Mechanical vs Regulator: Westminster Vienna Clock-Kit
Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit
Click on the picture to shop Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock Kits on Clockworks.com
What’s the Difference Between a Mechanical and Regulator Clock in the Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit?
If you’re considering the Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit, you likely admire the timeless craftsmanship of traditional timepieces. These clocks aren’t just decorative—they showcase precision engineering and elegant design. Many customers ask: What’s the difference between a mechanical clock and a regulator clock, especially when choosing this kit?
Knowing the difference will help you pick the right setup—whether you’re restoring an heirloom, building a new clock, or installing a high-quality timepiece. Let’s break it down clearly, focusing only on this specific product.
What Is the Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit?
This clock-kit is designed for DIY clockmakers and enthusiasts who want a traditional, chiming wall clock. It includes a mechanical movement that chimes the Westminster melody on each quarter hour and strikes the full hour count on the hour.
The Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit includes:
- Polished Complete Clock Weight
- Clock Key Brass Single-End
- Hermle Lyre Clock Pendulum
- Mechanical Spade Clock Hands
- Westminster Clock Chime Block
- Drilled Round-Dial Hermle-351
- Walnut Grandfather Clock Crank
- 351-850 Hermle Clock Movement
Each part is precision-made and selected to give you the most authentic experience when building or restoring a clock in the Vienna regulator style.
Click on the picture to shop Clock Weights on Clockworks.com
Click on the picture to shop Lyre Pendulums on Clockworks.com
Click on the picture to shop Clock Hands on Clockworks.com
Click on the picture to shop Hermle Clock Movements on Clockworks.com
What Does “Mechanical Clock” Mean?
A mechanical clock runs entirely on wound energy—no batteries, no electronics. The Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit uses a German-engineered movement with gears, springs, and a mainspring that stores energy. You wind the clock manually, usually once a week.
Mechanical clocks reward you with a tactile experience. You can hear the ticking, see the escapement swing, and feel the tension as you wind it. These real, moving parts bring a level of charm that quartz or digital clocks simply can’t match.
The mechanical movement in this kit offers long-term reliability and an authentic clockmaking experience.
What Is a “Regulator Clock”?
Historically, regulator clocks delivered the most precise timekeeping. Craftsmen designed them with long pendulums and specific gear ratios to maintain accuracy. These clocks often hung in train stations, observatories, and schools.
Today, most people use “regulator” to describe a clock’s visual style. Regulator-style clocks have tall, narrow cases, long pendulums, and large, readable dials. The Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit reflects this traditional look while using a modern mechanical movement.
So when you hear “regulator” in this context, think of form and visual design rather than the internal mechanism.
So, What’s the Actual Difference?
Here’s a breakdown of the two terms as they apply to this kit:
Feature | Mechanical Clock | Regulator Clock (Style) |
|---|---|---|
Power Source | Wound mainspring | Can use mechanical or quartz movement |
Operation | Uses gears and springs—no electricity | Depends on the movement |
Visual Style | Varies (may be modern or classic) | Tall case, long pendulum, elegant dial |
Included in Kit? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
With this kit, you don’t need to choose between function and form. It offers both—the charm of a mechanical movement and the grace of a regulator design.
Is This Kit Right for Me?
This kit is a great fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on projects
- Value classic craftsmanship
- Want a real chiming clock—not an electronic imitation
- Prefer a visually stunning centerpiece for your home or office
Many customers use this kit to restore antique clock cases or build heirlooms from scratch. You get a complete set of compatible, high-quality parts ready for assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need woodworking skills to install this kit?
A: Yes. The kit does not include a case, so you’ll need to build one or buy a compatible wooden cabinet.
Q: How often should I wind the clock?
A: The included movement typically needs winding once a week.
Q: Does the kit include instructions?
A: Yes. It comes with full installation and operation instructions.
Q: Can I adjust the chime sound?
A: Yes. You can reposition the hammers and fine-tune the chime rods for your preferred tone.
Final Thoughts
You’re not choosing between two types of clocks when you buy this kit—you’re getting the best of both. The Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit gives you a classic regulator design and a traditional mechanical movement. It looks stunning and runs with the authenticity clock lovers value.
**And most importantly, you can buy it now directly from Clockworks: Westminster Vienna Regulator Clock-Kit – Order Here
Updated on: 11/07/2025
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