English Dial clocks, dating from the 1820s to the 1950s, often have beautifully made movements and simple dials of 8" - 14" diameter. They are normally timepieces; that is they do not strike or chime. Cases are usually oak or mahogany, and the body of the case may either be completely hidden behind the dial and its wooden surround, or may extend below the dial, perhaps with a glazed aperture revealing the pendulum. From the 1880s onwards, American clocks of similar style were imported into the U.K.: these were sold at much lower prices, but the movements were rather less substantial.

German wall clocks can be split into three categories. 19th Century weight-driven Vienna Regulators are typically around 4ft - 5ft tall, and have walnut or mahogany cases with glazed front and sides. They may have one, two, or three weights, and always have a very visible, large, brass pendulum. Towards the end of the 19th century smaller versions of these clocks became popular. These have a spring-driven movement and strike the hours, plus a single strike on the half-hour. From around 1900, German, and sometimes American, movements are found in simpler, usually oak, cases, sometimes with bevelled glazing. These, too, usually have a spring-driven, striking movement, but are occasionally found with Westminster chimes.