Atomic Starburst Clock
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Glass, Bakelite
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Wall Clocks
Polystyrene
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Teak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Walnut
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Wall Clocks
Glass, Plastic
Antique 18th Century Italian Girandoles
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage 1950s American Wall Clocks
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Glass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Dining Room Sets
Leather, Glass, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Plastic
Early 20th Century Italian Other Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Modern Sideboards
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Bedroom Sets
Marble
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s French Modern Wall Clocks
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Brass
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Metal
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Acrylic
Mid-20th Century German Hollywood Regency Wall Clocks
Brass
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Brass, Metal
Finding the Right clocks for You
A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.
Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.
A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.
Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.
On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Starburst clocks first became popular in the 1950s. Also called the sunburst clock, these wall clocks have circular faces surrounded by wood or metal spokes that resemble sun rays. The original design for this clock was developed in the late 1940s. The Ball clock — a starburst-shaped assemblage of lollipop-like brass spokes capped with lacquered birch orbs, playfully mismatched hands and absolutely no numerals — was the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the New York City offices of legendary writer, architect and furniture maker George Nelson. Find a collection of starburst clocks on 1stDibs.
- Do atomic clocks really work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, atomic clocks really work. In fact, they can be very precise timekeepers. When exposed to radiation, electrons get “excited” and move. A detector in atomic clocks keeps track of the changes in atomic energy states and when it reaches a specific level, a second is ticked off. Shop a collection of atomic clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Read More
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.
These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life
Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.
This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other
Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.