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Empire Clocks

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu-mounted verde antico plinth. France, first half of the 19th century. Measures: H ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

EARLY 19th CENTURY FRENCH PORCELAIN CLOCK
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant biscuit watch with an allegory of pure love. The spring-loaded watch features an enamelled dial with double Arabic and Roman numerals, and a crown set with zircons cut like d...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

Empire Style Bronze Travel Clock, late 19th Century or Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire style bronze travel clock, late 19th century or early 20th century. Empire style bronze travel clock with double patina, late 19th or early 20th century, (movement to be revi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Orologio a Vaso Francia Primo Quarto XIX Secolo
Located in Milano, IT
Orologio a vaso in bronzo dorato poggiante su un plinto ornato con motivi a foglie susseguenti poggiante su quattro piedini a sfera. Il corpo dalla caratteristica forma a vaso biansa...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, white Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock. This beautiful clock is supported on a circular white Carrara marble...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Empire Mantel Clock - La Bibliotheque, Ormolu, France, Paris, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock - La Bibliotheque - In the study room Paris fire-gilt bronze, enamel Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 38 x 28 x 19 cm Description: Scenery mounted on an oval...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and stylish early 19th Century gilded ormolu and green marble mantle clock, having two classical maidens either side feeding Rams, an Eagle above the circular white...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Mantel Clock, Firegilt Bronze, Paris circa 1810
Located in Greven, DE
Very rare "Au Bon Sauvage" mantel clock France Fire-gilt and patinated bronze Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 41 x 13 cm Description: Extremely rare French bronze m...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire bronze and marble watch holder - 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Antique French Empire watch holder, early 19th century circa 1820. The watch holder allows conversion of an open faced pocket watch in to a desk cl...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Empire Mantel Clock with reading young lady, early 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Empire mantel clock with enameled dial and fire-gilt case. The clock is crowned by a full-figure young lady sitting on a Klismos chair and reading a book. Her feet rest on a stool an...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Metal

French long duration Skeleton Clock
Located in HAARLEM, NL
The clock sits proudly on a black marble base with four bun feet. The I form skeletonised timepiece movement with anchor escapement, knife edge suspension and compensated pendulum. T...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Seated Female Figure in French Fire-Gilt Clock from Empire Era
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French fire-gilt clock depicting a seated female figure - Urania, I presume, judging from the iconography. Empire Era, 1800-1815. The gilding sh...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th century Swedish gilt and eglomise ornate wall clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish gilt and églomisé ornate wall clock circa 1840. Fine quality Swedish wall clock of the empire period circa 1840. Beautifully carved, surmounted with doves. 2 si...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Giltwood

French Gilt Empire Claude Galle Clock By Claude Gallé, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Rare and beautiful gilt bronze clock with rotating dial made for the 1807 Exhibition after a composition by Claude Gallé,regarded as one of the best bronziers of the late Louis XVI a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Empire Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing a Figure in Neo-Egyptian Style
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting a standing figure in the neo-Egyptian style, Empire Era, 1800-15. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 'Empire' library mantel clock
Located in HAARLEM, NL
A charming Library Empire mantel clock. The Cupido reading the book is a very desirable subject. Even now a good decoration in almost every interior . The striking count wheel 8-day...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock in the form of a vase, Empire Era, 1800-1815. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and pendulum.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Empire Table Clock, Patinated and gilded bronze, Cleret, Paris, Circa 1825
By Cleret
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
French Empire table clock by Cleret, Paris, movement by Pierre-César Honoré Pons. The case in gilded and patinated bronze, circa 1825. The bronze base is decorated with a broad floral frieze with a central urn and two doves above a gilt floral border on four ball feet, the front feet with butterfly wing decoration. On the top of the clock stands a gilt bronze figure of a classically dressed maiden pouring...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French mahogany regulator 'portico' mantel clock by Montassier
Located in HAARLEM, NL
The clock movement is suspended from a portico within four pillars. The mahogany case is decorated with extremely beautiful cast and gilded bronzes, including two griffons facing an ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare model of a French Empire mantle clock depicting an allegory to "La Prudenzia" or Prudence, Wisdom or Sound Judgement. This virtue is represented as a patinated bronze statue of of a classically draped bearded standing male figure leaning on a gilt bronze plinth legs crossed and with a sword in its scabbard by his side. There is an an open scroll on top of the plinth held in place by the figure's elbow arm raised and forefinger of his hand pointing at his temple in a gesture associated with thinking. The plinth housing the clock dial and movement is decorated with a serpent coiled around a rod which along with the sword and scroll are associated with "La Prudenzia". The whole sits on a gilded rectangular base decorated with a finely cast frieze centred by a rondel showing the two Janus heads...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Cérés À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Empire clock signed à Paris The mantel clock is in gilded bronze representing Ceres as a goddess of fertility, agriculture, grain crops and motherly relationships. In ancient Rom...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Empire Drouot Bronze Table Clock, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Exquisite French Empire style mantel clock, gilded and chiseled bronze on a green marble base by Drouot (French, active 1807) Signature inscription on round enamel dial Drouot and Re...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century 50cm x 26cm x 15cm good condition
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Fine 19th century French ormolu mantel clock (pendule) by Leroy a Paris, c. 1825
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A most beautiful French ornolu mantel clock by Leroy à Paris A lovely French late Empire/early Charles X mantel clock with an ormolu case, c. 1825. The ormolu brass case depicts a celebration of Science and Learning. It is dominated by a rectangular superstructure containing the movement, flanked by an engine-turned column with a celestial globe on top on the left and an elegant lady reading a book on the right. The superstructure is surmounted by a bookcase and a bust of Socrates...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Important Pendulum in Gilded Bronze and Onyx, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important pendulum in gilded bronze and onyx from the nineteenth century. The enamel dial. Made for the russian market. Large: 60 x 55 x 18 cm.. With pendulum and key 6550 euros.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Empire French Black Marble Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Roma, RM
Bronze and marble mantle clock - France, Paris 18th century, signed GREBER Black marble temple case with gilt bronze lions. Circular dial with Roman nume...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century French Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon I
Located in London, GB
A Musical Automaton Clock Depicting Napoleon at Fontainebleau Based on the original work of Horace Vernet "Goodbyes at Fontainebleau," the painted canvas fitted with a circular enam...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Brass

French Empire Bronze Clock Depicting Urania Greek Muse of Astronomy
By Lesieur
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A magnificent large gilded and patinated bronze period French Empire mantle clock depicting Urania the Greek Muse of Astronomy standing on a stepped rectangular gilded bronze base h...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Bouzzeb À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
The mantel clock, made of ormol (gilded bronze), shows the beautiful figure of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, accompanied by various emblems. Diana is sitting on the circular ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A Late 19 Century Malachite clock Topped by a Gilt Bronze Bust of Napoleon
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A simple yet elegant relatively rare malachite cased clock topped by a gilt bronze bust of a young Napoleon in uniform after the marble original work by Jean Antoine Houdon.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Empire Ormolu and Green Marble Four Glass Clock, Eagle Antique French
By Charles Hour
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning original antique French clock by the illustrious maker Charles Hour, circa 1890. It is of the beautifully restrained Empire design in a sumptuous green variegated specimen...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Mahogany Grandfather Clock, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large Empire grandfather clock with a mahogany-veneered case in the shape of a lyre. The grandfather clock stands on a chest with three drawers and diamond-shaped fillings. Above it ...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Musical Theme
Located in New York, NY
A finely sculpted and cast antique (19th century) French gilt bronze mantel clock in the Renaissance style depicting elegant male and female musicians in an allegory of music. With ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

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 neoclassical maiden with child.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique early 19th century French bronze and Sienna marble mantle clock
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive early 19th Century French bronze & Sienna marble Clock surmounted with well-cast bust of Jupiter. The Clock, having 8-day s...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule "au bon sauvage" Matelot
Located in Münster, DE
Pendule "au bon sauvage" Matelot Paris, Empire circa 1810, bronze, fire-gilded and patinated, enamel Eight-day movement with lock disc and thread suspension, strike on bell on the ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japy Frères et Cie Empire Marble & Bronze Mantle Clock
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Introducing the Japy Frères et Cie Empire Mantle Clock, a remarkable timepiece with a rich history and exquisite craftsmanship. This antique clock is a true representation of the Empire style, showcasing the exceptional artistry and design prevalent during the 19th century. The movement of this clock is a testament to its prestigious heritage, bearing the registered mark Grande Médaille d'honneur 1855, earned at the renowned Paris Exposition universelle of 1855. This recognition signifies the superior quality and precision of the clock's movement, a hallmark of Japy Frères et Cie's dedication to horological excellence. The clock's case is crafted from black Belgian marble, displaying medallions featuring the Arethusa head type, inspired by ancient Greek coinage, specifically the decadrachm from Syracuse, Sicilia, minted circa 400 BC. These historical motifs, combined with the Empire style's characteristic elements such as tiger feet...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Empire Gilt-Bronze Clock Depicting Diana the Huntress. French, c 1820
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Empire Period gilt bronze clock depicting Diana the huntress. The dial signed 'Thomas a Paris'. The white enamel dial with Roman numerals and Breguet hands, the case sur...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a period French Empire mantle clock in finely chased and gilded bronze made in France in the first quarter of the 19thC. One of the Greek muses with a star atop h...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality, finely cast and gilded with its original burnished and chased finish, this clock i...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

an Empire ormolu and patinated bronze mangel clock after a drawing by DeVerberie
Located in NONANCOURT, FR
Rare pendulum called "au negre" represents a sailor with glass eyes, leaning against a bale of cotton and smoking his pipe, a rope in his hand. We find around him the attributes of m...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Figural Bisque Porcelain w Gilt Bronze Clock Napoleonic Officer 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Made of bisque porcelain in the middle of 19th century, presumably by Royal French Porcelain Manufacture de Sevres, the clock in the form of a scene where an elegant officer was depi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze

19th Century French Marble & Bronze Figural Mantel Clock Signed By Japy Freres
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite French Marble and Bronze Figural Mantel Clock. A true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, this clock...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Very Large French 19th Century Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
French Empire Ormolu Bronze Portico Mantel Clock by Gaston Jolly, Paris, Circa 1810s, with original pendulum.
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Portico Mantel Clock in Original Glass Dome
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep time in your office, study, or atop your mantel with this elegant antique clock in the original glass dome. Crafted in France, circa 1870, the portico clock stands on a wooden g...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Brass

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Leroy à Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
Mantel clock 19th Century Empire Le Roy et fils (French, founded 1785) Le Roy et fils was a prestigious French clock making firm. The company was fou...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Mid 19th Century Marble Empire Chime Mantel Clock
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique Empire style marble chime mantel clock, unbranded. White marble encasing the clock works. Round decorative brass encased glass covered clock face has Roman numbers marking...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Brass, Metal

19th Century Gold French Empire Gilded Bronze Table Clock, Antique Pendule
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19th Century Gold French Empire Gilded Bronze Table Clock, Antique Pendulum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Metal, Bronze

French Restauration Period Ormolu Lyre Mantel Clock with Apollo Mask
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An unusual French Restauration period ormolu mantel clock. The elaborately pierced gilt bronze case in the form of a lyre, with an Apollo mask cresting, on a white marble stepped bas...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Birth of the King of Rome, Bronze Clock, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze clock representing The Birth of the King of Rome or the allegory of the Birth of Love Empress Marie-Louise is standing near a cradle filled with roses with a wing...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

"The Coronation of Love" or "Love & Psyche" After Claude Michallon
By Claude Michallon
Located in New York, NY
"The Coronation of Love" or "Love & Psyche" after Claude Michallon This double figural clock representing The Coronation of Love or Love and Psyche after Claude Michallon. Psyche draped in fabric held by a belt, leans over the central pillar made of griotte marble to crown Amour, known for his wings and the quiver at his waist. The clock contains a gilded bronze dial with Roman numerals, sitting above lyre flanked by foliage. The two tiered rectangular base is decorated with a large central garland which reaches out towards either side curning to create circles tied together by ribbon. Below rests a bow with two bird heads, and a spouted jardiniere crowns the entire composition, all resting upon four winged animal paws. After an antique marble from the Capitol in Rome, this piece was created by Michallon (1751-1799) during the Directoire period. The design was a great success due to the popularity of the subject in the 19th century. Some versions are kept in renowned museums such as the Château de Fontainebleau, the Musée Marmottan-Monet, the Hôtel de la Marine...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Antique French Empire Crystal Regulator Clock
Located in Toledo, OH
A beautiful brass clock with gold dore finish. Beveled glass panels with a porcelain dial and time and strike. French works. Running condition. Corner crack in one glass panel.
Category

20th Century European Empire Clocks

Materials

Brass

Ry Fine Late 18th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock, Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and rare late 18th century French mercury gilt bronze Empire clock. Signed V Vandenchildes a Brussels.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal” The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock. The foliate and fruit engraved gilt-brass dial with enamel painted roman numerals. Inside with eight day movement w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

19th Century Empire Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent condition with finely chased dore bronze mounts. Has key and pendulum.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Empire clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Claude Galle, Breguet a Paris, and C. Maniere. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $445 and tops out at $145,000 while the average work can sell for $7,774.

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