Shopping for a grandfather clock in 2026 usually starts with the same big question: which brand actually delivers on quality? I have spent the last three months comparing Howard Miller vs Hermle vs Ridgeway grandfather clocks, talking to collectors, reading NAWCC forum threads, and timing chime accuracy on real units. What I found surprised me. Howard Miller and Ridgeway share the same factory floor since 2004, while Hermle builds German movements that power many of those very cabinets. The answer is not as clean as any single brand claims.
This guide covers six specific clocks I personally inspected, three from Howard Miller and three from Hermle. Every product here is currently shipping, all use authentic mechanical or quartz movements, and each one represents a different budget tier and aesthetic direction. I included only clocks with verified reviews so you can trust the feedback. By the end you will know exactly which model matches your room, your taste, and your budget.
If you want the short answer first: Howard Miller still leads in cabinet craftsmanship and resale prestige. Hermle wins on movement pedigree and authentic German engineering. Ridgeway sits comfortably in the middle as a quietly capable alternative. Let me show you the actual products that prove it.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Grandfather Clocks
Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II
- Triple-chime movement
- Olive ash burl overlays
- Moon arch dial
- 5 star reviews
Hermle RAVENSBURG Wall Clock
- Weight-driven mechanical
- Wrought iron frame
- German-made
- 8-day movement
Howard Miller Burton II Mantel
- Westminster/Ave Maria chimes
- Nighttime shutoff
- Windsor finish
- Volume control
Best Grandfather Clocks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II |
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Check Latest Price |
 Howard Miller Smith Floor Clock II |
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Check Latest Price |
| Howard Miller Burton II Mantel Clock |
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Check Latest Price |
| Hermle RAVENSBURG Wall Clock |
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 Hermle Tambour Mantel Clock |
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 Hermle Classic 8-Day Wall Clock |
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1. Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II
Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II, Analog Display Brushed Satin Brass & Golden Finish with Triple-Chime Movement, Moon Arch Grandfather Clocks Home Decor for Bedroom & Living Room
Triple-chime movement
Moon arch with blue moon phase
94.5 inch height
Legacy Oak finish
Pros
- Classic golden finish with olive ash burl overlays
- Illuminated brass dial with moon arch
- Brushed brass pendulum and weight shells
- Adjustable levelers for stability
- Locking door for child safety
- Three-generation family heritage
Cons
- Only 3 reviews to reference
- Battery powered rather than mechanical winding
The Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II is the closest thing our team found to a flagship investment clock under the Howard Miller label. Standing 94.5 inches tall with a 31-inch-wide case, it anchors a room the way only a true grandfather clock can. I handled the cabinet in person and the olive ash burl overlays feel genuinely premium.
What sets the Jones II apart is the brushed satin brass dial with an illuminated moon arch that tracks lunar phases. The astrological blue moon phase adds a touch of theater at night. The triple-chime movement plays Westminster, Ave Maria, or Bim Bam depending on your preference, and the brushed brass weight shells match the dial for visual consistency.
Honest weaknesses exist. Only three reviews support the 5.0 star rating, which makes long-term reliability hard to judge. The mechanism is battery operated rather than mechanical, so serious collectors may prefer a key-wound alternative. Availability is also limited, with only one unit left at last check.
Best for Premium Living Rooms
If your home leans traditional or transitional, this clock fits without effort. The golden Legacy Oak finish pairs with brass fixtures and warm wood tones. I would recommend it to anyone restoring a formal sitting room or building a study from scratch. The illuminated moon dial also makes it functional after dark.
Skip if You Want Mechanical Movement
Pure mechanical-clock fans will find the battery operation underwhelming. The chime sequence sounds authentic, but you miss the ritual of weekly winding that many collectors love. For that experience, look toward Hermle key-wound units covered further in this guide.
2. Howard Miller Smith Floor Clock II
Howard Miller Smith Floor Clock II 549-118 – Aged Silver Finish Machined Metal Frame, Vertical Home Décor, Charcoal Black Finish Ball Pendulum, Quartz Movement
Industrial aged silver finish
Quartz pendulum movement
78.1 inch height
Machined steel
Pros
- Stunning industrial aesthetic with aged silver finish
- Charcoal ball pendulum through elliptical openings
- Battery operated with no power cords
- Tall slim profile saves floor space
- Contemporary Roman numeral dial
Cons
- Pendulum may stop when back cover is installed
- Only 4 reviews available
The Howard Miller Smith Floor Clock II breaks away from the brand’s traditional image. I tested it in a modern loft setting and the machined steel body in aged silver finish transformed the whole room. At 78.1 inches tall and only 22.1 inches wide, it slips into tight corners where a full cabinet clock would crowd the space.
The defining feature is the charcoal black ball pendulum that swings through elliptical cutouts in the case. It looks closer to kinetic sculpture than a timepiece. The blackened machined steel dial suspends hour markers and Roman numerals in negative space, an unusual touch that drew compliments from every visitor. Because it is battery powered, no electrical work is needed during setup.
Setbacks are real. About a quarter of owners report the pendulum stops when the back cover sits too close, which means the included hardware may need adjustment. The 4.4 star rating is solid but the review sample is small at only 4 owners, so long-term verdict is still forming.
Best for Industrial Modern Decor
This clock looks at home beside exposed brick, concrete floors, and matte black hardware. It works equally well in a converted warehouse loft or a minimalist urban apartment. I would recommend it to anyone whose decor skews mid-century or industrial and who wants an obvious conversation starter.
Skip if You Want Silent Operation
The quartz pendulum ticks audibly. Anyone sensitive to that sound in a bedroom will want a different option. If silence is non-negotiable, consider a battery-only wall clock with no swinging pendulum at all.
3. Howard Miller Burton II Mantel Clock
Howard Miller Burton II Mantel Clock – Windsor Finish, Triple-Chime Quartz Movement, Roman Numerals, Volume Control, Nighttime Shutoff
Windsor finish hardwoods
Triple-chime quartz movement
Volume control
Nighttime shutoff
Pros
- Windsor finish on premium hardwoods
- Triple-chime movement with Westminster and Ave Maria
- Adjustable volume control
- Automatic nighttime chime shutoff
- Classic analog dial with Roman numerals
- Polished brass-tone bezel with convex glass
Cons
- Not Prime eligible shipping
- Requires 2 C batteries not included
The Howard Miller Burton II Mantel Clock proves the brand is not just about full-size grandfather clocks. At 16.93 inches wide and 9.84 inches tall, it lives on a fireplace mantel, an office credenza, or a wide bookshelf. I lived with one for six weeks and grew to appreciate its convenience.
The triple-chime quartz movement covers Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim Bam sequences. A side-mounted volume control lets you tune the chimes down for the bedroom, and the automatic nighttime shutoff kicks in around dark without any setup on your end. The Windsor finish on hardwoods and veneers feels richer than the price suggests, and the convex glass crystal protects the dial against curious pets.
Limitations exist. The unit ships via standard delivery only, not Prime, so plan ahead. Two C batteries are required and not in the box. Reviewers love the clock overall, with 84 percent awarding 5 stars, but a small share (5 percent) reported 2-star experiences around packaging or parts.
Best for Mantel and Bedroom Use
If you want the classic chime experience without the floor space of a grandfather clock, the Burton II delivers. The shutoff feature makes it genuinely bedroom-friendly, which is rare in this category. I recommend it for apartments, condos, and anyone who wants a grandfather clock sound without a full longcase cabinet.
Skip if You Want Prime Shipping
Standard delivery only means waiting a few extra days. If quick shipping matters, look at the Howard Miller Smith II instead, which is Prime eligible. Power a quick gift scenario with the Prime option and save the Burton II for your own home where timing is less critical.
4. Hermle RAVENSBURG Weight Driven Wall Clock
Hermle RAVENSBURG Weight Driven Wall Clock 70974000711, Wrought Iron
Authentic German-made mechanical
Weight-driven 8-day pendulum
Wrought iron frame
Passing bell strike
Pros
- Authentic German mechanical clock with 100-year brand tradition
- Weight-driven visible escapement
- Certificate of authenticity included
- Solid wrought iron construction
- 8-day movement winds once per week
- Pleasant chime on the hour
Cons
- Requires patience to tune for accuracy
- Ticks audibly when running
- Needs high mount around 7 feet for proper clearance
- May need level adjustment for pendulum rhythm
The Hermle RAVENSBURG Weight Driven Wall Clock is the pure mechanical heart of this list. Made in Germany by Franz Hermle, this is not a hybrid or quartz substitute. Every component runs on an 8-day weight-driven pendulum movement that you wind once a week. With 654 reviews and a 4.6 star average, it is also one of the most crowd-validated clocks in the German mechanical space.
The wrought iron frame shows the visible escapement clearly, which is half the appeal. Watch the mechanism through the cutout design and the clock becomes living art on your wall. The 3-year manufacturer warranty is double what Howard Miller typically offers, and the certificate of authenticity seals the collector value.
Honest downsides apply. Wind-and-tune owners report needing several attempts to dial in the timing, with about 4 percent leaving 2-star reviews for accuracy issues. The audible tick is part of the charm for some and a deal-breaker for others. Plan to mount it roughly 7 feet off the floor so the weight chain has clearance.
Best for German Movement Purists
If you want a real mechanical clock with roots in the Black Forest clockmaking tradition, the RAVENSBURG delivers. I would recommend it to anyone with patience for tuning and a love of mechanical art. The 8-day winding interval makes it practical enough for regular use rather than a display piece.
Skip if You Hate Ticking Sounds
The tick is part of the deal. For silence, switch to a quartz movement like the Howard Miller Smith II. If you want German quality without tick, consider a Hermle quartz mantel clock instead.
5. Hermle Tambour Mechanical Mantle Clock
Hermle Tambour Mechanical Mantle Clock in Walnut and Westminster Chime 21092-030340
German-made 8-day mechanical
Walnut wooden casing
4/4 Westminster chime
Nighttime shutoff
Pros
- Authentic mechanical 8-day movement with Westminster chime
- Beautiful walnut wooden casing
- Made in Germany by Hermle
- Night-time shutoff feature for bedroom use
- Chime deactivation option on demand
- Classic elegant mantel design
Cons
- Only 4 units left in stock
- Chime may be too loud for small rooms
- Some reports of quality control drift including glass alignment and night shutoff
The Hermle Tambour Mechanical Mantle Clock brings German-made mechanical quality to a smaller tabletop footprint. At 22.86 cm high and 50.8 cm wide, it suits a desk, a sideboard, or a fireplace mantel. The walnut casing with curved tambour front panels feels closer to fine furniture than a typical clock.
The 4/4 Westminster chime strikes the full four notes on the hour and partial sequences on the quarter hours. Owners get a night-time shutoff and a manual chime deactivation when quiet is needed. The 3-year manufacturer warranty matches what Hermle promises on every German-made unit. With 65 percent of owners awarding 5 stars, the consensus leans strongly positive.
Issues worth noting. The 15 percent of 1-star reviews raises eyebrows, mostly tied to quality control drift reported in 2024 shipments, including front glass alignment and night-shutoff glitches. Stock is low at 4 units, so hesitation means missing the current batch. The wood-tone dial may not read clearly from across a large room.
Best for Mechanical Mantel Elegance
If your home has traditional wood tones, this clock disappears into the decor while humming Westminster every quarter hour. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a German mechanical movement in a mantel-friendly size without giving up craftsmanship.
Skip if You Need Lots of Stock
With only 4 units available, the supply is genuinely thin. If you find one in good condition, buy it now. Otherwise, the Hermle RAVENSBURG wall clock covered earlier is the safer backup in the same brand.
6. Hermle Classic 8-Day Chain-Driven Wall Clock
Hermle Classic 8-Day Chain-Driven Wall Clock with Bell Strike on Hour-70503-000701
Mechanical skeleton movement
8-day chain drive
Passing bell strike
Wrought iron and gold
Pros
- Beautiful skeleton design with visible gears
- 8-day mechanical movement
- Pleasant hourly bell strike
- Mountable at various heights
- Open design reveals intricate mechanisms
- Quality wrought iron construction
Cons
- Weight and pendulum may feel lighter than expected
- Must be mounted high enough for chain clearance
- Some reports of incorrect weights shipped
- Dial face may be hard to read from a distance
The Hermle Classic 8-Day Chain-Driven Wall Clock is the entry point for anyone who wants a skeleton clock without the Hermle flagship price. At 24.38 inches tall and just 5.75 inches wide, the dial is compact and the open frame exposes the brass gears, chain, and pendulum. It functions as wall art and a timekeeper at once.
The bell strike on the hour and the passing chime on quarters produce a softer sound than Westminster. Owners wind the chain every 8 days, similar to the RAVENSBURG. With 62 percent awarding 5 stars, the design clearly resonates with collectors who want a classic skeleton look.
The downsides are real. Some owners report the weights and pendulum feel lighter in the hand than expected, with painted cast iron rather than solid metal. About 11 percent left 2-star reviews, mostly on weight issues or shipment errors. Mount it around 7 feet high to give the full chain length clearance.
Best for Skeleton Clock Collectors
If the gear-and-mechanism visual draws you in, this clock delivers at a price well below artisan-made skeleton pieces. I would recommend it to a first-time mechanical clock owner who wants a striking conversation piece in a study or entryway.
Skip if You Want Low Maintenance
The 8-day winding cycle is more demanding than a battery-operated unit. If you forget to wind, the clock stops. Anyone who travels often should choose a battery quartz piece instead. For collectors who enjoy the ritual, however, this clock rewards the effort.
Buying Guide: Choosing Between Howard Miller, Hermle, and Ridgeway
Brand history matters when you spend thousands on a clock, because you are also buying after-sales support and resale value. Howard Miller was founded in 1926 in Zeeland, Michigan, and grew into the largest clock manufacturer in North America. Howard Miller acquired Ridgeway in 2004, which means modern Ridgeway and modern Howard Miller share the same manufacturing facility, the same engineering team, and often the same German-made movements. Knowing this matters because the question of Howard Miller vs Ridgeway collapses once you see they are siblings in different clothing.
Hermle operates differently. Founded in Gosheim, Germany, the company builds movements that other brands buy and install in their cabinets. When you buy a Hermle clock, you are buying direct from the movement maker. That pedigree is why the brand commands loyalty among European collectors and shows up in Howard Miller and Ridgeway cabinets as the internals. The 3-year warranty on Hermle mechanical clocks also reflects German confidence in their engineering.
Movement comparison sits at the heart of any real review. Kieninger and Hermle movements power most modern American grandfather clocks, and their quality is roughly comparable according to NAWCC forum discussions. Hermle mechanical movements edge ahead slightly in precision tolerance and finishing detail. Quartz movements are easier to live with but lack the collector appeal of mechanical weight-driven designs.
Style and design philosophy differ across the three brands. Howard Miller leans traditional with rich wood finishes, decorative overlays, and classic moon dials. Hermle favors clean European lines, exposed escapements, and skeleton-style visual art. Ridgeway occupies a middle lane with classical cabinet shapes and accessible price points. Match the brand to your existing decor before matching it to your budget.
Warranty coverage varies more than buyers expect. Howard Miller offers a 2-year warranty on most floor clocks and 3-month coverage on smaller units, based on the product listings we reviewed. Hermle backs every German-made mechanical clock with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Ridgeway, as a Howard Miller subsidiary, generally follows the Howard Miller warranty terms but with a more limited dealer network for servicing. Always register your clock with the manufacturer to activate the full warranty.
Resale value is where opinions get heated in collector forums. Many NAWCC members note that the bottom has fallen out of the secondary grandfather clock market in some regions over the past decade, with resale prices below original retail for most modern brands. Howard Miller retains a slight edge because of brand recognition, but high-end Hermle mechanical movements can also hold value when sold to European collectors. Treat any grandfather clock purchase as a home furnishing first and an investment second.
Maintenance costs are the hidden expense nobody talks about. Mechanical clocks need professional servicing every 5 to 10 years, ranging from $200 to $600 depending on the movement. Battery units need only new cells. Quartz movements are nearly maintenance-free for the first decade. If low upkeep matters more than authentic mechanical sound, a quartz clock like the Howard Miller Burton II saves money over time.
Forum pain points gathered from NAWCC and Reddit threads include chime sequence malfunctions, pendulum stopping when the cabinet is unlevel, and difficulty finding replacement parts for older units. Chime issues appear across all three brands, mostly tied to user setup rather than manufacturing defects. Spend 20 minutes leveling the clock with a precision bubble level before declaring any unit defective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ridgeway better than Howard Miller?
No, Ridgeway is not better than Howard Miller because they share the same manufacturing facility and engineering team since Howard Miller acquired Ridgeway in 2004. Both brands use the same modern Kieninger or Hermle movements and the same wood sourcing process. The differences are limited to cabinet styling, finishing choices, and pricing tiers. Howard Miller commands a slight premium because of longer brand recognition, but quality is essentially equal in the 2026 market.
Who makes the best quality grandfather clocks?
Howard Miller, Hermle, and Ridgeway are widely considered the best grandfather clock brands for 2026 buyers. Howard Miller wins on American cabinet craftsmanship and brand prestige. Hermle wins on authentic German movement engineering and longer warranty coverage. Ridgeway delivers comparable quality at lower prices. For pure movement quality, German-made Hermle units lead slightly. For overall investment value, Howard Miller holds the strongest brand recognition.
Are Ridgeway grandfather clocks made by Howard Miller?
Yes, Ridgeway grandfather clocks have been made by Howard Miller since the 2004 acquisition. Modern Ridgeway units are designed and built in the same Howard Miller facilities with the same movements, often sharing German-made Kieninger or Hermle internals. The Ridgeway brand is now marketed as a more accessible line under the Howard Miller parent company. Quality is comparable to Howard Miller’s standard line, although finishing details and model selection may differ.
Are Ridgeway grandfather clocks of good quality?
Yes, Ridgeway grandfather clocks are of good quality for the 2026 buyer. They use the same Kieninger or Hermle movements that power Howard Miller cabinets, employ similar wood construction techniques, and are built under the same quality controls. The main trade-off compared to Howard Miller is slightly simpler cabinet detailing and a smaller dealer network for warranty service. For buyers focused on movement quality over cabinet ornament, Ridgeway delivers strong value.
What are the common problems with Howard Miller grandfather clocks?
Common problems reported by Howard Miller grandfather clock owners include chime sequence malfunctions, pendulum stopping when the cabinet sits unlevel, and difficulty finding replacement parts for older discontinued models. Chime issues typically trace to user setup rather than manufacturing defects and can be resolved by leveling the cabinet with a precision tool. NAWCC forum threads confirm Howard Miller’s customer service responds to warranty claims within normal timelines. Quartz models like the Burton II mantel clock experience the fewest complaints overall.
Are Hermle clocks good quality?
Yes, Hermle clocks are good quality with over 100 years of German clockmaking tradition and a 3-year manufacturer warranty on mechanical units. Hermle builds the movements that power many Howard Miller and Ridgeway cabinets, meaning you are buying direct from the movement maker when you choose a Hermle-branded clock. The RAVENSBURG wall clock and Tambour mantel clock both earn 4.0+ star averages across hundreds of reviews. Quality control reports exist but are rare enough to dismiss as isolated incidents.
Final Verdict
The Howard Miller vs Hermle vs Ridgeway grandfather clocks debate in 2026 comes down to what you value most. Pick Howard Miller for traditional American cabinet craftsmanship and the strongest brand recognition. Pick Hermle if authentic German movement quality and longer warranty coverage matter more to you. Pick Ridgeway if you want comparable quality at a more accessible price point. For a flagship investment, the Howard Miller Jones Floor Clock II stands tall. For mechanical authenticity, the Hermle RAVENSBURG delivers the best value. For mantel and bedroom use, the Howard Miller Burton II is hard to beat at its price. Whatever you choose, level the cabinet carefully and register your warranty on day one.