How your grandfather clock is delivered

01

Why a grandfather clock cannot be shipped like an ordinary parcel

A high-quality grandfather clock is a large, heavy and, at the same time, delicate product. Besides the solid wooden case, it contains many mechanical components that need special protection during transport. These include the movement, the pendulum, the weights, the dial and, depending on the model, chime rods or long tubular bells. Strong jolts or improper handling can cause parts to shift, surfaces to be damaged, or the mechanism to need readjusting after delivery.

For this reason, grandfather clocks are not usually sent through a standard parcel service. Instead, they are delivered as a bulky freight shipment. Before dispatch, the clock is prepared for safe transport: moving parts are removed, secured or packed separately. The pendulum and the heavy weights must never hang freely inside the case during transport, as they could damage the movement, the glass doors or the wooden case.

Delicate ornaments, glass elements and polished surfaces are also given extra protection. The whole packaging is designed to spread the clock's weight evenly and to prevent any movement inside the transport box. This is why shipping a grandfather clock requires far more care than shipping a regular parcel or an ordinary piece of furniture.

02

Shipped lying down, on a pallet, in a transport box

Most grandfather clocks are packed lying down for shipping and transported on sturdy pallets. Depending on the model, the manufacturer and the size of the delivery, one or two pallets may be used.

The case sits inside a thick, resistant shipping box. Inside this box, the clock is held in place with padding, corner protectors and other securing elements. This prevents the case from sliding during the journey, knocking against the outer walls of the packaging or being weighed down by other shipments. The corners, the glass doors and the finely worked wooden parts need particularly reliable protection.

The pendulum, weights, crank, key and other accessories are packed separately. The weights of a mechanical grandfather clock can be very heavy and would cause serious damage if left unsecured during transport. They should therefore only be unpacked and fitted once the case has been placed in its final position.

The exact packaging can vary from one model to another. A small grandfather clock may need less packaging than a large clock with tubular bells and a heavy case. The principle, however, always stays the same: the clock travels stable, well padded and secured against slipping, on one or more pallets.

03

Delivered by a freight carrier, to the kerbside

Because of its size and weight, a grandfather clock is usually delivered by a specialist freight company rather than a parcel courier. Which carrier handles your delivery depends on the shipment, the delivery region and the availability of transport partners.

Standard delivery is usually made to the kerbside. This means the carrier brings the packed clock to the kerb, or to a point on your property that the delivery vehicle can reach. Carrying it into the building, moving it up stairs, placing it in a specific room and starting the clock are not included with this type of delivery.

Before delivery, a delivery date or time window is normally arranged with you. On the day, make sure there is enough space for the pallet to be set down and then moved safely. Good access for the delivery vehicle is also important. If your property is hard to reach, the street is narrow or there are other local constraints, please let us know as early as possible.

When the clock is handed over, check the outside of the packaging carefully. Any visible damage, deep dents, opened areas or damaged pallets should be noted directly on the delivery receipt. We also recommend photographing anything unusual before the packaging is opened or moved.

04

Carrying in and setting up your clock

With kerbside delivery, bringing the packed grandfather clock into the house is the customer's responsibility. Because of its size, its weight and its delicate finish, a grandfather clock should never be carried by one person alone or tipped upright without control. Depending on the model, at least two strong people are needed, and extra helpers can be useful for particularly large or heavy clocks.

Before delivery, check the whole route the clock will take: entrance doors, hallways, staircases, lifts and any narrow points. Also think about wall projections, low ceilings, tight corners and delicate floor coverings. Keep in mind that the packaging makes the clock noticeably larger than the clock itself.

At its final location, the clock needs a stable and as level a surface as possible. It should not be placed directly against a damp wall, next to a heater or in an area with large temperature changes. Direct sunlight can also affect the wooden case over time.

After unpacking, first place only the case in its final position. The pendulum, weights and other moving parts are fitted afterwards, following the order given in the instructions, as the weights may have different positions depending on the movement. The case must then be levelled precisely so that the pendulum swings evenly and the mechanical movement runs reliably.