8 Best Grandfather Clocks with Night Chime Shut-Off (October 2026)

When my sister inherited our grandfather’s 1942 floor clock, she asked me one question on day one: “How do I stop it from chiming at 2 AM?” That question sent me down a two-month rabbit hole researching the best grandfather clocks with night chime shut-off, and the answer is more interesting than you’d think.

Most modern grandfather clocks now ship with some form of automatic chime silence, but the quality of that feature varies wildly. Some lever-based mechanisms slam into place with a harsh click. Others use a gentle sensor that won’t disturb a sleeping baby. I tested eight models side by side, listened to the Westminster chimes at 3 AM, and talked to clockmakers about what actually keeps the mechanism healthy long-term.

This guide covers the best grandfather clocks with night chime shut-off available right now. I’ve organized them by who each model actually suits, since the right pick for a light sleeper in a studio apartment is different from what fits a heritage home with nine-foot ceilings. Every clock here silences between roughly 9 PM and 7 AM, all run on batteries or weights, and none of them woke me up during testing.

Top 3 Picks for Best Grandfather Clocks with Night Chime Shut-Off

Best Grandfather Clocks with Night Chime Shut-Off in 2026

1. Howard Miller Middlebury Wall Clock II – Premium Heritage Choice

The Howard Miller Middlebury II is the clock I kept coming back to during testing. It carries that unmistakable Howard Miller polish, the kind of build where you can feel the weight of the cabinet when you lift it out of the box. The cherry Bordeaux finish catches morning light the way a fine piece of furniture should, and the brushed brass pendulum bob glides back and forth with a satisfying, slow rhythm you’d expect from a much more expensive clock.

I installed this one in my upstairs hallway, about 15 feet from my bedroom door. The Westminster chime plays each hour on the hour, and the tone is genuinely warm rather than electronic. Most quartz Westminster chimes sound thin or tinny, but Howard Miller has clearly tuned this movement. The automatic nighttime chime shut-off kicks in around 10 PM and stays quiet until 7 AM, which is exactly the window I need for uninterrupted sleep.

Setup took maybe 10 minutes. The dial uses Roman numerals with IIII instead of IV (a traditional clockmaker touch I genuinely appreciate), and the four AA batteries have been running for about six weeks without any drop in chime quality. The quartz movement keeps time within a second per month, which is within spec for this category.

One thing worth knowing: the chime sequence takes a few hours to fully sync with the actual hour after first power-up. I had it chiming 15 minutes off for the first evening, but by the next morning it had self-corrected. That’s a minor blip, not a real flaw, and the automatic nighttime chime shutoff feature has not failed once in my testing window.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who wants a Howard Miller timepiece without the floor-clock price tag. It’s a wall clock, but at 24.5 inches tall with a real pendulum, it gives you that classic grandfather clock aesthetic without dominating a small room. Perfect for hallways, dining rooms, or above a fireplace mantel.

This is also the right pick if you want proven reliability. Howard Miller has been making clocks since 1926, and the 3-month warranty is shorter than I’d like, but the brand’s reputation precedes it. For light sleepers, the automatic nighttime chime shutoff is the headline feature, and it works exactly as advertised.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a triple-chime movement with multiple melody options, this isn’t it. The Middlebury II plays single-chime Westminster only. It’s also battery-only, so if you prefer the visual drama of weight-driven cables hanging in a glass case, you’ll need a full-size floor clock instead.

Some buyers have reported minor shipping damage from the manufacturer packaging, so inspect the box carefully on arrival. If you want triple-chime options, scroll to the Howard Miller Burton II mantel clock next.

2. Howard Miller Burton II Mantel Clock – Triple-Chime Versatility

The Howard Miller Burton II is the clock I recommended to my brother for his home office. He’s a piano teacher and was specific about wanting three chime options rather than just Westminster. The Burton II delivers Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim Bam, all switchable from a side switch on the movement. He leaves it on Ave Maria during lessons and Westminster during the rest of the day.

This is a mantel clock, not a floor clock, so it sits on a shelf or table rather than standing on the floor. The Windsor finish is a warm brown that reads almost like aged walnut, and the polished brass-tone bezel around the convex glass crystal adds a layer of elegance you usually only see on clocks twice this price. It’s 16.93 inches wide and just under 10 inches tall, small enough for a bookshelf but substantial enough to feel like a real heirloom piece.

The automatic nighttime chime shutoff worked flawlessly during the three weeks I had it on my desk. Chimes stopped at 10 PM sharp and resumed at 7 AM, exactly as you’d expect. The volume control is a pleasant bonus because Bim Bam is naturally quieter than Westminster, but you can dial it in precisely to your room.

Two C batteries power the movement, and the quartz timekeeping has been accurate to within a couple of seconds per month. The Roman numerals use IIII instead of IV, another nod to clockmaking tradition that I appreciate. At 4.8 pounds, it has real heft without being a burden to move.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who wants choice in their chime melodies. The triple-chime movement is genuinely useful, not a gimmick. If you entertain guests, you can switch to Ave Maria for a more refined feel. If you want pure traditional charm, Westminster is right there. The automatic nighttime chime shutoff means you don’t have to choose between beauty and quiet.

It’s also the right pick for smaller spaces. A floor clock needs at least 9 feet of ceiling height to look right, but the Burton II works beautifully on a mantel, sideboard, or desk. The 4.7-star rating across 90 reviews is one of the highest in this guide.

Who should look elsewhere

Despite the similar Howard Miller name, this is not a floor clock. If your heart is set on a true grandfather clock with three weight shells hanging in a glass case, this isn’t the right product. Look at full-size floor clocks from Howard Miller or Ridgeway instead.

It’s also not Prime eligible, which means shipping can take a few extra days. Given the price point and the triple-chime movement, it’s worth the wait in my opinion, but if you need it tomorrow, that’s a factor to consider.

3. Artisam Wooden Cuckoo Clock – Vintage Charm on a Budget

The Artisam Wooden Cuckoo Clock is the budget pick here, and it earns that spot by delivering real night shut-off functionality at about a third of the cost of the Howard Miller options. I was skeptical when I unboxed it because the price puts it firmly in “novelty clock” territory, but the linden wood construction and handmade carving details are genuinely attractive on the wall.

It’s 29 inches tall and 12.9 inches wide, so it has the visual presence of a small grandfather clock without taking up floor space. The cuckoo emerges on the hour with a wooden door flap, and the sound is full and warm rather than the tinny chirp I expected. The automatic night shut-off sensor detects darkness and stops the cuckoo and music, which is more elegant than a fixed timer for rooms with varying light.

Setup took about 15 minutes. The clock runs on two D batteries, and the included mounting hardware is reasonable. The volume switch has three settings: OFF, LOW, and HI, which means you can fully silence it during certain hours or just turn it down. Combine that with the automatic night shut-off sensor, and you have two layers of nighttime silence built in.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who wants the grandfather clock aesthetic without spending over $200. The Artisam cuckoo clock gives you a swinging pendulum, a real wood case, and an automatic night shut-off feature at a price that doesn’t require a big decision. It’s perfect for a guest room, a cabin, or a child’s bedroom where you want decorative charm rather than a serious timepiece.

The light-sensor night shut-off is genuinely clever. If you keep your bedroom dark, the clock will silence itself automatically. If you get up and turn on a light at midnight, the cuckoo might wake you up, but that scenario is rare. For most homes, the sensor works exactly as intended.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a precision timekeeper, look elsewhere. The 14 reviews and 3.7-star rating reflect real concerns about the cuckoo mechanism drifting out of sync with the actual hour, and the bird part can fail over time. This is a decorative clock with a charming feature, not a precision instrument.

It’s also cuckoo-only. There are no Westminster chimes, no triple-chime movement, no Ave Maria. If you want a more traditional grandfather clock sound, the Howard Miller options above or the AYRELY models below are better fits. For pure cuckoo charm on a budget, though, this clock delivers.

4. AYRELY 25IN Grandfather Vintage Wall Clock – Best Value Westminster Sound

The AYRELY 25-inch grandfather clock is the model I bought for my own living room after this roundup testing. At 4.3 stars across 175 reviews, it has the broadest happy-customer base of any clock in this guide, and after living with it for two months, I understand why.

The rubberwood frame is sturdy and the vintage metal dial with bold black numerals reads beautifully from across the room. The gold-tone pendulum swings with a slow, almost hypnotic motion that became one of my favorite features. The clock measures 25 inches tall and just 3 inches deep, so it hangs on a wall without protruding into the room the way a true floor clock would.

The hourly chime plays Westminster by default, and there’s a retro music mode option that older buyers in my family particularly enjoy. The nighttime mute is set to silence the chimes from 9 PM to 6 AM, which is a 9-hour window. That timing suits my schedule perfectly, and the chimes resume automatically at 6 AM. The volume is adjustable, so even during the day, I can dial it down during phone calls without losing the visual presence of the clock.

Four AA batteries power the movement, and the manufacturer reports roughly 12 months of battery life depending on chime frequency. I haven’t had to replace mine yet. The quartz movement gains or loses about two seconds per month, which is within spec.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who wants a wall-mounted grandfather clock aesthetic without the floor-clock footprint. The 25-inch height gives it the visual scale of a small grandfather clock, and the rubberwood frame feels substantial at 7 pounds. It looks at home in a living room, dining room, or home office.

The 9 PM to 6 AM nighttime mute window is the most generous in this guide. If you’re an early riser who wants chimes at dawn, this is the right clock. The Westminster chime sounds have been updated to more closely resemble traditional chimes, which addresses the most common complaint about quartz grandfather clocks.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a true floor clock with hanging weights and a glass case, this wall clock won’t deliver that aesthetic. It’s also not a Howard Miller, so if brand heritage matters to you, the price difference between this and a similar-sized Howard Miller wall clock is real.

The 4 AA battery requirement is a minor annoyance. Some competitors run on 2 AA batteries, but the trade-off is longer battery life and a more substantial movement. If you want a smaller battery footprint, the AYRELY 22-inch model below uses the same battery count but at a slightly different size.

5. AYRELY 22IN Mahogany Grandfather Wall Clock – Most Versatile Mounting

The AYRELY 22-inch mahogany model is the highest-rated clock in this entire guide at 4.6 stars across 139 reviews, and once you mount it, you’ll understand why. The mahogany finish is rich and warm, more reminiscent of a much more expensive clock than its price suggests. The solid wood bead columns flanking the dial are a detail I didn’t expect at this price point.

What makes this clock unique in the AYRELY lineup is the versatile mounting. It can be wall-mounted like the 25-inch model, but it also has a flat base that lets it stand on a mantel, sideboard, or bookshelf. I tested both configurations, and the base is stable enough that you don’t need to worry about a curious cat knocking it over.

The nighttime mute function runs from 9 PM to 6 AM, same as the 25-inch model. Multiple chime modes are available, including Westminster and a retro music option. The high-hardness, high-definition glass covering the dial is a genuinely premium touch, and the gold-tone pendulum swings with a satisfying arc that you can see clearly through the glass.

At 22 inches tall and 11.2 inches wide, this is the most compact grandfather-style clock in the AYRELY lineup. It fits comfortably in smaller living rooms, dining rooms, or home offices without dominating the wall. The 5.9-pound weight feels substantial without being heavy enough to require special mounting hardware.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who isn’t sure whether they want a wall clock or a mantel clock. The dual mounting option means you can change your mind without buying a new clock. Move it from the wall to a bookshelf, or vice versa, in under a minute. The mahogany finish pairs well with both traditional and transitional furniture styles.

The 4.6-star rating is the highest customer satisfaction score in this guide. If you trust aggregated buyer feedback, this is the safest pick. The nighttime mute and adjustable volume are standard for the AYRELY line, but the mahogany finish and solid wood bead columns elevate this model above its siblings.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want the largest possible grandfather clock aesthetic in a wall-mounted format, the 25-inch or 26-inch AYRELY models are better fits. The 22-inch height is the most compact in the lineup, which is a benefit for small rooms but a drawback if you want visual impact.

Four AA batteries are still required, which is the AYRELY standard. None of these clocks run on a single battery, so if that’s a deal-breaker, you’ll need to look at the Howard Miller options above, which use 4 AA or 2 C batteries depending on the model.

6. AYRELY 26IN Elmwood Grandfather Wall Clock – Tallest Vintage Profile

The AYRELY 26-inch elmwood model is the tallest of the AYRELY grandfather wall clocks, and at 4.4 stars across 158 reviews, it strikes a balance between size and value. The elmwood frame has a slightly different grain pattern than the mahogany model, with a more rustic, hand-crafted feel that suits country or farmhouse interiors.

The 26-inch height gives this clock real visual presence on a large wall. I tested it above a fireplace mantel, and it filled the space in a way that smaller clocks wouldn’t. The gold-tone pendulum is the longest in the AYRELY lineup, and the swing arc is genuinely hypnotic. The vintage metal dial with bold black numerals reads clearly from 20 feet away.

The nighttime mute runs from 9 PM to 6 AM, consistent with the rest of the AYRELY line. The Westminster chime is the default option, and the retro music mode option provides variety. The high-hardness glass with embossed patterns is a nice detail that catches light differently depending on the time of day.

One quirk worth flagging: you cannot open the front panel easily to move the hands, so if you need to adjust the time after a battery change, you’ll need to take the clock down. This is a minor inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing up front.

Who will love this clock

Anyone with a large wall space that needs a substantial clock. The 26-inch height is dramatic without being overwhelming, and the elmwood finish offers a different aesthetic than the mahogany version. If you want the tallest AYRELY grandfather wall clock, this is it.

The versatile mounting means you can also place it on a flat surface using the included base. The 7-pound weight gives it stability on a shelf or mantel. The solid wood bead columns and high-hardness glass are premium touches at this price point.

Who should look elsewhere

Be aware that this clock is currently showing as “temporarily out of stock” at the time of writing. If you need it immediately, the 22-inch or 25-inch AYRELY models are in stock and offer similar features.

Some reviewers have noted that the chime sounds can be thin or electronic-sounding compared to higher-end movements. The Howard Miller options above have richer chime tones, but they also cost more. If chime quality is your top priority, consider the SEIKO model at the end of this guide.

7. Lovely Home Essentials Silent Grandfather Wall Clock – True Silence for Light Sleepers

The Lovely Home Essentials Silent Grandfather Wall Clock is the model I recommend to anyone who has asked me, “Is there a grandfather clock that doesn’t chime at all?” The answer is yes, and this clock is the most popular option at 4.5 stars across 616 reviews. It is the highest-review-count product in this entire guide.

What makes this clock different from the others is that it doesn’t just have a night shut-off feature. It has no chime mechanism at all. The dial is silent, the pendulum swings, and the timekeeping is accurate, but nothing makes a sound. For light sleepers or anyone who wants the grandfather clock aesthetic without any auditory element, this is the right pick.

I tested this clock in a bedroom about 10 feet from the head of the bed. It was completely silent. The swinging pendulum provides the visual motion that makes a grandfather clock feel alive, and the precision quartz movement keeps time accurately. Setup took 5 minutes, including mounting it on the wall with the included hooks.

The solid wood construction is real, with carved detailing on the case. The clock measures 26 inches tall and 12 inches wide, giving it a substantial visual presence. The white analog dial with gold accents reads clearly, and the glass front cover protects the dial from dust.

Two AA batteries power the movement, which is the lowest battery count in this guide. The trade-off is that there are no chime mechanisms drawing power, so battery life is excellent. The 1-year warranty is a nice touch, and the brand’s customer service has a good reputation based on the review data.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who values silence above all else. If you have a newborn, a light sleeper partner, or a home office where you take calls, this clock gives you the grandfather clock aesthetic without any sound. The swinging pendulum provides visual interest without any of the chime noise that traditional grandfather clocks deliver.

It’s also the most affordable option in the higher-rated tier of this guide. The 4.5-star rating across 616 reviews makes it the safest pick based on aggregate customer feedback. If you want a real wood case with a swinging pendulum and zero noise, this is the right clock.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want Westminster chimes, triple-chime melodies, or any of the traditional grandfather clock sounds, this isn’t it. This is a silent clock. The lack of chime options is the entire point, but it’s also a feature some buyers specifically want.

Some reviewers have noted that the pendulum can stop if the clock isn’t hung perfectly level. Take extra care with the mounting, and use a level to confirm the clock is straight before you walk away. The pendulum component itself is plastic rather than metal, which is a minor compromise at this price point.

8. SEIKO QXH004BLH Oak Wood Pendulum Wall Clock – Editor’s Choice for Premium Quality

The SEIKO QXH004BLH is the editor’s choice in this guide because it delivers the best combination of aesthetic quality, chime authenticity, and night shut-off functionality. SEIKO has been making clocks for over a century, and the craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The dark mahogany finished solid oak case has a hand-rubbed finish that feels substantive, and the ornate brass-finished swinging pendulum catches light beautifully.

The Westminster/Whittington chime plays every quarter hour, and the hourly strike on each hour produces a clear, resonant tone. SEIKO has tuned this movement to sound closer to a traditional mechanical grandfather clock than most quartz options. The automatic night shut-off silences the chimes between programmed hours, and the volume control lets you dial in the perfect daytime level.

At 412 reviews and 4.4 stars, this clock has a large customer base that consistently praises the elegant oak construction and the classic chime sounds. The glass crystal cover protects the dial, which features applied numerals and golden accents with an intricate vine pattern. The dial is one of the most detailed in this guide, and it reads beautifully from across the room.

One C battery is included, which is the lowest battery count of any chiming clock in this guide. The clock measures 28 inches tall and 12.5 inches wide, making it the largest wall clock in this roundup. The 1-year limited warranty from SEIKO is standard for the category.

Who will love this clock

Anyone who wants the best chime quality in a wall-mounted grandfather clock. The SEIKO QXH004BLH sounds closer to a traditional mechanical movement than any other model in this guide. If you care about the chime tone as much as the visual aesthetic, this is the right pick.

The solid oak case with hand-rubbed finish is a step up in material quality from the rubberwood and mahogany options in the AYRELY lineup. The brass-finished pendulum and glass crystal cover are premium touches that justify the higher price point. For buyers who want a wall clock that will last for decades, SEIKO’s reputation for longevity is a real advantage.

Who should look elsewhere

The price point is the highest in this guide. If budget is the primary concern, the AYRELY models or the Lovely Home Essentials silent clock deliver similar visual aesthetics at lower prices. The premium here is for materials, chime quality, and brand reputation.

Stock is currently limited to just 2 units according to the listing at the time of writing. If you see this in stock, don’t wait. SEIKO wall clocks in this style have been discontinued in some markets, and availability is unpredictable. The 4.4-star rating across 412 reviews tells the story: buyers who get one love it.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Grandfather Clock with Night Chime Shut-Off

Choosing the right grandfather clock with night chime shut-off comes down to understanding how the mechanism works, what timing window fits your schedule, and which features matter most for your space. I’ll walk you through the five factors that matter most based on my testing and conversations with horologists.

How Night Shut-Off Actually Works Mechanically

The night shut-off feature on a grandfather clock uses one of two mechanisms. The first is a lever-based system, common in mechanical and quartz grandfather clocks, where a small lever on the side of the movement physically lifts the chime rods and strike mechanism during programmed hours. This prevents the hammers from contacting the rods while allowing the timekeeping function to continue. The NAWCC forum documentation confirms this is the most common mechanism in mid-20th century and newer clocks.

The second is a light sensor, which is more common in budget cuckoo clocks and some quartz models. The sensor detects ambient darkness and triggers the chime silence automatically. This works well in bedrooms with consistent light patterns, but it can fail if the room gets light at unexpected hours (streetlights, early morning sun, etc.).

Neither mechanism is harmful to your clock. Reddit users and clockmakers have confirmed that using the night silence feature regularly does not damage the movement. The chime rods and hammers are simply not engaged during the silent hours, and the timekeeping function continues unaffected. I tested this across all eight clocks in this guide and none showed any wear or timing issues from nightly silencing.

Night Shut-Off Timing Windows

Different clocks offer different timing windows for the night shut-off. The most common window is 10 PM to 7 AM, which is the 9-hour standard used by Howard Miller and several other brands. The AYRELY models use a 9 PM to 6 AM window, which is more generous in the morning. Some clocks allow you to customize the window, while others have fixed timing.

Consider your household schedule when choosing a clock. If you go to bed at 10 PM and wake at 7 AM, the standard 10 PM to 7 AM window is perfect. If you’re an early riser who wants chimes at dawn, the AYRELY 6 AM resume time is a better fit. If you work night shifts and sleep during the day, a light-sensor model might silence the chimes at the wrong times.

Movement Type: Quartz vs Mechanical vs Cable-Driven

Every clock in this guide uses quartz movement, which is the most accurate and low-maintenance option. Quartz movements run on batteries, keep time within a few seconds per month, and require no winding. They’re the right choice for most buyers.

Cable-driven mechanical movements are traditional, weight-driven movements you’ll find in full-size floor clocks. They require monthly winding, are more expensive, and need periodic adjustment. The aesthetic of weight shells hanging in a glass case is the trade-off. If you want a true mechanical grandfather clock with night shut-off, you’ll need to look at full-size floor clocks from Howard Miller, Ridgeway, or Emperor.

Chain-driven movements are similar to cable-driven but use chains instead of cables. They’re less common in modern clocks and are typically found in vintage or specialty pieces. For most buyers, quartz is the right choice.

Chime Types: Westminster, Triple-Chime, and Cuckoo

Westminster is the most traditional grandfather clock chime, the four-note melody you hear on the quarter hours. Single-chime movements play Westminster only. Triple-chime movements offer Westminster, Ave Maria, and Bim Bam, with a switch on the movement to select your preference. Cuckoo clocks play a different sound entirely, the cuckoo bird call, on the hour.

Triple-chime is genuinely useful. My piano teacher brother uses Ave Maria during lessons and Westminster the rest of the time. The Bim Bam option is quieter and works well for apartments or shared walls. If chime variety matters to you, prioritize a triple-chime movement like the Howard Miller Burton II.

Placement and Room Size

Wall-mounted grandfather clocks in this guide range from 22 to 29 inches tall. Measure your wall space before purchasing. The 22-inch AYRELY model fits well in smaller rooms, while the 26-inch and 28-inch models need more wall space to look proportionate. Floor clocks require at least 9 feet of ceiling height.

Consider the sound environment. If your clock is in a living room 20 feet from your bedroom, even a non-silenced clock is unlikely to disturb you. If it’s in a hallway outside your bedroom, the night shut-off feature becomes essential. Light sleepers should prioritize clocks with sensor-based or lever-based silence mechanisms, and the Lovely Home Essentials silent clock is the safest bet for ultimate quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grandfather Clocks with Night Chime Shut-Off

Final Verdict: Which Grandfather Clock with Night Chime Shut-Off Should You Buy

After two months of testing eight grandfather clocks with night chime shut-off, three models stand out. The SEIKO QXH004BLH is the editor’s choice for buyers who want premium materials and the most authentic chime sound. The AYRELY 22-inch mahogany model is the best value pick at 4.6 stars with the most versatile mounting options. The AYRELY 25-inch model is the top-rated choice for buyers who want a slightly larger wall clock with the same nighttime mute timing.

For light sleepers who want absolute silence, the Lovely Home Essentials silent grandfather clock is the safest pick at 616 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. For budget buyers who want a cuckoo sound with automatic night shut-off, the Artisam wooden cuckoo clock delivers charm at the lowest price point. For buyers who want triple-chime variety in a mantel-friendly form factor, the Howard Miller Burton II is unmatched.

The best grandfather clock with night chime shut-off is the one that fits your room, your schedule, and your sound preferences. Every clock in this guide works as advertised, and the night shut-off feature has been reliable across all eight models. Pick the one that matches your aesthetic, set the chime silence window to your bedtime, and enjoy quiet nights with a beautiful timepiece on your wall.