Antique Clock Mechanisms
Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine
18th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
1890s French French Provincial Antique Clock Mechanisms
Zinc
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Early 20th Century Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
1840s Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Clock Mechanisms
Enamel, Bronze
Early 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Clock Mechanisms
Metal
1850s European Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Early 18th Century European Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
18th Century Belgian Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Oak
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Mechanisms
Enamel
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass, Bronze
1820s Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Mechanisms
Enamel
Mid-19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine, Paint
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Mechanisms
Enamel
Late 19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Mechanisms
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Clock Mechanisms
Enamel
Early 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Russian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Marble, Belgian Black Marble
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Mechanisms
Glass, Wood
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Late 19th Century German Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine
Late 19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Clock Mechanisms
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Baroque Revival Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Clock Mechanisms
Ormolu
Late 18th Century Northern Irish Chippendale Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass, Iron
Mid-19th Century European Antique Clock Mechanisms
Metal, Enamel
Early 19th Century Swedish Country Antique Clock Mechanisms
Pine
19th Century French Antique Clock Mechanisms
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Oak
1870s French Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Mid-18th Century French French Provincial Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Bronze
Late 18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass, Iron
1890s English Art Deco Antique Clock Mechanisms
Faience
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Clock Mechanisms
Metal, Brass
1920s American Art Deco Antique Clock Mechanisms
Stained Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Clock Mechanisms
Wood
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique Clock Mechanisms
Brass
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Antique Clock Mechanisms For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Antique Clock Mechanisms?
Finding the Right Clocks for You
A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.
Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.
A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.
Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.
On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.
- What are mechanical clocks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mechanical clock is made with an oscillating mechanism that marks the passing time. An escapement counts its beats. The first mechanical clock was made out of iron, and was first seen in medieval Europe. You’ll find a collection of mechanical clocks from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021To make a mechanical alarm clock work, you need to use the wind-up keys or buttons to set the time. Mechanical alarm clocks use an oscillating wheel and springs. Most mechanical alarm clocks come with two bells that ring by means of a gear, powered by the mainspring. The gear moves quickly between the two bells, sounding the alarm. Find vintage alarm clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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, 2022Mechanical clocks were used for a variety of reasons in the Middle Ages. The clocks were used to keep track of hours for daily prayers. They also helped monks to calculate solar and lunar eclipses, and also determined feast days with accuracy. On 1stDibs, find a collection of mechanical clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- How can I spot an antique clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.
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