The Howard Miller Fenwick II is a classic wall clock with a rich wood look and soft chimes. I like it most for a living room, hall, or home office where the clock can also add style. Its quartz movement keeps care simple, while the large case gives it a strong room feel. In short, this Howard Miller wall clock is best for buyers who want a classic clock with chimes and a dressy look.
Product Review: Howard Miller Fenwick II
When I look at the Howard Miller Fenwick II, the first thing I notice is its tall shape. It is about 30.25 inches high, 13.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. That makes it easy to spot on a large wall without taking up much side space.
The Windsor Cherry finish gives the case a warm look. The wood tone fits well with classic home decor. I would place it near wood furniture, a book case, or a warm-toned wall for the best match.
The top has a swan neck shape. The lower part has a curved apron. These small details give the clock an old-time look without making it feel too busy.
The face is another part I like. It has a polished brass look with a silver ring around the time marks. A blue moon phase detail adds a small pop of color.
The brass-look lyre pendulum adds more charm. I like how it sits behind the glass and moves as the clock runs. It gives the wall clock more life than a plain clock face.
The Fenwick uses a quartz dual-chime movement. It can play Westminster or Ave Maria chimes. It can also use a quarter-hour chime mode.
I also like the sound controls. The clock has volume control, night volume reduction, and a night chime shut-off. This is useful in a home where you want the chime in the day but less sound at night.
The clock uses two C batteries. They are not included. I see this as a simple setup since there is no key winding or cord to deal with.
One thing I would plan for is wall space. This is not a small clock. At more than 30 inches tall, it needs a clear spot where its shape can stand out.
I also would not buy it just for basic time telling. There are many cheaper wall clocks that can do that job. The Fenwick II makes more sense when the wood case, pendulum, and chime sound matter to you.
Howard Miller lists the clock at $849, though the model is now marked out of stock on its own site. The brand also lists it as a last-chance item that will not be restocked.
For me, the best part of this Howard Miller wall clock is the mix of old-style looks and easy quartz power. It feels like a classic clock but does not ask for the care of a hand-wound clock.
What I Like
- I like the warm Windsor Cherry finish. It gives the clock a rich home feel.
- The tall case helps it stand out on a wide wall.
- The two chime choices give me more sound options.
- I like having a night shut-off for quiet hours.
- The quartz movement makes daily use simple.
What Could Be Better
- The price is high for a wall clock, so I would want the style before spending that much.
- Two C batteries are needed, and the batteries are not included.
- Its tall case may feel too large in a small room.
- The model is now listed as out of stock by Howard Miller, which may make a new one harder to find.
My Personal Experience with Howard Miller Fenwick II
I like the Fenwick II most in a room where a wall clock can be part of the decor. It does more than fill an empty wall. Its wood case, brass-look face, and pendulum give the room a clear focal point.
In a living room, I would place it above a low cabinet or near a wood table. The tall shape works well when there is open wall space above the furniture.
In a home office, I like the idea of having a real clock on the wall instead of checking my phone. The classic face is easy to read, and the pendulum adds a calm touch.
The chime is also a big part of the Fenwick II experience. I would use the sound during the day and turn it off at night when the house needs to stay quiet.
I found the size worth noting before buying. A 30.25-inch tall clock can look great on a large wall, but it can feel too big over small furniture.
The Windsor Cherry finish is a good fit for rooms with wood tones. I would not expect it to blend as well with a very bright or ultra-modern room.
The quartz movement is a nice fit for daily home use. I prefer this type of setup when I want a clock that needs little work after it is placed on the wall.
The pendulum gives the clock a more classic feel. I like this detail because it makes the clock look like more than a simple battery wall clock.
The moon phase detail also helps the face stand out. It is small, but it adds more to look at than plain numbers alone.
The night shut-off is one of the most useful home features for me. I can enjoy the chime when people are awake without letting it run through the night.
The two chime choices are also nice for people who want some choice in sound. Westminster gives a well-known clock sound, while Ave Maria gives another option.
I would still check the wall and furniture around it before buying. The Fenwick II needs room to look right. A crowded wall could hide the details that make this clock special.
Overall, I see the Fenwick II as a decor clock first and a timepiece second. It is a good fit for someone who wants a classic wall clock that also adds sound and movement to the room.
Comparing With Other Brands
I have also looked at wall clocks from brands that focus more on low-cost home decor. Those clocks can be a better fit when the main goal is simple time keeping. The Howard Miller Fenwick II is aimed more at buyers who care about the full look of the clock.
Howard Miller vs Other Wall Clock Brands
For comfort in daily use, I would give Howard Miller the edge when you want simple battery power and easy sound control. The Fenwick II does not need a power cord, and the quartz movement keeps the setup simple.
For build and style, the Fenwick II has more detail than many basic wall clocks. The wood case, curved top, brass-look face, and lyre pendulum make it feel like a display piece.
For sound, this clock also has more choice than a plain silent wall clock. You can pick between two main chime sounds and use the night shut-off when needed.
For price, cheaper brands win. I would only pay the higher price for the Fenwick II if I really liked its classic look. If I only needed a clock to show the time, I would spend less.
Recommendation
I would recommend the Howard Miller Fenwick II to someone who wants a classic wall clock with a wood case, pendulum, and chimes. It makes the most sense in a living room, dining room, entry area, or large home office.
I would do more research if price is my main concern. The listed price of $849 is far above a basic wall clock, so the added style needs to matter to me.
For a USA home, I also like the battery setup. There is no power cord to hide, and the clock uses two C batteries. That makes wall placement more flexible.
I would also check stock before planning a purchase. Howard Miller currently marks the Fenwick as out of stock and says it will not be restocked.
My final pick would be the Fenwick II for someone who wants a clock that looks like part of the room. I would skip it if I only want the lowest-cost way to tell time.
FAQs for howard miller wall clock fenwick ii review
Is the Howard Miller Fenwick II a good wall clock?
Yes, I think it is a good choice for classic home decor. It has a wood case, pendulum, dual chimes, and a quartz movement. It is best for buyers who care about both looks and sound.
What batteries does the Howard Miller Fenwick II use?
The clock uses two C size batteries. The batteries are not included with the clock.
Does the Fenwick II have a chime shut-off?
Yes. It has an automatic night chime shut-off. It also has volume control and night volume reduction.
What chimes does the Howard Miller Fenwick II play?
The quartz movement can play Westminster or Ave Maria chimes. It can also use a quarter-hour chime setting.
How big is the Howard Miller Fenwick II?
The clock is about 30.25 inches high, 13.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. Its tall size makes it a better fit for open wall space.
What finish does the Fenwick II have?
The clock has a Windsor Cherry finish on select hardwoods and veneers. The warm wood tone gives it a classic look.
Is the Howard Miller Fenwick II worth the price?
I would say it is worth considering if you want the full classic look, pendulum, and chime features. I would not pay the higher price just for basic time keeping. The value depends on how much those extra details matter to you.
Conclusion
The Howard Miller Fenwick II is a strong choice for a classic wall clock with a warm wood look. I like its pendulum, chime choices, moon phase detail, and simple quartz power. Its main downside is the high price and large size. If I wanted a wall clock that also adds style and sound to a room, this is one I would consider.