German parts are often an intricate ingredient even in clocks made in other parts of the world. In any country, German movements are synonymous with quality and reliability. The oldest existing maker of mechanical movements is the Kieninger Clock Factory, founded in Germany in 1912 by Joseph Kieninger. Today, many of the worlds best clocks, such as Howard Miller and Ridgeway, rely on the technology of German movements.

Though most grandfather clocks are not actually made in Germany today, the German technology is still the driving force behind some of the greatest and most valuable grandfather clocks on the market.