Easy setup, highly accurate time, quality workmanship

I received my clock approximately 5-days ago. Before I even opened the box, I was pleased. The clock was packed with care and very well protected for shipping. The clock itself is beautiful! Unlike a few reviewers on here, I expected what I paid for, but I got more than I expected! The clock is very well made, and the intricacies in the woodwork make it even more striking. I haven't had any problems with it at all since I set it up. The chimes are absolutely beautiful! I was glad that a couple of the reviewers thought to record the chimes - that's what sold me on this one! I am thrilled with my purchase!
Now, for those who have submitted problems with your clocks . . .
The door in the back of the clock is not difficult to open and remove. You stick your finger in the hole, gently push up, and pull the door away. Simple and easy!
I had no problem with the dials at all, though I'm sure there are some out there with more tension than mine had. If you're having problems functioning any of the dials, get a pencil with an eraser, and use the eraser end to assist you.
YES, the inside, where the battery compart is located, is plastic! I'm not sure what folks are expecting, but this is pretty standard nowadays.
If you're having difficulties getting your clock to sync with the chimes, let it run a full hour after setup and see if it adjusts itself. If not, open the back, and turn the dial for the clock hands to the 12:00 position and let it complete a full chime session. Now, turn the dial all the way around until you return to the 12:00 position, letting it complete another full chime session. Still using the dial, set the actual time, then let it run normally. Pay attention to see if your clock is chiming correctly at each quarter hour - it should be properly synced now.
If you're thinking about purchasing this clock, stop thinking about it and do it! You won't be sorry!

Great looking clock, easy to read at a distance, and the chimes are enjoyable as well.

Here are some thoughts about the clock:

1. The Amazon site states that the clock uses a AA battery but it comes with a "C" battery which fits the battery compartment perfectly.

2. Some reviewers have complained that the 2 raised pieces on the front of the clock look like they are made of burl wood in the picture but look like plain wood when viewing the clock in person. If you view the clock in just the right light angle you will see the burl look but I doubt that the panels were ever real burl pieces.

3. The clock chimes 4 tones 15 minutes after the hour, 8 tones 30 minutes after the hour, 12 tones 45 minutes after the hour, and 16 tones at the top of the hour - and then chimes once for each hour (ie: 5 times for 5 o'clock.). I think that the 4th tone in the sequence is a little flat but I am just being picky.

4. You can adjust the loudness of the chimes and you can set the clock so that the chimes don't go off at night. The loudness "button" is a bit tricky to adjust - you put a finger on it and twist - so you might have to do a trial and error to get it right.

5. When I first put in the battery and then rotated the minute hand to reach the correct time I discovered the clock was off 10 minutes and the chimes were off 10 minutes. I tried to set the time for 7:10 and rotated the hand 10 minutes past 7:00 without waiting for the clock to finish its full 7:00 chime and strike. I removed the battery, backed the clock up to 6:55, installed the battery, moved the hand to 7:00, let it run through the chimes, and then set it to the proper time.

6. One reason I bought this clock was for its looks but secondly I wanted a clock with a Seiko movement. I have had a number of Seiko clocks and watches and have never had a problem with any Seiko product.

7. The removable panel on the back is a clever design and makes getting to the clock mechanism to change settings very easy.

I usually don't get really jazzed about things that I order online but I am really pleased with this clock. My wife and I really enjoy the clock and hope that you will enjoy it as well.

I've seen and heard Big Ben in London. It's great to have Little Ben in our living room. Easy set up. Keeps good Time. How it produces such Good Sound; I don't know. I just enjoy the chimes. Would buy again.

This is a good clock that has some features that are different from the description that I wish that I had known before I bought:
- The clock does not have applied numbers as described. Applied numbers means that the numbers are made separate from the dial and applied on the surface of the dial in order for them to be easier to read.
- 'Applied numbers' usually implies that the dial is made of enamel in order to have a good surface to apply the numbers to. The dial of this clock is printed paper. Printed paper is not as easy to read nor as durable as enamel. This will shorten the eventual life of the clock.
- While the dial appears to be white, it is actually a light beige. This makes the dial have less contrast with the numbers and, therefore, more difficult to read.

I may not have bought the clock had I known about these less than desirable features, but now that I have it, I am glad that I bought it. The clock looks as good, if not better, that the pictures of the item. The clock chime works exactly as described and is easy to set. The wood is not high quality, but the color, finish, and construction is very good. Note, however, that I purchased this clock when it was about $70. I am not sure that it is worth much more than that.

BTW - I notified Google that the use of 'Applied numbers' in the description is wrong, and, as you can see, they did nothing about it!