Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How do ball clocks work?
1 Answer

A rolling ball clock works with an electric motor. Every five or 10 minutes, the top rail will deposit a ball onto the next rail to indicate what minute it is in multiples of five or 10. Every hour, the upper and middle rails reset and one ball is transferred to the bottom rail to indicate the hour. Shop a collection of vintage ball clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Ball Clock on 1stDibs
Gilt Bronze Eagle and Marble Ball Clock, France, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze eagle and marble ball clock. France, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Congreve Rolling Ball Clock by Thwaites & Reed, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Congreve Rolling Ball Clock
Sir William was born in 1772 and died in 1828, son of General Sir
Category
Vintage 1970s English Mantel Clocks
Materials
Brass
Rare Mid Century Modern George Nelson Orange Ball Clock Model 4755
By George Nelson
Located in Plainview, NY
An original George Nelson ( 1908- 1986) Mid Century Modern Ball Clock model 4755. This iconic
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Omega Art Deco Styled Ball Clock with Magnifier Lens
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Ball Clock
MOVEMENT / CALIBER
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Acrylic
Miniature English William Congreve Rolling Ball Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Here is a beautiful miniature Congreve rolling ball clock. This one comes with a solid marble
Category
Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass
George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood
By George Nelson
Located in Weesp, NL
working at the studio.
Nelson famously recounted the story of how the Ball Clock came to life in an
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Brass