Time for old-world elegance

MANILA, Philippines - For a touch of old world elegance to the home or office, nothing comes close to a classic grandfather clock. The grandfather clock is more than a timepiece, it is a treasured heirloom passed on from one generation to the next.

In the Philippines, there is one maker of this timepiece: Adriano Clocks. The Adriano brand of craftsmanship began a century ago, in 1911, when master artisan Simplicio Adriano of Pampanga opened a furniture shop in Manila.

The tradition continues today as SAFM Enterprises is managed by Simplicio’s great-grandsons Alfred and Francis Adriano. The two have specialized in the intricate art of clock-making.

SAFM’s best-selling clock is the Raga 50, which measures nearly seven feet. This floor clock is designed in the French provincial style. It features hand-carved crown and legs. The polished-brass dial includes ornate corner spandrels with the center disc showing a stationary blue-moon phase that is visible behind the glass panel. The clock movement is manufactured by Hermle of Germany. It is chain-driven and produces the Westminster chime on quarterly and hourly strikes. The cabinet is made of Philippine hardwood and comes in mahogany, dark walnut and light walnut finishes.

SAFM also produces a tabletop replica, the Aga 60, which has all of the full-sized grandfather clock’s features, including hardwood cabinet, brass weight décor, swinging pendulum and Westminster chime. This mini clock makes an ideal corporate gift.

For more information, call 747-3281 or 0905-276-4288, or e-mail adriano.grandfather.clocks@gmail.com.