The highly ornate and decorative works of mantel clocks are usually made up of materials such as wood, ormolu, and porcelain. They can be constructed from any combination of these materials. Strictly speaking, mantel clocks are those small conventional house clocks that are placed on shelves, above the fireplace, or mantel (which is, as you can see, where the name comes from).

In France, during the 1750s, the development and design of the mantel clock began. Though they may be similar to other chamber clocks, but their difference is easily distinguished by the lack of carrying handles, which chamber clocks have.

An earlier and well known design of the mantel clock, during the early part of the 19th century, was made by Simon Willard from Boston, Massachusetts. He continued to design these early mantel clocks and proceeded to patented them. He called them the Simon Willard Shelf Clock. As years passed Simon Willard continued to progress the design of these shelf clocks making improvements while having the appearance of the traditional Bracket at that time.

The specifications of mantel clocks are highly contrasted to wall clocks. Wall clocks' movements are basically attached to the clock's backboard, whereas these shelf clocks' movements were basically supported by its seat board.

Before Simon Willard began to patent his own designs, during the 1790s, he was selling the standard shelf clocks of others. It appeared similar to other conventional clocks that were tall. However, their hood and base were directly conjoined which minimized the body which gave it the look of being cut in between. Earlier models contained a calendar dial, ingeniously built and a second hand, unusual for that time.

Simon Willard's designs were basically weight driven. Some models even had extended bases for weight balance, making it so that they'd achieve a running period of one week. They also had pinwheel escapements and the strike mechanisms were the rack and snail. The pendulum length of the mantle clocks was easily adjustable by way of a hole in the clock face at the 12th hour position which made it unnecessary to open the case.

Willard's clocks were not considered trends during this time. Since Eli Terry was considered the mainstream designer. However, today Simon Willard's clocks are considered to be the masterpiece of American innovation. Antique dealers and collectors and museums actively and eagerly seek these treasures. They range in cost from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00 dollars each, in perfect condition.

Modern designs of these clocks are produced by companies such as Seiko and Rhythm Small World Clocks. Their designs are a combination of wood, metal, and other technological wizardry. They're basically powered by standard batteries and they can play about 15 different tunes upon every hour (some designs vary). They feature volume controls and light sensors that automatically turn off its music when it's nighttime (or at least when it's dark). Most Seiko mantle clocks have Whittington melodies or Westminster Tunes.

A symbol of American ingenuity is the mantel clock and is the masterwork of the master craftsmen which touches on a timeless and historical beauty.