When are Clocks Appropriate Awards?

A clock marks the passage of time in a beautiful and life-sustaining way.

Certain milestones in life can only be accomplished with patience. Anniversaries. A lifetime achievement. Retirement. A 100th birthday. For these special traditions, a commemorative clock can be the perfect gift to acknowledge someone who withstands the test of time.

A Quick History of Timekeeping

Although the earliest time-keeping devices are mostly utilitarian – using rocks, sticks, water, candles and the sun – the invention of the clock is associated with stylish design. In fact, early clockmakers ensure an appreciation for their craft by making the entire clockworks viewable from the back of the clock’s cabinet. Seeing the clockworks is part of the fascination.

Clocks use intricate gears and pieces that are naturally eye-catching, and many people find a clock’s tick-tocking to be soothing to the ear. Still, early clocks were expensive to produce and not generally within the budget for most people to have at home.

After the invention of fully mechanical clocks in the Middle Ages, they are quickly scaled up and incorporated into churches and town halls. In towns where church service used to begin at sunrise or when the rooster crowed, the service could now begin at clock time – an exact moment each day when the church bell rings out, all across town.

Two well-known styles, the grandfather clock and the cuckoo clock, popularize time-telling machines for home use during the 1700s and 1800s. Watches and stopwatches become popular during the same period. By the late 1800s, due to advances in manufacturing, personal watches and clocks finally are financially within reach for most people.

Commemorative Clocks

The marriage of function and beauty is a big part of the clock’s enduring popularity. For someone who prefers useful gifts, a clock is welcomed with open arms. It’s not just a frivolous bauble that sits on a shelf; it performs a helpful task moment by moment.

For those who have an eye for décor, clocks fit right in. An engraved crystal clock, for example, looks handsome on a desk, dresser or mantel. As it tick-tocks along, it beckons visitors to come closer and read the inscription.

Commemorative clock inscriptions are a tried-and-true way to show respect for someone’s accomplishments. Because of the connection to time, clocks are particularly well-suited for awards that acknowledge years of service or gifts that honor long relationships.

One occasion when a clock might not be welcome: Chinese New Year. In Chinese tradition, clocks and watches bring bad luck when given as gifts because of the similarity of the Chinese phrase “giving the clock” to “attending a funeral.”

Great Matches Between Clocks and Award Gifts

● Weddings and Anniversaries

● Marking Important Dates in a Career

● Retirement

● Grandparents’ birthdays

● Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day

● Honoring a Teacher

● Lifetime Achievement

● Graduations

● Recognizing Years of Service

● Journalists Who Reply on Deadlines

● Acknowledging members of the Military, a Police Force, the Medical Field and a Fire Department Who Rely on Quickness in Exemplary Performance

Create Custom Engraved Art Deco Crystal Clocks at PlaqueMaker

Celebrate corporate excellence or a couple’s anniversary with a beautiful art deco style clock. Crystal clocks are traditional retirement gifts and also make handsome awards for professionals. Each crystal clock is laser engraved with your personalized text and one free logo, photo or clip art. Use our online design tools to create your own look or have our professional graphic designers create a look for you. Once you submit your order, a no obligation quote and free proof is emailed to you within one business day. Typically, your order ships from our warehouse two days after you approve your final design.