Time for a good time

Published 3:34 pm Friday, December 7, 2007

All traditions have a beginning. Some have been passed on for generations, others have been born in more recent years. A House of Clocks in Lynnwood specializes in starting traditions, introducing clients to the exquisite craftsmanship of timepieces from around the world.

Don Larson, long-time sales associate at A House of Clocks, watches as new traditions are born every day.

“Clocks make great heirloom pieces for your family or for yourself,” Larson said. “It is a gift that can last a lifetime, and often be passed on to the next generation.”

“Everyone approaches clocks differently,” he said. “Some people look for accuracy. Others look for novelty, entertainment or animation.”

Larson encourages customers to “choose a design that is significant to you – there’s a reason you identify with it.”

Often, customers are drawn to clocks that represent their heritage.

“They will choose a clock that looks like what grandma either had or wanted to have,” he said.

A timeless choice continues to be the grandfather clock. With the presence of a handsome sentry, grandfather clocks display warm wood tones, intricate carving, delicate inlay and beautiful gear works. On many models, the traditional chime that welcomes each hour can be silenced at night.

For those living in apartments or condominiums, smaller versions are available in the form of grandmother and granddaughter clocks. Whatever floor clock you choose, A House of Clocks will deliver and set up your selection.

Cuckoo clocks are a long-standing tradition that elicits fond memories.

“I had a customer share the memory of her grandfather holding her up to his cuckoo clock. The bird would pop out several inches and peck her on the nose,” Larson said. “She was sure the bird popped out that far, but in reality it only came out a short distance. It doesn’t matter, though, it’s still a wonderful memory.”

Today’s cuckoo clocks are crafted in the same tradition as their predecessors, but some have a unique, modern twist. “Some have actual digital recordings of cuckoo birds in the Black Forest of Germany,” Larson said.

The shop also has an ever-changing presence of antique clocks, such as a figure of Mercury from the 1890s and an American antique from the end of the Civil War. Other clocks have the look of antiques, but modern inner workings with realistically aged dials and antiqued finishes.

“For the more adventurous there are battery powered magic-motion clocks with up to 18 different melodies, often with animation,” Larsen said.

At the top of each hour, magic-motion clocks become the center of attention, transforming into a display of charming motion and pleasing melodies, including Christmas favorites.

A clock can be at home in any room. If your space has a contemporary flair, A House of Clocks will have a sleek, modern option for you.

If you are a global traveler, a travel alarm clock or world clock featuring different time zones will fit nicely into your life.

Discovering the right clock is a personal, intimate thing, so choosing a family heirloom to share with future generations isn’t always easy.

“A lot of people have to come back two or three times,” Larson said. “They think they know what they want, then see something in the distance and change their mind.”

Whatever your choice, A House of Clocks will provide complimentary gift wrap and complete training in the care of your newfound treasure.