Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Who invented the first mechanical clocks?
1 Answer
A Chinese monk named I-Hsing invented the first mechanical clock in 723 AD. His astronomical clock was known as the Water Driven Spherical Birds-Eye-View Map of The Heavens. You can find a variety of antique and vintage mechanical clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Mechanical Clocks on 1stDibs
Antique Mechanical Billiard Clock in Oak with Timer by P. O. Pedersen Copenhagen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
It also features a regular mechanical clock and everything works as it should.
Category
Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wall Clocks
Materials
Oak
Classic French Mantel Clock by Société Clusienne, Marble Base, 1920
By Societe Clusienne
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Mounted on a veined orange marble base and featuring the same marble inserts enhanced with delicate bronze details, this mechanical clock combines refined design and exceptional craf...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Mantel Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Art Deco Carved Mahogany Mantle Clock, circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
Turn of the century Chinese carved mahogany mantle clock, circa 1900, an Art Nouveau to Art Deco transitional style with a period wind-up mechanical clock, featuring an Immortal figu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Mantel Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Danish Grandfather Clock by Knuba
Located in London, GB
The design is quite extraordinary, with an incredibly stylish cubist design. The clock face is brass, this is a mechanical clock complete with chains and weights.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase ...
Materials
Wood
Vintage Old Mr. Boston Advertising Bottle Display with Gilbert 8-Day Clock
Located in Dekalb, IL
The clock itself is marked by Gilbert of Winsted, Connecticut, one of America's most prolific makers of mechanical store clocks, and remains housed in its original bezel and glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Metal
Very beautiful small 1960s mechanical brass alarm clock table clock from Europa
By Europa Clocks
Located in München, DE
Rare, beautiful, small, original 1960s mechanical brass table clock by Europa.
It features a built-in 7-day mechanical movement with an alarm function.
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass
