Canister Clocks

When you're sourcing clock components for an architectural clock project, you often need a solution that comes assembled and ready for quick installation. You need it to include all the necessary features like a durable motor and illumination, and you need it to come in enough styles so you can choose an option that complements your existing design. You also need it to have limited maintenance needs, since servicing an outdoor clock can be challenging.

Canister clocks offer an excellent solution. These versatile, dependable clocks are ideal for building exteriors and tower clock designs that require self-contained clock components.

What Are Canister Clocks?

Canister clocks, also known as drum clocks or completed clocks, are fully preassembled timepieces with casings that enclose the motor and illumination components. They feature movements, lights and sometimes controllers, all encased within a clock housing. They are suitable for architectural clock applications where the architect or construction manager needs clock movements to arrive on site ready for prompt installation.

These clocks' design makes them practical for installation almost anywhere, so they are often ideal for installation in tricky spaces. Even in an open tower or on a wall with limited space, you can usually install a canister clock by bolting it into the wall surface or another part of the structure. If you wish, you can also often recess the canister clock into the wall surface for a sleek, subtle look.

Though the hands and numbers on a drum clock may feature a range of metals, the internal drum often contains aluminum. Aluminum has the strength necessary to hold the clock components securely in place, and it is much lighter than many other industrially valuable metals. Its lightness makes the clocks easier to maneuver and safe to use without requiring excessive structural support.

Canister clocks come in various sizes. However, for use in tower clocks and building exteriors, especially those designed to serve as community landmarks, they must be relatively large. A completed clock might have a compact 2-foot diameter or a larger 8-foot or more diameter.

Benefits of Using Canister Clocks

Completed clocks offer several advantages in architectural clock construction. They allow for customization and help you save time and energy. They also provide the quality and durability you need to impress your clients with a successful project. Below are a few of their specific benefits:

Dependable protection: The complete casing in a drum clock gives the clock components protection against dust, moisture and pests. By effectively sealing out these threats, it helps the clock last longer and require less maintenance.
Weatherproofing: Part of that protection involves the ability to stand up to the elements year after year. When you choose a drum clock from National Time & Signal, you'll know it has the quality, weatherproof construction it needs to handle even torrential rains and howling storms.
Time savings: Drum clocks help streamline the construction process for tower clocks. Because these clocks arrive at your site preassembled, they are quick and easy to install. You'll eliminate the need to spend precious project time figuring out how to put your clock together and get its intricate parts working properly. You can start installing them immediately and get your project completed sooner.
Versatility: Canister clocks are highly versatile, so you can use them in a variety of applications. You can install them almost anywhere — in clock towers, on building walls or in stairwells. They are ideal for many buildings, from churches and libraries to hotels and town squares to hospitals, universities and government offices. You can also affix them to their installation surfaces in several different ways, often by flush-mounting them, anchoring them or recessing them.
Natural illumination: Many canister clocks come with built-in lighting to provide internal illumination for your architectural clock. The lighting allows passersby to read the clock easily at night and gives your clock an attractive, attention-catching glow.
Energy efficiency: Many drum clocks use highly efficient LED lighting for illumination. Unlike fluorescent and incandescent lighting, which lose 80 to 90% of their energy as heat, LED fixtures convert most of the energy they use directly into light. They are much less wasteful, so they help boost your building's sustainability. By conserving energy, they also help to keep the operational costs associated with the clock relatively low, all without the harsh glare associated with fluorescent or neon lighting.
Low maintenance: When you work with a dependable clock company like National Time & Signal, you'll know you're getting high-quality, long-lasting canister clocks. Our innovative gear system design means our canister clocks can last for many years while requiring very little maintenance.
Competitive pricing: When you work with National Time & Signal for completed clocks, you'll also enjoy competitive pricing that makes purchasing clocks easier on your budget and helps you prevent cost overruns, which entangle many construction projects. You'll be one step closer to maintaining high customer satisfaction levels by bringing your clock construction projects in without exceeding your budget.

Canister Clock Styles and Designs

Drum clocks come in an array of appealing styles, so you can easily find a design that harmonizes well with your overall project aesthetic. You can select from several dial types, clock hand designs and number styles, creating traditional or fun modern looks. For instance, you can choose a minimalistic skeleton dial or enclose the front of your drum clock in a protective casing. You can also select from various metals, such as aluminum, copper, brass or stainless steel.

You can also choose from various paints and finishes for your completed clocks. Durable, long-lasting paints in a rainbow of hues enable you to give each clock a distinct character and keep it looking just as vibrant for years to come. You might also choose a gilded finish like gold leaf to lend your clock an elegant, luxurious touch.

Canister clocks come with an array of lighting options. You can choose standard white LEDs to give your clock's lighting a more traditional look. Alternatively, you might opt for colorful LEDs for a more vibrant appearance. You can sometimes also select lights that change color or cycle through patterns to help your clock draw the eye and stand out more distinctively.

Contact National Time & Signal for Canister Clock Products and Services

When you need dependable, easy-to-install clock products for your next architectural clock, work with National Time & Signal. We specialize in large custom clocks and are happy to advise you on how to get the clock that fits best with your vision for your project.