Competition between the Black Forest and Connecticut clockmakers was keen. England Ireland, and Scotland were a ready market for a cheap, reliable clock. Their domestic clocks were priced out of sight for the average British subject. American makers were shipping clocks to England by the boat load, and during the same period, Germany was exporting a simple alarm clock that appealed to the English. The style became known as the "Postman's Clock." The demand was great and many Black Forest makers continued the obsolete in-line-tandem wood frame until about 1915, well after most had adopted cast brass frame movements.

Some claim the cheap clock was so named on account of their presence in every British Post office. Others have said that they were cheap and fit for a stable hand. The land baron supplied his servants quarters with them so that his horses would be ready at the "Post" on time.