Howard Miller's thoughts on withdrawing from the clock business

ハワードミラー、クロック事業撤退について思う事。

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As the title suggests, in July 2025, Howard Miller, a long-established American clock manufacturer, announced the end of its business. Production will be phased out in 2025, with inventory sales expected to continue until 2026. AP News +1

I feel both the end of a long era and the beginning of a new one at the same time.
In July 2025, Howard Miller, a long-established American clock manufacturer, announced the end of its business. Production will be phased out in 2025, with inventory sales expected to continue until 2026. AP News +1

What happened (the facts)

  • Official announcement of business closure : The nearly 100-year-old company announced that it would cease production and gradually close its furniture division by selling off inventory. This has been reported by multiple media outlets, including local newspapers, industry publications, and the AP. AP News +2 Furniture Today +2

  • Timeline : Production to cease in 2025 , inventory sales to continue in 2026. A WARN notice for employees has also been filed with the government. FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI) +1

  • Factors behind the decline : The company said that rising costs due to tariffs , along with a stagnant housing market, inflation, and rising interest rates, have had a direct impact on its operations. AP News +2 Michigan Advance +2

What it means for the clock industry

1) The absence of a symbolic large clock from America

Howard Miller was a symbol of the US floor clock (also known as grandfather clock) market. With one of its mainstays gone, supply and prices in the North American market are likely to become unstable in the short term . This will also likely lead to higher prices for used and dead stock, and models becoming scarce as inventory is cleared. These are market reactions that were already anticipated at the time of the announcement. AP News

2) Pressure to restructure supply chains

Diversifying sources of mechanical movements becomes even more important. Hermle in Germany continues to operate and maintain a presence in both movements and finished products. Hermle North America
In addition, Urgos movements are currently mainly produced for three-hand, three-weight floor clocks , and Hermle 's compatible and replacement supply is widely considered a practical option.

In short, while the " American brand name will disappear ," the " German manufacturing base " continues, and there is still the option of extending the life of the vehicle through repairs and replacement .

Practical impact on consumers and retailers

  • Warranty and Repair : With the end of new Howard Miller production, repair and parts procurement will become increasingly important. Know-how on compatible movements (e.g. Urgos to Hermle) and conversion kits will be valuable. Clockworks Helpdesk +1

  • Availability and Price : Although there will be inventory for sale until 2026 , the model will be phased out after that, which will likely lead to lively discussions about its collectible value and resale value . AP News

  • Redesigning options : In addition to mechanical watches, offering complementary suggestions for high-quality quartz watches and designer clocks , and promoting the value of long-term use with the assumption of repairs , reinforces the user experience (e.g., replacement with a current German-made model). Hermle North America +1

Industrial and Cultural Perspectives: Why "Ends" and "Beginnings"?

  • Conclusion : Howard Miller was a symbol of clock culture in the United States in the 20th century. Deeply rooted in the local economy, he has long been a driving force behind the image of grandfather clocks as American craftsmen . Michigan Advance

  • Origin : Meanwhile, remaining manufacturers and independent workshops are shifting their focus to small-volume, high-value-added products and long-term ownership businesses that include after-sales service (repairs, overhauls, and replacements) . A foundation like Hermle's that continues to produce and supply parts will become a pillar supporting the user experience in the post-Howard Miller era. Hermle North America

Conclusion: The culture of time is not over

Howard Miller's withdrawal marks the end of an era . However, the culture of appreciating time will not disappear. In fact, clocks fit into the values ​​of the next era : small-scale production, long-term ownership, and repair circulation.
We, the retail, repair and import players, feel that we need to quietly but powerfully carry on this culture through discerning suppliers who "don't let the passion of the makers die out" and through aftercare that is considerate of the user's time .

Reference information (primary sources)

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