The Kieninger Brand: How Joseph Kieninger Turned a
Lifelong Passion into a Booming Family Business
These days, it’s easier than ever before
for people to find ways to turn their passions, talents or favorite hobbies
into successful careers. The Internet has become a highly viable option for
those looking to become self-employed, with mere hard work and due diligence
paving the way towards their occupational freedom.
However, in Joseph Kieninger’s day, starting
a full-fledged company from scratch was a far riskier move - especially when
the product you’re selling is viewed as more of a hobbyist trade rather than a
profitable mainstay item.
But Kieninger was determined to make his
passion also become his means of financial support. After all, if you don’t
love your job, you aren’t living your best life.
So, after gaining ample experience,
Kieninger set out to make a name for himself on his own terms.
And that name lives on as one of the
greatest and longest-lasting clockmaking brands in the world. That name is
Kieninger, and Joseph’s family legacy continues to thrive with some of the
finest clocks on the market today.
For your convenience, we here at
Expressions of Time have amassed a lovely collection of Kieninger brand
mechanical clocks. Want something extra special to display in your home or
office? Need a meaningful gift to give a loved one or treasured friend?
Browse through our Kieninger clocks at
ClockShops.com, and see for yourself the elegance and sophistication that all
of these high-quality timepieces convey.
Making
an Unbelievable Dream a Proper Reality: The Kieninger Story
Creating a successful and inspiring
business can all be possible with the fruition of one great idea. However, the
responsibility lies on the entrepreneur to truly bring their idea to life,
putting in the hard
work, talent and intelligent business savvy required to
make their exciting concept a viable option.
For Joseph Kieninger, success through
innovative clockmaking would become a reality - and he stopped at nothing to
achieve his goals.
Kieninger spent his younger years involved
in apprenticeships, learning the trade of clockmaking by perfecting and honing
his craft under the true masters of the time period.
However, wanting to stake his own claim on
the industry, Joseph Kieninger took it upon himself to start his own company in
June of 1912. Little did he know the impact his dream would have on the
clockmaking world at large for centuries to come.
Kieninger instilled important values into
his business, including using the most exquisite materials - combined with
expert design and technical precision - to create beautiful works of art. With
these ideas in mind, he also set about training all of his future employees to
abide by these same concepts.
For instance, all of his clock movements
would be personally inspected before ever leaving his shop. The result of this
was consistent, quality craftsmanship and reliable service, two factors that
created a whirlwind of demand among his peers. By January 1913, just over six
months after setting out on his own, Kieninger had employed up to 18 workers,
all of whom were educated in his clockmaking ideals.
The prestigious work behind Kieninger’s
technical drives and timers directed him to bigger and better things along his
journey. He settled into perfecting his own clockmaking methods, and society
eventually began to take notice as well. Once his name started gaining
attention, Kieninger’s beautifully-designed clock components were the glory of
both enthusiasts and wealthy patrons alike.
The
Kieninger Specialty: Their Elite Clock Movements
While Joseph Kieninger did hire a staff of
employees once the business began to boom, the company was most certainly a
family affair. With eight children to lend a helping hand, the Kieninger clan
all stepped up and joined together to keep the family brand afloat.
In 1921, the Kieninger family migrated
near the Black Forest region, the hub of the clockmaking industry. Three of the
older brothers - Josef, Fritz, and Wilhelm - all worked together to create a
well-functioning machine of service.
However, Wilhelm’s mechanical talent led
to the creation of the Kieninger masterpiece, still acting as the cornerstone
in the H series of the brand to date. His high precision movement was adapted
especially for use in grandfather clocks with quarter-chimes, making Kieninger
the brand specialists of the field. Their elite clock movements are still
produced today, and have been the backbone to a majority of the horological
specialty items on the market through the years.
Though the family business was bought by
the American Howard Miller brand in 1993, the Kieninger clock movements are
still a mainstay for modern mechanical clockmakers. And as the brand has
carried on through decades of technical expertise and dedicated service,
innovations in their machinery have kept the Kieninger spirit alive in the
current industry to this day.
Bring
Home a Kieninger Classic: Invest in One of These Beautifully-Crafted Mechanical
Clocks
Are you looking to bring home a Kieninger
mechanical clock of your very own? Well ClockShops.com has a wide variety of
models to choose from, perfect for any traditional or modern home.
-
Decorate
Any Room with a Dazzling New Wall Clock
Need to give your home decor an upgrade
with something timeless and elegant? Well look no further than the Kieninger Graham Mechanical Regulator Wall Clock. A beautiful clock made in Germany, this
timepiece has an eight day power reserve, with a half hour and hour strike
prepared to go off on a coiled gong.
While it’s fashioned with a black lacquer
finish and chrome accents, the real stunner is the enamel dial with the open
escapement on display. The crystal glass panels only emphasize all of this
ticker’s features, which illuminate brilliantly in any room, on any wall.
While the last model could fit splendidly
in modern decor, this next timepiece has a more traditional feel. The Kieninger
Schubert Mechanical Weight-Driven Regulator Wall Clock has a classical motif,
more inclined to suit an old-fashioned study or library. Its natural cherry
finish and brass features play into the traditional mold, while the burled wood
accents add a touch of elegant design that makes it an overall statement piece.
The automatic beat adjustment is an added bonus, keeping you on schedule even
as you wind it up.
This next streamlined model, the Kieninger
Laterndl Mechanical Weight-Driven Regulator Wall Clock, has a structured,
contemporary look perfect to stand out on its own. A tasteful piece reminiscent
of the Vienna Regulator style from the 19th century, this beautiful model makes
a lovely collector’s item. The sleek, French walnut finish has a sophisticated
air to it, blending in nicely with other metallics and neutral tones befitting
the modern decor style.
-
Give
Your Fireplace a Fancy Makeover with a New Mantelpiece
Draw the attention of everyone in the room
with the Kieninger Mozart Mechanical Mantel Clock.
Considering that this model
was created to celebrate the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Mozart, it undoubtedly
had to be spectacular; and so it is!
The front panel is designed with a brass
dial and decorative filigree pattern that lights up a space, while a Moon dial
across the top is etched with the cityscape of Salzburg. Furthermore, the
crystal glass edges are all open to expose the inner mechanisms of this brilliant
piece. Relish its exquisite stature while listening to one of its three
different melodies, including two of Mozart’s finest that ring out as tiny
hammers land against the interior bells. With so many amazing features, this
clock is truly fascinating.
Or give yourself a piece of something
that’s versatile, unable to be stuck in either the modern or traditional era of
home decor. A model of fine cabinetry as much as an elegant timepiece, the
Kieninger Riva Tourbillon Mechanical Mantel Clock deserves a spot in your home.
Its Tourbillon escapement is visible to all, shining out from the high grade
mechanism. The brushed metal accents surrounding the dial balance beautifully
with the mahogany wood base, creating an overall truly fantastic clock.
Find yourself a timepiece that gives you
the best of both worlds, like the Kieninger Dorian Mechanical Mantel Clock.
Designed with features that emulate both a mantel clock and a regulator wall
clock, you’ll hardly be able to turn it away. This mechanical clock has an
automatic beat adjustment with a pendulum escapement, so you’ll never feel like
you’re missing out on a preferred feature. Charming and regal, this timeless
clock will look perfect resting atop your mantel.
-
Highlight
An Awkward or Empty Space with a Stunning Curio Floor Clock
We’ve all come across those strange areas
in our home that look too open and strange without any decoration, but have
inconvenient angles with which to fit many furnishings at all.
You could always find a simple lamp or
oversized vase or statue to fill in the space. However, if you’re a family with
children or pets in the household, these purchases will undoubtedly prove
worthless in a short amount of time (and you’ll be left to clean up the mess).
For those abstract corners of your home -
say at the landing of a wide staircase, or to separate two rooms without need
for a wall - why not invest in a curio floor clock that also acts as a display
cabinet?
The Kieninger Mechanical Curio FloorClock, available in both a black or French walnut finish, is a great piece to
spruce up any room in your home. The Kieninger mechanical clock sits atop the
entire piece, on full display for all your visitors to witness. This clock’s
interior mechanisms are numerous, including a three train movement ready to
strike on the hour; an eight day power reserve with three chiming melodies to
lull you into a relaxing state of comfortability at home; and chrome-plated
accents that easily adapt into any modern or contemporary home.
While the clock itself is a beauty to
behold, don’t forget you have an entire cabinet below for arranging your
favorite trinkets and figurines! Put all your favorite prized possessions on
the pedestal they deserve, giving you a sense of pride every time you wander by
the case. Featuring three separate shelving areas for ample storage space, as
well as LED lights to accentuate your treasures, this curio case will be the
centerpiece of whatever room you choose to place it in.
So feel free to arrange your trophies and
medals in your office or study space. Set up your most favored china patterns
or artistic vases in your living/sitting room. The elegant, vertical shape of
this Kieninger model gives you plenty of options for filling in those empty
spaces in a fashionable way.
The
Kieninger Brand Stands For Expertise, in Clockmaking and in Business
The Kieninger family has remained one of
the longest-lasting family businesses, and for good reason.
Their dedicated
service has led to a world-renowned reputation, while their exquisite
timepieces illustrate the family talent in the horological field.
From its small beginnings under the
tutelage of Joseph Kieninger, fresh out of his apprenticeship, to a
revolutionary company that’s withstood decades of hardship and constant effort;
Kieninger has become a lasting household name that continues to thrive and
support the innovations of clockmakers everywhere.
Don’t miss out on owning a Kieninger piece
for yourself. While mechanical clocks may have fallen by the wayside in the
wake of our digital age, there’s no denying the beauty and sophistication of
having a Kieninger model on display in your home.
Hang one in your foyer or living room,
inviting everyone to witness its grandeur. Place a smaller clock on your
shelves or mantel, and let the celebrated Kieninger movement endlessly tick
away.
Every family deserves a Kieninger
mechanical clock in their home. After all, they not only emphasize the
importance of values like hard work and determination, but they withhold the
spirit of true family bonding and loyalty to one’s name.
So browse through ClockShops.com, and find
a Kieninger piece worthy of representing your family today. You won’t be able
to choose just one.