The Bowler & Burdock Company in Ohio copyrighted the name "Anniversary Clock" in 1901. The clock came with a mechanism and escapement that allowed it to operate for four hundred days without winding and it is this feature that spawned its name. Anniversary clocks became popular as wedding gifts due to the notion of winding the clock corresponding with the couple's wedding anniversary.
By 1953, there were 13 manufacturers of anniversary clocks and 125 different kinds, each one with its own unique suspension system. By 1965, however, there were only about five manufacturers. Anniversary clock parts became hard to find and, because the delicate suspension mechanism spring broke easily, repairs were quite costly.
This led to the introduction of battery operated anniversary clocks. Now, instead of winding the clocks once a year, it is advised to replace their batteries once a year.
Typically, an anniversary clock is made of brass, has a rotating pendulum beneath the dial and stands under a glass dome. They can be customised to suit any occasion with many custom anniversary clocks being engraved with messages and, when a wedding gift, the happy couple's names.
Becoming increasingly popular, are clocks with the anniversary clock style movement placed within a carriage style case with glass panels. These are very elegant versions of the anniversary clock, combining it with characteristics of the finest of mantel clocks.
German anniversary clocks have their own special style. When one looks at a Kundo anniversary clock, for example, it has a presence of a much older timepiece. Although the company dates back to 1923, a Kundo clock still has an "olde worlde" presence unlike other anniversary clocks of their time.
Similarly, Concordia and Haller anniversary clocks from the Black Forest utilise subtle design differences such as scrolled pillars on the mechanism and filigree detail around the dial, which set them apart from other anniversary clocks.
Conversely, the design of Seiko anniversary clocks is commensurate with today's modern "take" on the type. Bulova anniversary clocks are more able to combine the old with the new, not altogether unlike Howard Miller.
Today, anniversary clocks with melody are available with the strains of "Ave Maria" played on the hour as well as more traditional chimes.
In line with the tradition started at the beginning of last century, anniversary clocks remain some of the most sought after wedding gifts. After all, who could resist the romantic ideal of celebrating one's wedding anniversary with the replenishing of energy to a classically designed timepiece? Whether wound with a key, or supplied with new batteries, the renewal of the anniversary clock is symbolic of the couple's commitment to each other and the revitalisation of their marriage for the coming year.
Time passes on and people grow older. The ravishing bride and dashing groom of generations past are now the great-grandparents of today, reliving each happy moment of the time of their union and celebrating it each year with the turn of a key.
Happy Anniversary.
