How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I identify my antique clock?

To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.

How can I spot an antique clock?

To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an antique bracket clock?

An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do I adjust a French mantel clock?

How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?

To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.

French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

French Ormolu Furniture

Gold Clock

Standing Clock

Figural Clock

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

French Boulle Clock

H 36 in W 17 in D 6.5 in

French Empire Clock

Located in Hudson, NY

A very finely cast gilt bronze clock depicting Psyche at her toilet. The reflective mirror of

Category

19th Century French Empire French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Clock

H 17.5 in W 13 in D 5 in

19th Century French Rooster Clock

Located in Stamford, CT

A 19th century French gilt bronze rooster clock with brass eight-day spring driven movement. Newly

Category

1860s French Empire French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Rooster Clock

H 11 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in

French Art Nouveau Grandfather Clock

Located in New York, NY

French Art Nouveau bronze dore grandfather clock with marble & onyx pedestal top and base. *Not

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Ormolu

French Art Nouveau Grandfather Clock

H 64.25 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in

19th Century French Empire Bronze & Ormolu Egyptian Style Clock Clock

Located in London, GB

A French Empire bronze and ormolu clock in the Egyptian style with 8 day silk-suspension striking

Category

19th Century French Egyptian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Bronze & Ormolu Egyptian Style Clock Clock

H 17.5 in W 8 in D 4.5 in

Large French clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A very finely detailed gilt and patinated bronze clock featuring two maidens supporting the

Category

Late 19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large French clock

H 30 in Dm 26 in

Signed French Louis XVI Mantle Clock

Located in New York, NY

A French white marble and gilt bronze mantel clock. Signed A. Paris on face.

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Signed French Louis XVI Mantle Clock

H 19.7 in W 14.7 in D 4.3 in

French miniature porcelain-mounted carriage clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A French miniature gilt-brass and four panel porcelain-mounted eight day timepiece carriage clock

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

French miniature porcelain-mounted carriage clock

H 3 in W 2 in D 1.6 in

French Victorian Black Marble Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

French Victorian black marble mantel clock with marble rosso antico column sides and gilded etched

Category

Late 19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Gold Leaf, Metal

French Victorian Black Marble Mantel Clock

H 13 in W 10.75 in D 6.25 in

Antique French Clock with Porcelain Face

By Japy Frères

Located in Asheville, NC

Handsome antique clock has Roman numerals and marked minutes with detailed hands on porcelain face

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Slate, Iron

Antique French Clock with Porcelain Face

H 12 in W 9 in D 5.5 in

Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London

By Santiago James Moore French

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

This lovely small library clock has a spring-driven eight-day twin chain-fusee movement with going

Category

Early 19th Century George IV French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

Striking George IV Eight-Day Rosewood Pagoda Library Clock by French, London

H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in

French Antique Ormolu Mantle Clock

Located in London, GB

An attractive Parisian mantle clock in the Louis XVI manner Retailed by the Goldsmiths

Category

19th Century English French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Antique Ormolu Mantle Clock

H 13.98 in W 13.98 in D 3.94 in

French Tower Clock Face

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Fantastic large French iron tower clock face. This large clock face retains its original aged

Category

19th Century French French Provincial French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Iron

French Tower Clock Face

H 55.12 in Dm 55.12 in

French Empire chariot clock

Located in HAARLEM, NL

A charming French Empire ormolu chariot clock, circa 1810 with 8-day movement, striking , in its

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire chariot clock

H 13.78 in W 18.9 in D 5.91 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Ormolu Mantel Clock French mantel clock housed in an ormolu case with stepped base and

Category

1870s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 14 in W 9.75 in D 3.5 in

19th Century Clock Garniture

By FRENCH CLICHE

Located in London, GB

Three piece clock garniture, comprising of a pair of 3 lights ormolou candelabras. Held by cherubs

Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century Clock Garniture

H 19.69 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

Located in Hollywood, SC

French gilt bronze and marble three piece mantel clock flanked by matching candelabras. Center

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

H 25.5 in W 20.5 in D 8 in

French Copper Clock Face

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Stunning French copper and painted wall clock face. Wonderful patination. 1860. Dimensions 4

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Copper

French Copper Clock Face

H 59 in W 59 in D 4 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Arch top French mantel clock in a finely decorated Ormolu case with classical scene to the front

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 10.5 in W 8 in D 3.5 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock by Victor Paillard

By Victor Paillard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A superb 19th century French gilt bronze figural mantel clock by Victor Paillard (1805-1886). The

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock by Victor Paillard

H 27 in W 24 in D 11 in

French Brass Bracket Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French brass bracket clock The brass dial with individual segmented blue enamel Roman numerals

Category

19th Century French Victorian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Brass Bracket Clock

H 16 in W 3.94 in D 6 in

19th Century French Foliate Inlaid Mantle Clock

Located in London, GB

A French mantel clock of the Charles X period. Constructed in palisander, foliate and line

Category

19th Century French Regency French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Boxwood

19th Century French Foliate Inlaid Mantle Clock

H 14.57 in W 8.67 in D 6.3 in

French Skeleton Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Skeleton clock with Gothic style brass frame standing on a marquetry inlaid rosewood base

Category

1850s French Napoleon III French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Skeleton Mantel Clock

H 18.5 in W 11.5 in D 6.5 in

Late 19th Century French Doré Bronze Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th century French finely chased doré bronze clock with cherub and fountain motif.

Category

Late 19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century French Doré Bronze Clock

H 13 in W 6 in D 4 in

French Porcelain Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Porcelain mantel clock standing on a raised plinth and resting on Beautifully decorated

Category

1880s French Victorian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

French Porcelain Mantel Clock

H 8 in W 6 in D 4 in

French Bronze Cartel Clock

Located in Bronx, NY

This vintage mid 19th century French Louis XV style cartel (wall) clock is beautifully designed

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XV French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

French Bronze Cartel Clock

H 30.25 in W 17.5 in D 6 in

French Giltwood Wall Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French wall clock on a grey ground with beautifully carved gilded foliate decoration surmounted by

Category

1920s French Other French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Giltwood

French Giltwood Wall Clock

H 24.5 in W 10.5 in D 3.25 in

French Empire Mantle Clock

By Negrier a Gueret

Located in Norwich, GB

French Empire mantle clock, elegant patinated bronze vase shaped case standing on a stepped ormolu

Category

1810s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Mantle Clock

H 14.75 in W 5 in D 4 in

French Decorative Tower Clock

Located in Chicago, IL

Tower clock face with hand painted Numerals.

Category

Early 1900s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal

French Decorative Tower Clock

H 65 in Dm 65 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

France, circa 1880. A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the

Category

1880s French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 23.63 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in

Unusual 19th Century French rotary Clock Garniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare and very fine 19th century French Louis XVI style ormolu mounted white marble 3-piece Rotary

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Unusual 19th Century French rotary Clock Garniture

H 22.5 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Tortoiseshell Boulle clock with ormolu mounts surmounted by a brass finial. Gilded dial

Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Tortoise Shell

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock

H 11.25 in W 6.25 in D 4 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

France, circa 1880 A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 23.63 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French ormolu mantel clock standing on a stepped base and resting on turned, chased feet with

Category

1830s French Louis Philippe French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 13.5 in W 10 in D 4 in

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Located in New York, NY

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in

Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

H 15 in W 12.5 in D 5 in

French Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A superb gilt bronze and Sienna marble clock depicting Urania (muse of astronomy).

Category

1880s French Empire Revival French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 26.5 in W 18.25 in D 8 in

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Located in New York, NY

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

H 18.1 in W 11.8 in D 4.7 in

Bronze Tropical Theme French Mantel Clock

Located in Stamford, CT

Having a tree-house form case, this French bronze clock has a 3.5" dial with applied Roman numeral

Category

Late 19th Century European French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Tropical Theme French Mantel Clock

H 15.38 in W 8.75 in D 6.5 in

French Provincial Walnut Tall Case Clock, 19th Century

Located in Savannah, GA

French Provincial Walnut Tall Case Clock, 19th Century

Category

19th Century French Country French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Provincial Walnut Tall Case Clock, 19th Century

H 91 in W 20 in D 9.5 in

Victorian Mahogany French Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Victorian Mahogany French Mantel Clock Victorian mantel clock housed in a flame mahogany case with

Category

1890s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Mahogany French Mantel Clock

H 12 in W 9.25 in D 6.25 in

French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock

Located in London, GB

French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock French, early 20th Century Height 60cm, width

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel

French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock

H 23.63 in W 15.36 in D 7.09 in

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

Located in New York, NY

An Exquisite Antique French Period Empire Neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock embellished with

Category

19th Century French Empire French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Steel, Enamel

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

H 18 in W 15 in D 6 in

French Annular Dial Mantel Clock

By Maison Marnyhac 1

Located in New Orleans, LA

. Annular clocks, referred to as cercles tournants in France, are clocks with ring-shaped dials that revolve

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

French Annular Dial Mantel Clock

H 23 in Dm 9 in

Rhodonite Annular French Urn clock

Located in HAARLEM, NL

An unusual red marble / rhodonite so called annular dial French Urn clock circa 1880. The unusual

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rhodonite Annular French Urn clock

H 14.18 in W 7.49 in D 6.3 in

19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clock with Ormalu

Located in Atlanta, GA

A large Neoclassical mantle clock in brass with ormalu mounts, urn and swag detail. William

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clock with Ormalu

H 21.5 in W 9.75 in D 5 in

French Decorative Porcelain Clock Garniture

By A.D. Mougin

Located in Norwich, GB

French Decorative Porcelain Clock Garniture French mantel clock housed in an arch top porcelain

Category

1890s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

French Decorative Porcelain Clock Garniture

H 7.5 in W 6.25 in D 4.5 in

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Restauation period gilt and patinated bronze clock.

Category

19th Century French Restauration French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 17.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

Located in New York, NY

19th c. French Gilt Dore Bronze Chinoiserie Clock possibly made for the Chinese market. The

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

H 20 in W 15 in D 5 in

French Art Deco Clock Garniture

Located in Norwich, GB

French Art Deco garniture resting on a black marble, cream and onyx base, chrome four glass case

Category

1920s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble

French Art Deco Clock Garniture

H 12.25 in W 20.75 in D 5 in

Charles V - Commemorative Gold Plated Bronze and Black Marble Mantel Clock Set

By French House & Garden

Located in Wilmington, DE

Mantel Clock and Accompanying Candelabra Commemorating the Marriage of Charles V of France and Joanna de

Category

1840s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Gold, Bronze

Charles V - Commemorative Gold Plated Bronze and Black Marble Mantel Clock Set

Free Shipping

H 26 in W 21 in D 7 in

19th Century French mantel clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock

Category

1880s French Louis XVI French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French mantel clock

H 20.87 in W 12.21 in D 5.52 in

Large French Enamelled Clock Face

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Large french enamelled clock face from a steeple in France, restored in the 1960s, with enamelled

Category

Early 20th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel

Large French Enamelled Clock Face

H 70.08 in W 70.08 in D 0.4 in

Large French Enamelled Clock Face

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Large french enamelled clock face from a steeple in France, restored in the 1960s, with enamelled

Category

Early 20th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel

Large French Enamelled Clock Face

H 70.08 in W 70.08 in D 0.4 in

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock Depicting Cupid & Psyche

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exquisite early 19th century French Empire hand-chiseled ormolu mantel clock. Set on bracket feet

Category

19th Century French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock Depicting Cupid & Psyche

H 18.75 in W 9 in D 5.25 in

Miniature French Rosewood Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Miniature rosewood French mantel clock Miniature French mantel clock in a rosewood case sitting

Category

19th Century French Victorian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Rosewood

Miniature French Rosewood Mantel Clock

H 7.25 in W 5 in D 3 in

French Rosewood Campaign Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French rosewood campaign clock French campaign clock in a finely figured rosewood case standing

Category

19th Century French Victorian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Rosewood

French Rosewood Campaign Mantel Clock

H 9.75 in W 6 in D 5 in

19th Century French Clock Garniture

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality French bronze and ormolu clock garniture, having bronze cherubs mounted either side

Category

1860s French French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Clock Garniture

H 19 in W 12 in D 7 in

French Four Glass Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French four glass mantel clock French four glass mantel clock with large bevelled glass panels

Category

19th Century French Victorian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Four Glass Mantel Clock

H 13 in W 8.25 in D 5.5 in

French Decorative Porcelain Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French decorative porcelain mantel clock housed in a square case surmounted by an ornate carrying

Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

French Decorative Porcelain Mantel Clock

H 7.5 in W 3 in D 4 in

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

French metal mantle clock with ‘Boiscontier a Paris Rue De Caumartin’ printed on its face. The

Category

19th Century French Other French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

H 15.75 in W 11 in D 5.38 in

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French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of French antique clocks french antique clocks for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct French antique clocks french antique clocks — often made from metal, bronze and stone — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of French antique clocks french antique clocks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. French antique clocks french antique clocks made by Louis XVI designers — as well as those associated with Empire — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many French antique clocks french antique clocks are appealing in their simplicity, but Japy Frères, Samuel Marti and Vincenti et Cie produced popular French antique clocks french antique clocks that are worth a look.

How Much are French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks?

French antique clocks french antique clocks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $5,153, while the lowest priced sells for $121 and the highest can go for as much as $745,000.

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.

Questions About French Antique Clocks French Antique Clocks

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I identify my antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.
How can I spot an antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an antique bracket clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do I adjust a French mantel clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.

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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.

This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists

Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.