One has to marvel at the craftsmanship that many tower clock makers put into their work.  It always fascinates me the extent that some tower clock makers went through to make their movements look attractive. This only adds to the cost with no possible improvement in the clock's performance. Obviously the reason was to impress the buyer, but to think that after this initial appraisal from the owner was finished, the magnificently made machine was nearly always and forever thereafter unavailable to be seen by anyone other than the clock's maintenance personnel.  Tower clocks; their associated towers and upkeep were and still are expensive propositions. Also these machines had to be accurate and reliable in adverse climate, maintenance and operating conditions.