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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
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Early 19th Century Mantel Clock - "Pendule au Noir", Faizan à Paris circa 1810
By Faizan A Paris
Located in Greven, DE
The barrel roller - so-called "Pendule au Noir" Paris fire-gilt bronze early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 34 x 27 x 11 cm Description: Fire-gilt bronze clock from the early...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Antique Exhibition Quality Carved Mahogany Nine Tube Chiming Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
An exceptional exhibition quality carved mahogany longcase clock of impressive scale and presence, richly decorated throughout with bold scrolling foliage, latticework panels and fin...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Quality Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Cuckoo Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
A striking and highly decorative antique Black Forest cuckoo clock beautifully hand carved with an expressive bear subject. The quality of the carving is immediately apparent with de...
Category

Antique 19th Century German Wall Clocks

Materials

Oak

Vintage Red Seiko Ships Double-Sided Wall Clock, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Vintage Industrial triangle ships wall clock made by SEIKO in Japan during the 1970s. These clocks were used on large tankers and cargo ships. It features a red metal body, a metal d...
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Iron

1930s Art Deco Bakelite Skyscraper Alarm Clock and Lamp by Bayard, France
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Deco Bakelite Skyscraper Alarm Table Clock and Lamp by Bayard France 1940s Dimensions: 21x11x30cm Gorgeous design this alarm clock was made by the French clock makers Bayard. Ver...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Original 1970s National Panasonic flip-number radio alarm clock model RC-6003B
Located in München, DE
Near mint condition original 1970s National Panasonic flip-digit clock radio, model RC-6003B. 100% original condition with beige plastic casing. Manufacturer: Matsushita Electric Ind...
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Space Age Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

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