From quartz clocks to digital alarms to antique models, the mechanism used to power these timepieces typically fall within three categories:
Battery-Operated: Battery power offers smooth movement that keeps excellent time. No-fuss and low-maintenance. Available in both mantel and tabletop clocks. Tabletop travel clocks are also made with batteries.
Key Wound: These are typical of antique clocks, and luxury made clocks. A key is inserted into a hole then wound on a dial to activate the clock's mechanical mechanism. These clocks need to be wound every 8, 14, or 31 days depending upon the movement setting.
Electric: Common to digital and radio clocks, an electrical cord is plugged into a wall socket to power the clock's timekeeping mechanism.