Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Who was the famous American clockmaker?

1 Answer
Who was the famous American clockmaker?
There was actually more than one famous American clockmaker. Many people refer to Eli Terry as the “father of mass-produced clocks in the U.S.,” as he introduced the concept of interchangeable parts that made large-scale production possible. Another well-known name in the history of American clock-making is Seth Thomas, who founded the Seth Thomas Clock Company in 1813. Brothers Aaron and Simon Willard are also important figures in the field, having developed banjo clocks and tall case clocks, respectively. Shop a variety of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
Shop for Clocks on 1stDibs
Cartier Cream Alarm Clock 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Free import fees to USA
Located in Reading, Berkshire
*** FREE IMPORT FEES TO USA *** Cartier Paris Baignoire 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Mechanical Alarm Clock, Cream Enamel, 1980s An exquisite vintage Cartier Paris mechanical alarm c...
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel

Vintage Blue Seiko Double-Sided Ships Wall Clock, 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Vintage Seiko ships wall clock designed during the 1980s in Japan. These clocks were used on large Japanese tankers and cargo ships. It features a blue metal body, a plastic dials an...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Lawson Model P-40 "Zephyr" Streamlined Copper & Brass Electric Clock
By Lawson
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Art Deco Lawson Model P-40 streamlined digital electric clock, crafted in America circa 1935, embodies the bold, futuristic aesthetic of the Machine Age era. Designe...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass, Copper

1980s Cartier "Romane" 18K Gold Plated Alarm Clock with Original Box and Papers
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Cartier Romane pendulette (desk/alarm clock). A true testament to Swiss horological precision and French luxury design, this rare timepiece perfectly embodies the timeless soph...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate

Bracket Clock John F.R.S. Ellicott, London early 18th Century
Located in Münster, DE
Bracket Clock John F.R.S. Ellicott, London (1706–1791) Early 18th century, 8-day movement, striking on 2 bells, 4-note chime/repeater mechanism, date display, brass dial, origi...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English Baroque Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Grey Industrial Square Wall Clock from Rodopa Chepelare, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
- Wall clock made by Rodopa Chepelare in Bulgaria during the 1960s - Was used in factories, schools and railway stations - Grey metal frame - Iron dial and alumiňium hands - Clea...
Category

Vintage 1960s Bulgarian Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Shop All