Bulova B1975 Chadbourne Old World Clock, Walnut

First about the clock itself. Its mellow tones are regulated by a much appreciated volume control which works quite well. I have very good hearing, am very sensitive to sound and have more than once disengaged the bonging mechanism on a clock because it woke me up in the night.Not so with this clock. The volume control allows me to set it so I am not disturbed. Often, I can hear it bonging softly in the distance. Not so loud that it wakes me up but loud enough to be a gentle reminder of the time as I drift in and out of sleep naturally.There are four tune settings for the chime: Ave Maria, Westminster, Westminster 4x4 (every quarter hour) and something called Bim Bam. We prefer either the Ave Maria or the Westminster.We have had this clock for about eight months and not once have I been disturbed by its melodious bong. If I ever do tire of it, there are settings which either turn off the chime entirely or from 11PM-5:45AM. The volume setting also allows the clock to be placed in a family or living room without disturbing television viewing or conversation. Classic styling with a mahogany-like wood grain finish, this clock looks as good as it sounds. Some of us have it sitting atop a bookcase, others a fireplace mantle. There are no wires and its medium size allows it to be placed almost anywhere without being obtrusive. Although it does not have a second hand, which would have been nice, we can live without that.My only complaint with this product is the chintzy back panel covering access to the controls. For such a handsome clock to have such a cheap plastic cover on the back detracts from the entire aesthetic. This annoyance is not enough to remove a rating star, but is enough to be a big disappointment, an unnecessary one. Even if it cost a little more, I don't think many consumers would mind paying extra for a small, hinged wooden door instead of a black plastic square with a tab on it. Even a hinged plastic door would be better. Anything but a square piece of plastic which pops off completely and then requires a little maneuvering to snap back into place.I am surprised at such a slipshod yet necessary accessory for an otherwise classy product and dismayed that Bulova's design and quality control people allowed it to go into production this way.Now the other reason for my five star rating...my entire family loves this clock. I have seven siblings with families of their own. One of my brothers found this clock and gave it to my mother for her birthday in September 2019. He bought one for himself, too. When I visited her, I fell in love with its dulcet tones, too. Called and asked my brother where he got it and then bought one for myself.As Christmas approached, my mother and I thought it would be a fun idea to get everyone in the family one of these clocks as a gift...a gift which would tie us all together every time it bonged. The hours might be different but we would know that everyone else was hearing at least one chime wherever they were....my brother in Japan, my brother in New York, my brother in Boston, my sister near Hartford, etc...It really is a treat to be talking to a family member on Skype or, even better, a group of us holding a Zoom meeting, and then in the background you can hear everyone's clock start to chime at the same time at the top of the hour. It is something special which ties us all together even though we are miles apart.

Only one personal preference disappointment, but first....... The price was extremely reasonable compared to the rest, but the mixed reviews worried me. I usually stick with the rational rule of thumb; "you get what you pay for", but this time, I defied my better judgement and took the leap since my budget was limited. I was pleasantly surprised. Literally took only a few minutes to set up, very easy, and of course, the anticipation of hearing the chime was exciting. Surely, I thought the chiming would sound like one of those cheap musical birthday cards, as one review stated, but... "WRONG!" Mine has a VERY rich, clear, DEEP throaty chime, that sounds like the top expensive ones. "YAYE"! ! ! ! However.....my only disappointment on a personal level, was... it "does not" have a "constant" all day tick tock sound. : > ( Some people prefer that, but I do not. I really wanted that charming cozy constant ticking sound, like Grandma had in her exquisite quiet farmhouse. Other than that, I'm VERY pleased with this clock for the price..... and...... it's a handsome looking piece as well. with gold, (not silver) accents. Not cheesy. The chimes do have a volume control to your preference. From very soft, to VERY LOUD, and I do mean "LOUD" ! ! Also, you can control the chime to automatically shut off at night time. Requires (2) "C" batteries for the chimes, and (1) "AA" battery for the time, (not provided). Keeps PERFECT time. I'm very picky, but this "TIME", very pleased.

First... read the instructions before you do ANYTHING! Second, set up was way easier than I was led to believe. If you understand that the preset time is 6:50AM -- set up your clock as close to that time as possible (like at 7AM), and it will be quick and painless LOL. NEVER set the time backwards... always forward. I bought this to replace a floor grandfather clock that I never liked because the chimes were so loud. Absolutely love the convenience of having a volume control for the chimes, and the night feature where the chimes are off as I wake at the sound of a cricket. I have this set with the Westminster chimes on the hour only, daytime only, and the volume is loud enough to hear it when I'm close by, but it doesn't drown out the television. The style is great for my decor. The only 2 deficits is (1) it is in a room with a ton of windows/sunlight and reading the time with the glare is difficult (I will move it to another location after I move -- current spot is temporary) and (2) it is lightweight enough that I cannot put it where I originally wanted because I can see my cat deciding those lovely sharp edges are meant for her to rub her jaw against and she would knock it to the floor -- so that limits my options to places the cat can't get (oh the things we pet owners compromise on). But neither of these deficits are really a manufacturer's issue. I will add that I got this on sale drastically reduced ($120), which makes me even more enthusiastic.