Clocks are stylish accents to include in your home, and there are so many to choose from that it’s overwhelming to decide on the best option. That’s why we set out to find which clockmakers are producing clocks made in the USA of every variety. Below are our findings.
Complete List of Clock Brands Made in the USA
These traditional floor clocks produced by the Howard Miller Company are constructed from tough hardwood and veneer and show off ornate design features. These clocks have a quality look and feel because they use top materials such as brass dials and high-polished metals. Each of the floor clocks features precision Kieninger chime movement systems with several selectable chime options. These clocks come with decorative astrological accents and ornate pendulums. Each also features an heirloom nameplate and certificate. These clocks are made from fine materials and built to demanding specifications for the highest level of performance.
The Kit-Cat Klock is a timeless American classic that has invaded so many kitchen walls across the country. It has the iconic rolling eyes, wagging tail, and cheesy smile that it’s known for.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Woody Young, the owner of Kit-Cat Klock, who had some great insights on why they stay dedicated to American manufacturing. When manufacturers started going in masses to China for cheaper materials and labor, Young had a big decision on his hands. He decided to keep production in the USA and hasn’t wavered since. “It has not been easy, but looking back, I would not have changed my decision, and I am proud to be an American manufacturer.” Kit-Cat Klock has even gained fame outside of the U.S. too. “We do business in over 40 foreign counties, and our American-made product stands for quality everywhere in the world,” says Young.
This clock works well for a kitchen, mudroom, game room, or kid’s playroom. It comes in the classic black color, but the Kit-Cat Klock also comes in 18 other colors, so you can match it to your style. Keep in mind that it runs on a couple of C batteries, which are not included at most online stores.
Amana is a well-known American company that specializes in furniture and clock making. They use a solid wood construction and have careful attention to detail. Each clock is fitted with a reliable battery-operated quartz movement mechanism and is built to last. The clocks are stately in appearance and can be had in cherry, walnut, and oak in a wide range of finishes for just the right look.
Bradford’s mantle clocks are made from the finest hardwoods and rely on advanced quartz movement. Many feature chime features for a classic feel. Each clock is meticulously crafted out of solid hardwood mixed with stately metals like silver and brass for hands, faces, and handles. Thanks to the protective lacquer used on each clock, they all have a shine to them as well. These clocks can be expensive but also function as a piece of art in your home.
Constructed in Massachusetts, Modern Moose clocks are a fun addition to any child’s room. These decorative clocks are themed after different animals and are designed to appeal to the imagination of little ones. They’re made from a solid plywood construction and use a reliable quartz movement. There are many different styles and looks to choose from, and each is priced the same, so children can choose their favorite design without heavily considering the price. The clocks are compact and delicate but make for fun wall décor in any child’s room.
New Hampshire clocks are ideal if you’re searching for a custom commemorative clock to add to your collection. This company can create custom clocks that you’ll celebrate and cherish for years to come. The ordering system is simple, and you can include your own graphics to be included on the face of the clock.
Each clock is crafted from tough hardwood and carefully finished with a multi-step process to make it as durable as possible. Each clock can be customized in a few different ways during the ordering process. Select a light or dark finish, clock face number type, and two custom images for the clock face and the lower glass of the clock. There are also several extra engravings that can be added to a clock from New Hampshire clocks. Each finished creation uses an electronic quartz movement rather than a mechanical one for reliability.
Providence Workshop offers stately clocks with a classic appearance that relies on modern-day quartz movements. Each clock is made out of hardwood, is built with reliable joints, and is constructed with care in their workshop. These clocks are simple in design and don’t have any advanced features other than a pendulum addition. This keeps them affordable but doesn’t take away from their appearance.
Stoneybrook Clocks is an American clock-making company that crafts classic clocks with an upscale finish. The company offers clocks that use a weight-driven system or a spring-driven movement, but each clock uses a mechanical hand movement to keep time. They are designed from top-quality hardwoods, and there is a multitude of hardwoods to choose from. Each clock comes finished with a tough clearcoat that gives them a pleasant gleam. Each clock is protected with a two-year warranty and is offered with or without chimes.
How To Find Clocks Made in the USA
Instead of just giving you a list of American made clocks, we want to help you learn how to do your own research and make better shopping choices. Below, we’ll dive into the clock manufacturing world, covering things like where materials come from, labeling, and tips for finding top-quality brands made in the USA. Let’s start by breaking down what “made in the USA” really means and how to understand it when shopping for clocks.
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
First, let’s define what “made in the USA” means. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “made in the USA” means that “all or virtually all” of the parts and labor used to create the clock are sourced from the United States. This includes any components that went into making the clock, such as the clock mechanism and materials used.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic, check out our general “made in the USA” guide.
Materials
When looking for an American made clock, it’s important to consider what materials are used. Clocks are generally made of plastic, metal, wood, and glass. If you’re looking for a clock that is 100% American-made, look for one made with materials that can be sourced from the United States.
Wood
Wooden clocks are often the most sought-after options for a classic look. Many of these wooden clocks are crafted with wood from American forests and processed at local mills, so they’re a great option if you want to be sure your clock is American-made.
Look for clocks made with oak, cherry, and walnut, as the USA has one of the world’s highest production rates of hardwood lumber, only second to China.
Metal
Almost all clocks have some type of metal parts, such as the pendulum or hands. Look for clocks made with metals that can be sourced from within the United States, like copper, bronze, and aluminum, which are all commonly sourced domestically.
It’s also important to note that the USA also imports many metals from other countries, so it’s essential to double-check the country of origin if you are looking for a clock that is 100% American-made.
Plastic
Plastic clocks are often more affordable than wooden or metal ones, which makes them a popular choice – even for manufacturers. Look for clocks with components made from polypropylene and polyethylene, which are commonly sourced from the United States. But remember that most of the world’s plastic comes from China and Europe. With that said, the USA produces around 20% of the world’s plastic, which is certainly not insignificant. But it’s still double-checking the country of origin regarding plastic clocks.
Glass
The United States is one of the world’s top five glass manufacturing countries. Glass is commonly used in clocks to provide a window for viewing the clock mechanism and is also used to create decorative elements. When looking for an American-made clock, look for ones made with optically-pure glass sourced from the United States.
Labeling
Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the US Code helps us to weed out foreign-made products. This legislation states that all products made abroad must be labeled accordingly. But companies have been known to be tricky with their wording to confuse consumers into thinking their products are American-made when they are, in fact, not.
When shopping for a clock, look for one specifically labeled “made in the USA.” This will ensure that you are purchasing a quality product made right here in America. You can often find this label on the packaging of the clock or on the product itself.
As mentioned previously, according to FTC regulations, products labeled “made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the USA. This means that all significant parts, processing, and labor must be of US origin.
However, keep in mind that the “made in the USA” label is not as policed as well as it should be. There is no pre-approval process for the label, so companies can use this label as they see fit. It is ultimately up to the consumers to report any incorrect usage of the label.
Also, watch out for similar labels, such as “assembled in the USA,” “designed in the USA,” or “manufactured in the USA.” At first glance, they may seem similar, but these labels mean that only a part of the entire manufacturing process takes place in the USA.
Another thing to watch out for is the usage of the American flag. Just because the American flag is on the label does not automatically mean it is made in the USA.
Other Tips
Here are some additional tips for finding clocks made in the USA.
Check The Company’s Website
Look for information about the company on its website. Many companies will provide details about where their clocks are made and what materials they use. This can help you determine if the clock is genuinely made in the USA. Plus, “made in the USA” is a huge selling point, so companies won’t usually be shy about this fact.
On online or promotional materials, companies do not need to state the country of origin, so if you don’t find any information, assume that the clock is made abroad with foreign materials.
Do Some Research
Do some research of your own to determine where the clock is made. Look for clues such as the company’s location or any information about the manufacturing process. Check out the company’s social media handles as well. This can help you determine whether a clock is genuinely made in the USA.
Call The Manufacturer
If all else fails, you can always call the manufacturer to ask questions. The customer service representative should be able to provide clear information about where the product is made and what materials are used.
Are There Any American-Made Alarm Clocks?
We searched high and low for high-quality alarm clocks made in the USA, but couldn’t find many great options. This square desk alarm clock from Chelsea Clock is a decent (mostly) American-made option but does have a German quartz movement.
Clocks Not Made in the USA
When doing our research, we came across several big clock brands that are not making their clocks in the USA. To keep you informed, we’re keeping a full list below.
- Newgate – Made in Hong Kong and China.
- Jomparis – Made in China.
- Bernhard – Made in China.
- Hermle – Made in the USA, Germany, and elsewhere (states where on the product description of their site).
- Omega – Made in Switzerland.
- Seiko – Made in Japan.
- Plumeet – Made in China.
- Howard Miller – Wall, table, shelf, quartz grandfather, and quartz floor clocks are made in China, Asia, or SE Asia, but their mechanical, key-wound grandfather and floor clocks are made in the USA.
