Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our clocks

 Are your grandfather clocks and cuckoo clocks made of real wood?
Of course...our cherry finish clocks are made of linden wood and the oak finish clocks are made of catalpa.  They are real wood and come finely finished.

What kind of movements do your grandfather clocks have in them?
They have dependable 31-day key-wind movements.  You wind them once per month.  They are totally mechanical and are NOT battery operated.  The movement is driven by the springs you wind instead of by the weights.  The chimes are created by two hammers hitting two chime pin rods.  It is hard to beat these dependable movements.

Do the pendulums swing on your grandfather clocks?
Of course they do...these grandfather clocks are real pendulum clocks.  If you stop the pendulum from swinging, then the clock stops.
 

Do your grandfather clocks have a night time shut off switch for the chime?
No, our grandfather clocks do not have a shut off switch.  However, they have a very pleasant tone which you adjust to very easily.
 

What if my grandfather clock or cuckoo clock arrives with some shipping damage?
In the unfortunate event that you receive your grandfather clock and it has been damaged in transit, you should contact us as soon as possible, and we will ask you some questions to find out what part is damaged.  We will either send out a replacement part to you in a few days or, if it is not repairable, we will have your clock picked up and then send you a replacement.  
 

Do your grandfather clocks and cuckoo clocks have a warranty?
Your grandfather clock has a one year warranty.  If you have a problem with your clock, just contact us, and if it is defective, we will repair or replace it.
 

How long will it take for me to receive my grandfather clock?
Your grandfather clock will be shipped within a few days of your order. Then, depending on where you live, it will take 1 to 5 business days for delivery.  

Is there any assembly once I receive my grandfather clock?
Yes, but it won't take long, and it is truly simple.  The only tool needed is a philips head screwdriver to insert 8 machine screws. It will not take you more than 10 minutes from start to finish.  There are excellent instructions. We pack our clocks for safe shipment, and so we can have them delivered by UPS instead of a freight truck that would cost several hundred dollars for delivery.  There is nothing technical about the assembly and set up.  All technical parts pertaining to the clock head and clock movement are pre-assembled and require no further attention.
 

How much is shipping going to cost me for a grandfather clock?
We believe in keeping things simple so we charge a set rate of only $59.95 per grandfather clock and $19.95 for each cuckoo clock shipped to any destination in the 48 Continental US states.
 

What if my grandfather clock does not strike the correct hour?
If the clock is new, allow it to operate for several hours before making any adjustments. If the strike is off, grasp the HOUR HAND ONLY (short hand) and rotate it forward or backward to line up with the correct hour on the dial indicated by the number of times the hour strikes. Rotating this hand independently will not harm the movement. Then adjust the hands to the correct time by rotating the minute hand (long hand) clockwise being sure to stop at each hour and half hour to allow it to go through its chiming process.
 

Do your cuckoo clocks require any assembly?
The cuckoo clocks do not require assembly. You only need to attach the weights and the pendulum, as well as insert the batteries. There is an instruction sheet inside to assist you in the operation of the clock.

What battery size is required for the cuckoo clocks?
Our cuckoo clocks use 2 size D batteries. These should last between six months and one year, depending on the quality of the batteries.

Is there a night time sensor for the cuckoo clocks?
Yes, there is. The cuckoo clock will not sound when the room is dark and will resume when the sun comes up in the morning.

How much is shipping going to cost me for a cuckoo clock?
We believe in keeping things simple so we charge a set rate of only $19.95 for each cuckoo clock shipped to any destination in the 48 Continental US states.

Can I place an online order if I do not live in the United States?
At this time, we can only accept online orders from within the United States. Orders can only be delivered to the continental US.

Are all your clocks made in the USA Clocks ?

All Bradford wooden clock cabinets are 100% handmade from US #1 grade hardwoods, assembled in the USA and use the best clock movements and components available. This quality clock is evident in the exquisite clock styling that goes into every Bradford timepiece. That's why the Made in the USA moniker is proudly displayed.

The Finest in American made clock Craftsmanship

When some clock manufacturers boast "Made in the USA," their claim can be misleading. Bradford's clock cabinets are 100% handmade from US #1 grade hardwoods. Bradford relies on the finest clockworks from the U.S and Germany for trouble-free performance

 How are Shipping Rates calculated?
All shipping rates are calculated using the rate, weight and location formula provided by UPS.

Volume Control on Loricron Clocks

The volume control featured on many Loricron clocks allows you to choose how loudly the chimes will sound.  

Night Shut- Off Option 

1. Your current battery may be wearing down. Try a new alkaline battery. If the problem persists after trying several new alkaline batteries, please see below.  

2.  After inserting a new alkaline battery, try moving the clock to several different surfaces. Sometimes a pendulum will not rotate on an unstable surface such as a wall shelf which may not be level but it will run fine on a table.

When my anniversary clock's pendulum rotates it slows down then speeds up. Do I need to have it serviced?

As long as the pendulum isn't stopping, probably not. Much like winding up a swing and releasing it, these pendulums spin to one side, pause, and release the tension as they spin to the other side, then start again. 

What do each of the holes on my keywound clock wind?

From left to right: Hour Strike, Time, Chimes 

My clock stopped after less than 8 days.

 Please check the following:

1. Is the clock fully wound? These clocks cannot be over wound.
2. Is the clock level?
3. Wall clocks: The pendulum may be swinging out of beat.

My pendulum doesn't swing. Replace your current batteries with brand new Duracell alkaline batteries. 

Model #829-W/827-W pendulum doesn't swing.

1. Check that you are using Duracell batteries.

2.  Screw the nut under the bob as far up as it will go. This will shorten the pendulum, reducing the weight the movement is required to move with each swing.

My wall/mantel clock chimes but is not keeping time.

Not all batteries are created equal. We recommend using Duracell alkaline batteries in all of our quartz wall and mantel clocks. This is because the contact on the bottom of the battery is a solid circle, ensuring the movement gets full power from the battery. Many customers' clocks have gone from problematic to running smoothly with a simple change to Duracell batteries! 

The time is always a few minutes too fast/too slow.

Model #8504: if clock runs slow, turn regulating nut under the pendulum disc (bob) to the right to speed clock up; if clock runs too fast, turn nut to the left to slow clock down. Two full turns equal approximately 1 minute per 24 hours.

Models 8503, 8505, 8526: if clock runs slow, slide the pendulum disc (bob) up using the notches on the black rod as guides; if clock runs too fast, slid disc down. Each line equals approximately 3 minutes per 24 hours. 

My clock loses time.

Please keep in mind that the timekeeping of this antique reproduction mechanical clock is not as accurate as a battery operated clock. Timekeeping may change with temperature flucutation and may gain or lose 2-5 minutes a day. This is normal and can be adjusted using the above methods.

If these do not solve the problem, see below:  

Is the clock hanging level?

Is the clock hanging near air vents, open doors or windows? Blowing air may stop the clock.

Did you force the hands counter-clockwise past the 12 position? This will cause the hands to be loose and, as stated on the original instructions, void the warranty.   

I can't manually set the time.