Seiko watches have long been known for their quality timepieces, which unlike certain other brands, don't cost the earth to buy. Seiko have been at the forefront of new breakthroughs in watch technology for decades now, and a look back at the history of the company demonstrates just how pioneering they have been.

Founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori, the first watch and jewellery store was opened in Tokyo's Ginza district and named K. Hattori. Under the name Seikosha, Mr Hattori began making his own clocks in 1892, eventually shortening the company's name to the Japanese word for "exquisite" or "minute", Seiko.

Mr Hattori expanded his business in 1924 when he began to create his own wristwatches, and he quickly established a pioneering reputation for leading the way in new watch technology. In 1969 Seiko released the Astron, the first quartz watch which cost as much as a small car at the time. Seiko also released the first chronograph watches.

Seiko has established a reputation for creating every single part of its watches in-house, from the smallest parts to the largest, something unique to the company since it even makes the oil used to lubricate the hands on the face. Its ability and commitment to producing every element of the watch has set it aside from other brands. Seiko produce watches for every budget, from around 35 right up to hundreds of thousands for its most advanced models, and has attracted collectors from all over the world.

Seiko have been the official timekeepers for a number of major sporting events such as the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City USA, right back to the 1964 Summer Olympic Games held in Tokyo. Seiko have also recently been named as the official timekeeper of Sony's Gran Turismo racing game series, and an official sponsor of Honda's F1 team. Seiko watches are still presided over by a member of the Hattori family, and have their world headquarters in Tokyo.

Get the lowdown on Seiko watches

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One of the most interesting and exciting collectibles is the antique mantle clock.

They have been in production since as far back as the 1750s, but mantel clocks remain some of the most handsome timepieces ever made. Mostly small and metal-faced, these mechanical clocks have sit gracefully on the mantel right above your fireplace, ticking away with their metal workings. The wooden cases of the traditional American ones stand out on their own. The very flamboyant antique mantle clocks are usually the French taste.

Those made in the United States usually had the kind of chimes that went off every thirty minutes. Like most mechanical movements antique ones do have to be wound on a regular basis.

Many American families have ones that have been passed down for generations. They were a popular home furnishing in the 19th and 20th centuries. eBay and other auction websites, as well as various antique stores have them for sale in good numbers.

A number of famous companies manufactured these timepieces in the United States including Seth Thomas. They are still made in the US today by Howard Miller and a few other countries.

You'd want to be sure you are buying a true antique when you purchase these pieces anyhow. It is not unusual to have one that was recently made being presented like an authentic antique simply because it looks like it.

You could check out the internet for help in deciphering an antique mantel clock. Several websites provide serial numbers, plaques, and names of manufacturers along with the clocks that are on display for sale.

They will be worth more if they are working. If you have an antique mantle clock that no longer works you can get it repaired by going to a clockmaker, a professional clock repair person. Online or in a few major cities, clockmakers aren't that hard to find.

From the professional, you can learn how much it will cost you to have yours fixed... or if it can be fixed. Many clockmakers buy old clocks and rebuild or repair them so you might be able to sell an old clock that doesn't work.

It matters not how much you feel you are knowledgeable about any educative article, do you know you can still discern a lot about Decorative Wall Clocks, and Modern Wall Clocks. See -- http://www.bestclocks.org/

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