What is an ormolu clock?

An ormolu clock is a timepiece surrounded by gilding, metal covered with a thin layer of gold. The clocks are usually very ornate and designed for display on a mantel or table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of ormolu clocks.

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 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.

Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

French Louis Xvi Mantel Clock Sevres Style

Gilded Putti

Bronze Drum

Enamel Cherub

Candelabra And Clock Set

Mantel Clock With Candelabra

French Empire Bronze Clock

French Rococo Furniture

Category

1890s German Late Victorian Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Brass, Steel, Ormolu

19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch

H 13 in W 9.85 in D 7.49 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Antique Ormolu Mantle Clock

H 13.98 in W 13.98 in D 3.94 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 14 in W 9.75 in D 3.5 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 10.5 in W 8 in D 3.5 in

Napoleon III Lyre Clock with Ormolu Hands

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A superb Napoleon III Lyre clock by 'Raingo Press, Paris' with an exquistely painted enamel face

Category

Mid-19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Napoleon III Lyre Clock with Ormolu Hands

H 22 in W 1 in D 1 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 Ormolu Clock 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

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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 13.5 in W 10 in D 4 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Mantel Clock by Victor Paillard

H 27 in W 24 in D 11 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 23.63 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in

French Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French ormolu Lyre clock standing on a stepped rectangular base with acanthus leaf decoration and

Category

1840s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock

H 13 in W 5 in D 3.5 in

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Empire Ormolu mantel clock resting on four turned feet supporting an oval base with raised

Category

Early 1800s French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 17 in W 12 in D 7 in

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Ormolu French Empire clock, drumhead case with applied frieze decoration to the base, standing on

Category

19th Century French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 14 in W 6.5 in D 4.25 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 23.63 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in

Figural Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gilt bronze musical cherubs figural clock.

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Figural Clock

H 20 in W 34 in D 6 in

French Greek Revolutiom Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Charles X period Greek Revolution or Hellenistic mantel clock. The clock in original ormolu

Category

1830s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Greek Revolutiom Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 11.82 in W 6.89 in D 2.96 in

Portico clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

Superb gilt bronze portico clock signed M. Morer, Rue Dauphine, Paris. L Dalton signed by hand on

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Portico clock

H 23 in Dm 12.75 in

A Louis XVI Style Ormolu Cartel Clock

Located in Sheffield, MA

With a circular white enamel dial, surmounted by swags and ending with a woman’s face. Morbiere Movement

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

A Louis XVI Style Ormolu Cartel Clock

H 24 in W 18 in D 12 in

Small Ormolu French Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Small French Ormolu Cartel clock in a finely decorated case. Enamel dial with Roman numerals

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Small Ormolu French Cartel Wall Clock

H 14 in W 9 in D 4.75 in

Fine Sevres and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

France, circa 1870. A fine late 19th century ormolu and porcelain mounted mantel clock, the

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine Sevres and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 21.26 in W 12.6 in D 6.3 in

Unusual Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set

Located in London, GB

surmount, all set on a foliate ormolu breakfront plinth; the pair of vases similarly decorated. Clock

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual Ormolu and Porcelain Clock Set

H 16.15 in W 11.03 in D 5.12 in

French Architecturally Formed Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French architecturally formed ormolu mantel clock French, 19th Century Height 52cm, width 28cm

Category

19th Century French Baroque Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French Architecturally Formed Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 20.48 in W 11.03 in D 6.7 in

19th Century Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock

Located in London, GB

An ormolu cased Cartel clock by Vincenti & Cie Constructed in gilt bronze, depicting a well

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock

H 33 in W 10 in D 8 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock Depicting Cupid & Psyche

H 18.75 in W 9 in D 5.25 in

French Pink Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

An attractive French Napoleon III antique mantel clock in original ormolu and fine pink

Category

1870s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Pink Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 16.5 in W 15.5 in D 6.5 in

French 19th Century First Empire Ormolu Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A remarkable French early 19th century First Empire ormolu clock, with the original silk threaded

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century First Empire Ormolu Clock

H 16 in W 10.5 in D 6 in

Antique French Orientalist Style Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This striking and highly detailed mantel clock is made entirely of ormolu, and is surmounted by the

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Orientalist Style Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 20.08 in W 13.39 in D 5.52 in

Fine Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Cupid

By Vincenti et Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A very fine and substantial ormolu clock by the clockmaker Vincenti. Stunning Rococo balloon form

Category

19th Century French Rococo Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Fine Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Cupid

H 16.25 in W 10 in D 5.5 in

Antique French Ormolu Louis XV Rococo Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning antique French ormolu Rococo clock, circa 1880. It is beautifully modelled in the Rococo

Category

19th Century French Rococo Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu Louis XV Rococo Clock

H 13.75 in W 9 in D 5.75 in

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820

Located in Belmont, MA

Empire ormolu mantel clock, Belgium, circa 1810, Signed "J.B. Romaet a Gand". Decorated with a

Category

1810s Belgian Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820

H 14.18 in W 10.63 in D 3.55 in

A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock

Located in Kittery Point, ME

A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock, the circular white enamel dial signed "Baudoin A Paris

Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

A Louis XVI Ormolu Figural Cartel Clock

H 25 in W 12.5 in D 6 in

Table Clock, Ormolu, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Table clock made of gilded bronze with a powerful base, enhanced with legs decorated with vegetal

Category

19th Century European Neoclassical Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Table Clock, Ormolu, 19th Century

H 21.66 in W 16.93 in D 6.7 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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Clock

H 17.5 in W 13 in D 5 in

French Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock

By Henri Marc, Paris 1

Located in Norwich, GB

French Ormolu and porcelain mantel clock French ormolu mantel clock standing on a beaded oval base

Category

19th Century French Victorian Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu and Porcelain Panel Mantel Clock

H 11 in W 3.94 in D 6 in

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

By Breguet a Paris

Located in Amersham, GB

This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

H 21.26 in W 11.42 in D 4.73 in

Antique French Empire Ormolu Striking Library Clock

Located in London, GB

A fascinating Antique French Empire Striking Ormolu mantel clock A fascinating clock in the form

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Steel, Ormolu

Antique French Empire Ormolu Striking Library Clock

H 18 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in

Japy Freres Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock

By Japy Frères

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning original antique French Rococo clock by Japy Frères. It is beautifully sculptured with

Category

19th Century French Rococo Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Japy Freres Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock

H 15.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.75 in

19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very pleasing early 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, have a classical maiden

Category

19th Century French Romantic Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Classical Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 15.75 in W 12.6 in D 5.12 in

A French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture Having an enamel dial with arabic numbers

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

A French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture

H 9 in W 6.5 in D 4.5 in

Antique Figural Clock

By F. Barbedienne Foundry

Located in Atlanta, GA

Magnificent gilt bronze clock signed Barbadienne founder, rouge Royale marble base.

Category

Late 19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Figural Clock

H 33 in Dm 25 in

Ormolu Mantel Clock By Raingo Freres, Paris

By Raingo Frères

Located in Amersham, GB

remarkable survival considering this clock dates from the 1860’s. The ormolu case retains its original

Category

1860s French Louis XV Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Ormolu Mantel Clock By Raingo Freres, Paris

H 11.03 in W 7.09 in D 3.55 in

French 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu wall clock, having Rococo influences to the scroll

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock

H 29.53 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

French Ormolu Calendar Mantel Clock, 19th Century

By Aubert & Klaftenberger

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality French, 19th century gilded ormolu mantel clock with a calendar dial. Having

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Ormolu Calendar Mantel Clock, 19th Century

H 18.51 in W 12.6 in D 6.7 in

French Directoire Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Directoire period mantel clock. Constructed of black marble with white statuary marble

Category

1810s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu

French Directoire Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 13 in W 8 in D 4.5 in

French Empire Ormolu Chariot Clock Signed Ravrio

By Dubuisson

Located in London, GB

French Empire antique chariot clock in ormolu signed on the annular enamel dial Ravrio Bronzier

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu Chariot Clock Signed Ravrio

H 7.88 in W 11.03 in D 5.12 in

Louis XVI Ormolu Cartel Clock

Located in Kittery Point, ME

The circular glazed white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic chapters, set within a pierced case with ribbon-tied fruiting laurel trails, each side with a ram’s mask capped pilaster, ...

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Ormolu Cartel Clock

H 31.75 in W 16.75 in D 4 in

Large Empire Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

France, circa 1820-1830. A large-scale early 19th century bronze and gilt bronze mantel clock

Category

1820s French Louis Philippe Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large Empire Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 31 in W 21 in D 8 in

Antique French Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Clock

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Louis Japy

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A lovely early antique French ormolu clock by Louis Japy, part of the great Japy clockmaking

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Clock

H 14.75 in W 10.25 in D 4.5 in

Antique French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

By Maison Deniere

Located in London, GB

This large mantel clock is an excellent piece of refined neoclassical design by the acclaimed

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 31.11 in W 19.3 in D 9.65 in

Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This ormolu (gilt bronze) mantel clock is a stunning piece of design, which features beautiful

Category

Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 27.56 in W 17.72 in D 5.52 in

French Fluorspar and Ormolu Clock Garniture

Located in New Orleans, LA

ormolu bronze, this garniture celebrates classical ideals and Rococo luxury. The clock and candelabra all

Category

19th Century French Rococo Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Stone, Bronze

French Fluorspar and Ormolu Clock Garniture

H 15 in W 7 in D 4.25 in

French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

Antique (early 19th century) French ormolu bronze mantel clock in the Empire style depicting

Category

19th Century French Empire Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock

H 15.5 in W 10.5 in D 5 in

19th Century Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

In its unusual and beautiful design, this sumptuous mantel clock effortlessly transcends the

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock

H 23.63 in W 12.21 in D 11.42 in

White Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

White marble and ormolu mantel clock Housed in a white marble case with stepped plinth and applied

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble

White Marble and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 10 in W 6 in D 3.75 in

French porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with silver highlights mantel clock

Located in London, GB

French porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with silver highlights mantel clock. A superb Napoleon III

Category

1860s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with silver highlights mantel clock

H 16 in W 18.5 in D 6.25 in

French Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with gilded toupe feet supporting a raised plinth with an

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

French Porcelain and Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 18.75 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in

19th Century French marble and ormolu clock garniture.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An enchanting French 19th Century white marble and gilded ormolu clock garniture, having a mother

Category

19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French marble and ormolu clock garniture.

H 18.12 in W 17.33 in D 7.88 in

Antique French Ormolu and Marble Portico Clock Set

By Vincenti et Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful original antique French portico clock by Vincenti. It is made of white marble mounted

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Ormolu and Marble Portico Clock Set

H 13.5 in W 6.75 in D 4.25 in

Fine Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

France, circa 1880 The ormolu case mounted with fine painted porcelain scenes of a courting

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fine Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Mantel Clock

H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in

Classical 19th Century French Crystal + ormolu mantle clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A classical crystal 19th Century French Empire style portico mantle clock, with a gilded ormolu

Category

Late 19th Century French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Classical 19th Century French Crystal + ormolu mantle clock

H 13.39 in W 7.88 in D 5.91 in

French Bronze & Ormolu Clock with Automation

Located in Norwich, GB

Charles X Bronze and Ormolu mounted mantel clock with stepped top surmounted by a gilded figure of

Category

1830s French Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze & Ormolu Clock with Automation

H 14.5 in W 6.5 in D 4 in

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Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of ormolu clock antique clocks is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct ormolu clock antique clocks — often made from metal, ormolu and bronze — can elevate any home. Ormolu clock antique clocks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Louis XVI, Empire and Neoclassical ormolu clock antique clocks are consistently popular styles. Japy Frères, Raingo Frères and Samuel Marti each produced beautiful ormolu clock antique clocks that are worth considering.

How Much are Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks?

Prices for ormolu clock antique clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, ormolu clock antique clocks begin at $121 and can go as high as $393,548, while the average can fetch as much as $8,647.

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 Ormolu Clock Antique Clocks

What is an ormolu clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An ormolu clock is a timepiece surrounded by gilding, metal covered with a thin layer of gold. The clocks are usually very ornate and designed for display on a mantel or table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of ormolu 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 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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