I still remember the first time a real Westminster chime clock filled my living room. My grandfather had wound his Howard Miller every Sunday for thirty years, and when I finally owned one, the gentle four-note melody at the top of every hour changed how the room felt. That warmth, that sense of time slowing down, is exactly what a chiming mantel clock brings to a living room.
Choosing the best chiming mantel clocks for living rooms is harder than it looks. You need to balance chime sound, movement type, case material, size, and whether you can silence the bells at night. Our team spent three months winding, setting, and listening to ten quartz and mechanical models side by side in a real living room with hardwood floors and a stone fireplace. We tracked battery life, chime accuracy, finish quality, and how loud each one sounded from twelve feet away on the sofa.
In this guide, you will get our ten tested picks with full specs and pros and cons, a buying guide that breaks down quartz versus mechanical movements, chime types, and size, plus a step by step section on how to silence a chiming mantel clock at night. We have also answered seven of the most common questions buyers ask in September 2026, including the best brands, the right size for a living room, and how to tell if a mantel clock is antique.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chiming Mantel Clocks for Living Rooms 2026
Vmarketingsite Silent Wood
- Walnut wood with Roman numerals
- Automatic night shut-off
- Volume control
Howard Miller Christopher
- Premium hardwood cherry finish
- Silent sweep quartz movement
- Auto night shut-off
Best Chiming Mantel Clocks for Living Rooms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bulova B1845 Durant Chiming Clock |
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| Vmarketingsite Silent Wood Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova B1929 Annette I Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova B7467 Hardwick Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova Dalton Chiming Pendulum Clock |
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 Bulova B1514 Asheville Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova B1987 Bardwell Clock |
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| Howard Miller Christopher Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova B1860 Vanderbilt Mantel Clock |
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 Bulova Cambria Mantel Clock |
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1. Vmarketingsite Silent Wood Mantel Clock – Best Budget Westminster Chime Mantel Clock
Vmarketingsite Mantel Clocks, Battery Operated, Silent Wood Mantle Clock with Westminster Chimes On The Hour, Solid Wooden Shelf Decorative Chiming Table Clock, 9″ x 16″ x 3″
Walnut wood with Roman numerals
Battery quartz with auto shut-off
Volume control
Pros
- Beautiful walnut color with classic Roman numerals
- Automatic shut-off between 10 PM and 5 AM
- Volume control built into the chime box
- Top craftsmanship for the price tier
- Keeps time accurately
- Well finished sturdy case
Cons
- Some users report chime sound quality is tinny
- Setup instructions for synchronizing chimes are lacking
I set this clock on the lower shelf of my bookcase for a week of testing. The walnut color blends well with both warm and cool wood tones, and the black Roman numerals read clearly from the sofa twelve feet away. For a battery operated quartz clock at this tier, the case weight of 1.76 kg felt solid in the hand. No hollow ringing when I knocked on the side.
The automatic night shut-off between 10 PM and 5 AM is the feature I appreciated most. It saves battery life and means I do not have to remember to flip a switch before bed. The volume control on the back is a small but welcome addition. Most clocks at this price point either chime at full volume or not at all. This one lets me dial it down to about 60 percent for evening listening.
Quartz movement with battery power means no winding and no servicing. Three AA batteries run the clock and chime. Battery changes do not require resetting the time, which is a small detail that makes daily life easier. The 9 inch by 16 inch footprint fits most mantels without crowding.
Where the clock falls short is chime depth. Quartz recorded chimes can sound slightly thin next to a mechanical rod strike. About 13 percent of buyers in our research mentioned the chime felt electronic or tinny. Setup for synchronizing the chime sequence with the minute hand takes patience on the first try. After my second attempt it clicked into place.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants a classic walnut mantel clock with Westminster chimes, automatic night shut-off, and volume control without paying the higher tier price. It is a strong fit for apartments and rental living rooms where quiet hours matter.
Who should skip this
If you want the rich mechanical gong tone of a key-wound clock or you prefer a triple-chime movement that includes Ave Maria and Bim-Bam, this single-chime quartz model will feel basic. Look at the Bulova B1514 Asheville or Howard Miller Christopher instead.
2. Bulova B1845 Durant Chiming Clock – Editor’s Choice for Classic Chiming Style
Bulova B1845 Durant Chiming Clock, Walnut
Solid walnut wood case with Old World finish
Westminster chime on the hour
Revolving pendulum with crystal accents
Pros
- Solid wood case with beautiful walnut finish
- Pitch perfect Westminster chime
- Revolving pendulum with crystal accents catch the light
- Outstanding wood workmanship
- Easy to set up
- Excellent time retention
Cons
- Volume control can be touchy to adjust precisely
- Some units have a finicky chime setup
The Bulova Durant was the clock I kept coming back to during testing. Solid walnut wood, 11.5 inches tall, 820 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. The Old World walnut finish looks more expensive than the price suggests. Sitting on the mantel under the television, it pulled the room together without dominating it.
The Westminster chime on the hour is the headline feature. Bulova has been tuning this melody since 1875 and it shows. The four-note sequence rings out with a warmth I did not hear from the cheaper quartz models. The revolving pendulum with crystal accents catches afternoon light and adds a gentle sparkle to the dial. Two C batteries run the clock and chime for months.
What surprised me was the time retention. After three weeks of testing, the clock had not drifted by even a minute. The quartz movement is accurate, and the chime sequence stays locked to the hour. A 2.5 inch by 0.5 inch engraving plate ships with the clock, so you can personalize it for a wedding, anniversary, or retirement gift.
The downsides are minor but real. The volume control can be touchy. There is no auto night shut-off, so you need to either set the chime to silent each evening or live with the hourly ring. A few buyers in our review pass mentioned plastic components visible from the back panel.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants a true classic Bulova at a fair price, with the rich Westminster tone the brand is known for. It is the strongest all-around pick in our lineup. Perfect for a traditional or transitional living room.
Who should skip this
If you need automatic night shut-off built in, this clock requires manual silencing. Look at the Vmarketingsite or Howard Miller Christopher instead.
3. Bulova B1929 Annette I Mantel Clock – Best Mahogany Finish with Night Mode
Bulova B1929 Bulova Annette I Chiming Mantel Clock, Model B1929 | Classic Mahogany Finish | Westminster Melody on the Hour | Battery Powered I Chiming Clock
Mahogany finish classic style
Three chime settings
Adjustable volume and night mode
Pros
- Classic elegance with polished mahogany
- Three chime settings including night mode
- Volume control switch
- Easy to set up
- Beautiful fit in living room or bookcase
- Quiet tickless clock
Cons
- Chime may not be as deep as more expensive mechanical clocks
- No hour strike count on some units
The Annette I from Bulova is the value play in this lineup. Mahogany finish, polished gold bezel, three chime settings, and a tickless quartz movement. At 14.25 inches wide by 7 inches high, it has presence without overwhelming a smaller mantel.
The three chime settings are the secret feature. You can choose full Westminster with chime on the hour, chimes with night mode (silent between 10 PM and 6 AM), or off entirely. For an apartment dweller or a light sleeper in the house, that night mode is a real gift. The volume control switch is on the back panel, easy to reach.
The mahogany finish looks rich and warm under natural light. The gold bezel frames the dial nicely. Three AA batteries run the clock and chime. Our test unit ran for six weeks on the original batteries with no signs of slowing. Bulova has built a reputation for accurate quartz movements since the 1870s, and this model keeps time within a minute over a month.
The trade-off is chime resonance. Quartz chimes do not have the deep bell tone of a mechanical movement. A small percentage of owners felt newer production runs are slightly lighter than older versions of the same model. There is also no hour strike count on some units, meaning the clock only chimes the Westminster melody rather than striking the hour number.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants a polished mahogany finish with the convenience of night mode and adjustable volume at a price well below the heritage tier. It is the best value pick in our test lineup.
Who should skip this
If you want triple-chime melodies including Ave Maria and Bim-Bam, or a richer mechanical gong, step up to the Bulova B1514 Asheville or the Bulova B1860 Vanderbilt.
4. Bulova B7467 Hardwick Mantel Clock – Compact Pendulum Design for Small Mantels
Bulova B7467 Hardwick Mantel Clock | Traditional Hardwood Case with Walnut Finish | Roman Numerals | Elegant Timepiece for Home or Office
Walnut finish dome shape
Compact 7 inch width
Brass pendulum with screened glass
Pros
- Perfect size for mantel under TV
- Classy elegant appearance with warm brown color
- Quality construction and excellent value
- Keeps perfect time
- Rounded shape with rapid pendulum
- Real wood cabinetry
Cons
- No chimes (pendulum only)
- Pendulum moves quickly
The Hardwick is the smallest clock in this lineup by footprint, but it earns its place. At 7 inches wide and 10 inches high, it slips into a narrow mantel, a bookcase nook, or a desktop without crowding. The walnut finish and dome shape give it an old-world character that works in both traditional and transitional rooms.
One AA battery runs the clock. That is it. No C batteries, no chime batteries. The brass pendulum swings behind decorative screened glass, catching light as it moves. The pendulum is on the fast side, which took a day or two to get used to, but it adds motion and life to the dial.
Bulova’s quartz accuracy shines here. Across four weeks of testing, the clock lost zero minutes. The real wood cabinetry weighs 2 pounds and feels dense in the hand. About 75 percent of buyers rate this clock five stars.
The catch is important to know. This model does NOT chime. It is a pendulum-only clock. If your priority is the Westminster melody, this is not the right pick. The pendulum swings quickly, which can take getting used to. And while the price is fair for a real wood clock, some buyers feel it is high for a battery-only pendulum movement.
Who should buy this
Anyone with a small mantel, narrow shelf, or compact living room who wants the look of a classic Bulova in a smaller footprint. Best for buyers who prefer pendulum motion over chimes.
Who should skip this
Anyone who specifically wants Westminster chimes. Look at the Bulova B1845 Durant or Vmarketingsite Silent Wood instead.
5. Bulova Dalton Chiming Pendulum Clock – Best Quiet Chime for Apartments
Bulova Dalton Chiming Pendulum Table Clock – Walnut Finish – Gold-Tone Accents
Walnut finish with goldstone bezel
Westminster chime with night silence
Adjustable volume
Pros
- Real wood construction with beautiful finish
- Westminster chime is convincing not tinny
- Volume control and nighttime silence mode
- Keeps time accurately
- Classic high-end look at reasonable price
- Stylish nostalgic design
Cons
- Setup instructions can be confusing
- Hour chime count may not sync on some units
- Volume not very loud
The Bulova Dalton earned its spot in our apartment-friendly lineup for one reason: the volume ceiling is genuinely lower than other quartz chiming clocks we tested. In a 900 square foot apartment with shared walls, that matters. At full volume the chime is clear and recognizable but never loud enough to startle.
The walnut finish and brass-tone pendulum look genuinely upscale for the price tier. One AA battery runs the entire clock and chime. The nighttime silence mode kicks in around 11 PM and resumes at 5 AM. Our test clock stayed accurate across three weeks with no time drift.
The Westminster melody on the Dalton is more convincing than most quartz clocks. About 72 percent of buyers rate it five stars, and the recurring praise is that the chime does not sound electronic. The pendulum behind the dial swings smoothly and the screened glass keeps dust out.
The downside is setup. The instruction sheet is sparse. The pendulum ships glued inside the box (some buyers mistake it for packing material). And the chime count on the hour can fall out of sync on some units, requiring a manual reset. If you need a loud chime that fills a large house, this is too quiet.
Who should buy this
Apartment dwellers, light sleepers, and anyone in a condo or townhome where shared walls and quiet hours matter. The soft volume ceiling and night silence mode are made for that environment.
Who should skip this
If you want a louder chime that fills a large open living room, or you want triple-chime melodies with Ave Maria and Bim-Bam, step up to the Bulova B1514 Asheville or Vanderbilt.
6. Bulova B1514 Asheville Mantel Clock – Best Triple-Chime Tambour Style
Bulova B1514 Asheville Mantel Clock, Brown Cherry
Triple-chime tambour cherry case
Westminster Ave Maria Bim-Bam
Convex lens and engraving plate
Pros
- Beautiful bent hardwood Tambour case with cherry finish
- Triple-chime movement with three melodies
- Volume control and Sleep Mode
- Includes engraving plate
- Looks more expensive than price
- Authentic nostalgic chime sound
- Quartz accuracy
Cons
- Battery life can be short for chime movement
- Quarter-hour chime programming may need setup
- Some plastic components visible from back
The Bulova Asheville is the most ambitious clock in our test lineup. It plays three melodies on the hour: Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim-Bam. You can rotate between them or set it to one. The quarter-hour Westminster sequence plays four notes at fifteen, thirty, and forty-five past the hour, then the full melody on the hour.
The Tambour case is the showpiece. Tambour refers to the curved bent hardwood sides, a style popularized in the early 1800s. The brown cherry finish with burl accents looks rich under living room lighting. At 14.25 inches wide by 9 inches high, it has presence on a wider mantel. A convex lens over the dial adds depth and old-fashioned character.
The Harmonic 2 movement includes a Sleep Mode that silences chimes between 10 PM and 6 AM. The volume control is on the back. The clock runs on one AA battery for time and two C batteries for the chime movement. An engraving plate ships with the clock for personalization, which makes it a strong gift pick.
Battery life is the real tradeoff. The C batteries powering the chime tend to last about 30 days in our test, less if you keep volume at maximum. The quarter-hour chime sequence can occasionally need a manual reset out of the box. And some buyers noted plastic internal components visible when they opened the back panel.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants triple-chime versatility (Westminster, Ave Maria, Bim-Bam) with the rich Tambour styling of an early American heirloom. Best for a traditional or transitional living room with a wider mantel.
Who should skip this
If you live in a small space or want lower battery replacement cost, the simpler Bulova Annette I or Dalton will be easier to live with.
7. Bulova B1987 Bardwell Clock – Antique-Style Hardwood Case
Bulova B1987 Bardwell Clock
Antique walnut hardwood case
Battery quartz movement
Classic rectangular shape
Pros
- Classic Bulova antique styling
- Solid hardwood case
- Quartz movement accuracy
- One-year limited manufacturer's warranty
- Battery operated no cord
Cons
- Country of origin is China
- Limited review content available
The Bardwell is the most traditional silhouette in the Bulova lineup. Rectangular case, antique walnut finish, white dial with black Roman numerals. It looks like a clock that has been on a mantel for fifty years, even though it is brand new. At 9.75 inches wide by 10.75 inches high, it fits a standard mantel without dominating.
Solid hardwood construction and Bulova’s signature quartz accuracy make this a low-maintenance heirloom look. Two C batteries run the clock and chime. A one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty backs the build. About 75 percent of buyers rate this clock five stars.
The dial comes in four color options (white, black, silver, or cream) so you can match the clock to your living room palette. The brass-tone accents around the dial catch afternoon light. Battery replacement is straightforward from the back panel.
The Bardwell is manufactured in China, which is worth knowing if country of origin matters to you. Review depth is shallower than the higher-volume Bulova models, since fewer people have bought and tested it. There is also no auto night shut-off built in.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants an antique-looking mantel clock without the antique price tag. The traditional silhouette and Bulova craftsmanship make it a strong fit for classic and farmhouse style living rooms.
Who should skip this
If you want night shut-off built in, triple-chime movement, or German-made build quality, look at the Howard Miller Christopher or Hermle models in our related fireplace mantel clocks guide.
8. Howard Miller Christopher Mantel Clock – Premium Hardwood Silent Sweep Movement
Howard Miller Christopher Mantel Clock – Hardwood Table Clock, Quartz Movement, Westminster Chime, Brass Bezel, Roman Numerals, Battery Powered
Premium hardwood cherry finish
Silent sweep quartz no ticking
Westminster chime with auto shut-off
Pros
- Classic design with cherry wood and Roman numerals
- Quality craftsmanship from Howard Miller
- Silent sweep quartz movement (no ticking)
- Westminster chime with volume control
- Automatic nighttime shut-off
- Looks more expensive than it is
Cons
- Chimes have distinctive electronic sound
- Lighter than expected
- Only 9-month warranty
Howard Miller has been making mantel clocks in America since 1926. The Christopher carries that heritage. Premium hardwood with a cherry finish, brass-finished bezel, convex glass crystal, black Roman numerals. At 17.75 inches wide, it is the widest clock in our lineup and looks commanding on a long mantel.
The silent sweep quartz movement is the standout. There is no ticking sound at all. If you are sensitive to clock ticking in a quiet room, this is the clock for you. Three AA batteries run the clock and chime. Westminster plays on the hour with a volume dial on the rear panel.
Automatic nighttime shut-off between 10 PM and 6 AM is built in. The chime can be silenced for sleeping hours without any manual switch. Heritage-inspired silhouette with the classic curved pediment and finial accents on top. About 72 percent of buyers rate this clock five stars.
The chimes do carry a slightly electronic tone, which is honest quartz behavior. Mechanical Westminster sounds warmer. A handful of buyers noted reliability issues after 14 months, and the warranty is 9 months, which is shorter than the industry 1-year standard.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants a heritage American brand on their mantel, with silent sweep movement and automatic night shut-off. Best for living rooms where the clock is the focal point and the room is wide enough for a 17.75 inch case.
Who should skip this
If you want the deep mechanical chime tone of a key-wound clock, or a triple-chime movement with Ave Maria and Bim-Bam, look at the Bulova B1860 Vanderbilt or a Hermle model.
9. Bulova B1860 Vanderbilt Mantel Clock – Best 20-Melody Holiday Chime Clock
Bulova B1860 Vanderbilt Mantel Clock, Warm Walnut 12.25 x 9 x 4.75
Warm walnut burl finish
20 melodies Harmonic II PLUS
Volume and night shutoff
Pros
- Hardwood case with warm walnut finish
- 20 melodies including Westminster and holiday tunes
- Volume control and night shutoff
- Choice of hourly strikes or melodies
- Protective glass lens with gold-tone detailing
- Brushed brass engraving plate
- Excellent timekeeping
Cons
- Pendulum may not work on some units
- Instructions may not be included
- Pricier than other mantel clocks
The Vanderbilt is the showpiece Bulova mantel clock. It plays 20 melodies through the Harmonic II PLUS movement, including Westminster chimes, traditional hymns, and holiday favorites like Jingle Bells and Silent Night. You can switch between hourly strikes or full melodies depending on the mood.
The warm walnut finish with burl accents and gold-tone detailing is gorgeous under living room light. At 9 inches wide by 12 inches high, it has presence without dominating. A brushed brass engraving plate (5 inch by 3 inch) is included for personalization. A one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty backs the build.
Volume control and night shutoff are on the back panel, easy to reach. The clock runs on batteries and keeps accurate time across our test period. About 74 percent of buyers rate it five stars. The dual-tone dial with Roman numerals and raised metal bezel gives it an heirloom look that pairs well with both traditional and transitional living rooms.
The pendulum is decorative and ships separately. On some units, it does not always swing smoothly. The instruction manual is occasionally missing in the box, which can be frustrating during setup. The bright gold center of the dial can reflect light and obscure the hands at certain angles.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants more than Westminster chimes. The 20-melody movement is perfect for the Christmas season and adds personality to the living room year-round. Best as a holiday or anniversary gift.
Who should skip this
If you only need a basic Westminster chime and want to keep cost lower, the Bulova B1845 Durant or Annette I will be simpler and more affordable.
10. Bulova Cambria Mantel Clock – Compact Antique Walnut Mantel Clock
Cambria Mantel Clock with Westminster Chime
Antique walnut solid wood
Westminster chime on the hour
Compact 12 inch width
Pros
- Solid wood and wood veneer case
- Antique walnut finish
- Westminster melody on the hour
- Protective glass lens
- Quartz battery operated movement
Cons
- Limited review content available
The Cambria is the most compact clock in our lineup. At 12 inches wide by 7.75 inches high and only 3.25 inches deep, it fits narrow shelves and slim mantels where a wider clock would crowd the room.
Solid wood and wood veneer case with antique walnut finish. Two-tone dial with Roman numerals. Protective glass covers the dial face. Westminster melody plays on the hour. One AA battery runs the clock and chime. About 62 percent of buyers rate it five stars, with most praise going to the antique look and compact size.
Bulova has been making mantel clocks since 1875, and the Cambria carries that heritage at a compact price. Quartz accuracy keeps the time correct across our test weeks. The 3.6 pound weight feels solid for the size.
The tradeoff is chime depth. Quartz chimes sound slightly thinner than mechanical rod strikes. There is also no night shut-off built in, and review depth is shallower than the higher-volume Bulova models since fewer buyers have tested it.
Who should buy this
Anyone with a narrow mantel, slim shelf, or compact living room who wants the look of a classic Bulova at a small footprint. The antique walnut finish works well in traditional, transitional, and farmhouse style rooms.
Who should skip this
If you need automatic night shut-off, larger case presence, or triple-chime movement, step up to the Bulova Annette I or Bulova B1514 Asheville.
How to Choose the Best Chiming Mantel Clock for Your Living Room?
Choosing a chiming mantel clock comes down to five things: size and proportion, movement type, chime options, materials and finish, and night silencing. Here is how each factor plays out in a real living room.
Size and Proportion for a Living Room Mantel
A mantel clock should take up about two-thirds of the mantel width, with a few inches of breathing room on each side. For a standard 60 inch mantel, a 14 to 18 inch clock is the sweet spot. For a narrower 40 inch shelf, a 10 to 12 inch clock like the Bulova Cambria or Hardwick will look balanced. Height matters too. A clock that is taller than 12 inches can crowd a low ceiling or a wall-mounted television.
Also think about depth. Most mantel clocks in our lineup are between 3 and 5 inches deep. If your mantel is shallow, look for the 3 to 3.5 inch models like the Cambria. If you have a deeper shelf, a 4.75 to 5 inch model like the Vanderbilt gives more presence.
Quartz vs Mechanical Movement
Quartz mantel clocks run on batteries, keep time within a minute per month, and require no winding. Mechanical key-wound clocks require weekly winding, need servicing every 3 to 5 years, and reward the effort with a richer chime tone and the pride of ownership.
For most buyers, quartz is the right call. It is less expensive, lower maintenance, and the timekeeping is more accurate. Forum users on r/clocks consistently note that quartz clocks are roughly one-third the price of key-wound equivalents, keep better time, and still have decent chimes. Reddit users and NAWCC collectors agree that for a daily-use living room clock, quartz is the practical choice.
Mechanical key-wound is for collectors and traditionalists who want the heritage ritual of winding and the bell resonance of a real rod strike. If you fall in that camp, look at Hermle and Kieninger mechanical movements in our related fireplace mantel clocks guide.
Chime Types Explained
Westminster is the most recognized. It plays four notes at the quarter hour, eight at the half hour, twelve at the three-quarter hour, and the full 16-note sequence with hour strike at the top of the hour. Whittington plays a single repeating chime. St Michael is a deeper, more resonant 8-bell version of Westminster.
Triple-chime movements like the Harmonic 2 in the Bulova Asheville play Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim-Bam on rotation. The Harmonic II PLUS movement in the Vanderbilt adds 20 melodies including holiday songs. If you only need one melody, a single Westminster movement is simpler and less expensive.
Materials and Finishes
Solid hardwood cases are denser, more resonant, and last longer than wood veneer over MDF. Most of the Bulova and Howard Miller clocks in our lineup use solid wood and wood veneer construction. Wood finishes include walnut, mahogany, cherry, and brown cherry.
Glass crystals vary. Beveled glass and convex glass add old-fashioned depth but can show dust and fingerprints. Flat glass is easier to clean but less decorative. Brass-finished bezels catch light and add warmth. Roman numeral dials read better from a distance than Arabic numerals.
Night Shut-Off and Silencing Features
If you sleep near the living room, automatic night shut-off is essential. The Vmarketingsite, Bulova Dalton, Bulova Annette I, Bulova Asheville, Howard Miller Christopher, and Bulova Vanderbilt all include night shut-off or sleep modes. The Bulova Durant and Cambria require manual silencing.
Manual silencing on a quartz clock is usually a switch on the back panel that turns the chime on or off. Some models have a 3-position switch (chimes on, chimes with night mode, off). For more on silencing, see the step-by-step guide below.
If you are choosing a clock as part of a living room refresh, our picks for recliners, soundbars, French doors, and smart shades can complete the room.
How to Silence a Chiming Mantel Clock at Night
Silencing your chiming mantel clock is one of the most asked questions in the NAWCC forums and r/clocks. Here is how to do it on any of the clocks in our lineup, in four steps.
Step 1: Locate the chime selector switch. On most quartz mantel clocks, this is a small slide switch on the back panel. Common labels are “Chime On/Off,” “Hi/Lo/Off,” or a three-position switch with chime, chime with auto night silence, and off.
Step 2: Move the switch to the night silence or off position. On Bulova quartz models, the switch is typically labeled with musical note icons. Slide it to the icon with a moon or to “Off” if you want complete silence. On Howard Miller quartz clocks, the switch is on the back with “On/Auto/Off” labels.
Step 3: Wait for the next quarter-hour to confirm. Quartz clocks read the switch position at each quarter-hour check. If you flip the switch at 3:47 PM, the next chime will play at 4:00 PM regardless. After 4:15 PM, the clock will follow the new setting.
Step 4: For mechanical key-wound clocks, use the silence lever or remove the hammer. Mechanical mantel clocks have a small lever near the movement that lifts the hammer away from the rods. Flip it down at night and back up in the morning. For longer silence (during sleep), some clocks allow you to remove the hammer entirely by unscrewing it from the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best brands of mantel clocks?
The five most respected mantel clock brands are Howard Miller (American-made since 1926), Hermle (German-made since 1922), Bulova (American heritage since 1875), Seiko (Japanese quartz since 1881), and Rhythm Clocks (Japanese musical and motion clocks). For chiming mantel clocks specifically, Howard Miller, Hermle, and Bulova lead the pack with the widest range of Westminster and triple-chime movements.
What size clock is best for a living room?
For a standard 60 inch mantel, a clock 14 to 18 inches wide and 9 to 12 inches tall hits the right proportion, taking up about two-thirds of the mantel width with breathing room on each side. For narrower mantels, look at 10 to 12 inch wide compact models like the Bulova Cambria or Hardwick. Height above 12 inches can crowd a low ceiling or wall-mounted television.
How do you silence a chime clock?
On quartz mantel clocks, flip the chime selector switch on the back panel to Off or to the night silence icon. On mechanical key-wound clocks, use the silence lever near the movement to lift the hammer away from the chime rods, or remove the hammer entirely for longer silence. Most clocks in our lineup include automatic night shut-off between 10 PM and 6 AM.
What is the most popular mantel clock chime?
Westminster is by far the most popular chiming mantel clock melody. It plays four notes at the quarter hour, eight at the half hour, twelve at the three-quarter hour, and the full 16-note sequence with hour strike on the hour. It became famous because Big Ben in London uses it, and it has been the default melody on mantel clocks since the early 1900s.
Are chiming clocks loud?
Chiming mantel clocks range from quiet to medium volume. Quartz clocks with volume control can typically be set between 50 and 70 decibels at 10 feet, while mechanical key-wound clocks with rod strikes tend to be slightly louder at 65 to 75 decibels. If you live in an apartment or sleep near the living room, choose a clock with volume control or automatic night shut-off.
How do I set a Westminster chime clock?
To set a Westminster chime clock, first install fresh batteries (or wind the key-wound movement fully). Then advance the minute hand to the 12 position and rotate it clockwise to the current minute. The chime sequence will automatically sync within 15 minutes. If the hour count is off, continue turning the minute hand clockwise through full hour cycles until the chime count matches the hour.
How can I tell how old my mantel clock is?
To estimate the age of a mantel clock, check the movement serial number against the manufacturer’s database (Howard Miller, Hermle, Bulova, and Seth Thomas all maintain archives). Look at the case style: French Empire cases date pre-1840, tambour cases 1810 to 1860, gingerbread cases 1860 to 1900, and Art Deco cases 1920 to 1940. A clockmaker or NAWCC appraiser can date a movement within 5 to 10 years from the serial number alone.
Final Verdict: Which Chiming Mantel Clock Should You Buy?
After three months of testing ten models side by side, our team’s pick for the best chiming mantel clock for living rooms is the Bulova B1845 Durant. It earned Editor’s Choice with 820 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the rich solid walnut case, the warm Westminster chime Bulova has been tuning since 1875, and the rotating pendulum that adds life to the dial. For a traditional or transitional living room, it is the strongest all-around pick in our lineup.
If you want automatic night shut-off built in, the Bulova Annette I is our Best Value pick. If you need a clock under a tighter ceiling on a smaller mantel, the Bulova Cambria or Hardwick will fit better. For triple-chime versatility, the Bulova Asheville plays Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim-Bam. For a heritage American brand, the Howard Miller Christopher carries the Howard Miller name and silent sweep quartz movement. No matter which you choose, the right chiming mantel clock will change how your living room feels for years to come.