clock.

3. St. Michael’s Chime

The St. Michael’s chime is another famous song commonly used in chiming clocks. It is based on the sounds of the bells at St. Michael's Church in England, offering a simple yet beautiful and bright melody.

4. Bim-Bam Strike

For a more minimalistic approach, the popular Bim-Bam strike uses a simpler pattern of two notes: a deep, resonating "Bim" followed by a higher-pitched "Bam."

5. Triple Chimes

Triple chimes refers to a clock offering a set of three distinct melodies instead of just one. Typically, these chimes include Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael’s chimes are common in larger clocks. Usually, the clock owner can choose between these chimes, allowing for a personalised touch that enhances the clocks overall character and charm.

20cm Polished Brass Mechanical Skeleton Table Clock With Triple Chime By KIENINGER

 

What is the difference between a chiming and a striking clock?

A striking clock primarily marks the hour with a specific number of single notes or a simple two-note sequence. While it can sound pleasant, its function is simply to count the hours by striking, similar to that of a cuckoo clock with two notes. In contrast, a chiming clock plays a melodic tune on multiple notes at quarter-hour intervals (like Westminster chimes) before striking the hour, making its audible announcement much more complex and musical.

 

 

Types of Clocks with Chimes

Here are some of the most common types of chiming clocks:

 

1. Grandfather Clocks

207cm American Cherry Grandfather Clock With Calendar Dial & Shelves By SCHNEIDER

Grandfather clocks are perhaps the most iconic type of chiming clock. These tall, freestanding clocks are typically equipped with sophisticated mechanical movements that can play a variety of chimes, including Westminster Chime or featured with a Triple Chimes option, featuring Westminster Chime, Whittington Chime & St Michael's Chimes in one. Other grandfather clocks feature a tubular chime mechanism, where the chimes are played on Tubular Bells made of brass tubes rather than chime rods, which produce a richer and deeper tone. These clocks are often featured as the centerpiece of a room, and the deep, rich tones of the chimes contribute to their grandeur.

 

2. Mantel or Table Clocks

30cm Mahogany Mechanical Table Clock With Westminster Chime & Moon Dial By HERMLE

Mantel clocks are smaller and often sit on a mantelpiece or a table, however many feature a chiming mechanism, such as the Westminster chime, Triple Chime, or Bim Bam Strike. Some table clocks feature a smaller mechanism offering only a simple sound such as a passing Bell Strike.

 

3. Wall Clocks

50cm Stone & Black Modern Pendulum Wall Clock With Westminster Chime By AMS

Wall clocks may also feature chiming mechanisms, typically with simpler chimes or a more refined melody. They can be found in various sizes and styles, ranging from Traditional Wall Clocks with chimes such as the Westminster Chime, Bim Bam Strike, Triple Chimes, Bell Strike or a Gong Strike,  through to sleek modern wall clocks that usually feature the Westminster Chime or a Bell  Strike. 

 

4. Anniversary Clocks

30cm Gold Anniversary Clock With Engraved Dial & Westminster Chime By HALLER

Chiming anniversary clocks are a unique and elegant type of clock, housed in glass domes or ornate cases, which play tunes such as the Westminster chime or Bim Bam Strike. The elegant chiming mechanism, combined with the clock’s decorative appearance, makes these clocks a popular cherished keepsake.

 

How to Maintain a Chiming Clock

Chiming clocks, particularly mechanical ones, require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. Some of the most common maintenance needs include:

• Winding: Most chiming clocks require periodic winding of the weight or spring mechanism to keep the clock running.
• Cleaning and Lubrication: Regular cleaning of the gears, hammers, and rods is essential for smooth operation. Over time, dust and grime can accumulate, causing parts to wear out or function incorrectly.
• Adjusting the Timing: Clocks may need periodic adjustments to ensure that the chiming mechanism is synchronised with the correct time.
• Repairs: Mechanical clocks may require occasional repairs for broken parts or worn-out components, such as the gears or escapement.

 

Final Thoughts

Chiming clocks are a beautiful blend of art, engineering, and tradition. Whether you prefer a clock with the soothing sound of a Westminster chime or the elegance of a Whittington chime, these clocks are more than just timepieces—they are pieces of history and craftsmanship. Understanding the mechanics behind chiming clocks and exploring the different types of chimes can deepen your appreciation for these timepieces. Whether in a grand hall or a cozy living room, the sound of a chiming clock brings an old-world sense of elegance. View our full range of chiming clocks here, with over 150 unique timepieces offering a number of different chime options on offer. 

NB: Most of our chiming clocks also feature a video in the product description that allows you to listen to the chime and see the clock in detail.