Astronomical Regulator Clock
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV More Clocks
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...
Bronze, Ormolu
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Antique 19th Century American Gothic Revival Clocks
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Ormolu
Antique Late 18th Century English Clocks
Ormolu, Steel, Zinc, Brass
Finding the Right clocks for You
A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a wall clock, desk clock, mantel clock or other variation, 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 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, new and vintage clocks today.
- What is a regulator a clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A regulator clock is a generic term used for a wall-mounted clock that is weight-driven by a pendulum. On 1stDibs, you can find a great collection of vintage and modern clocks to choose from.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A crystal regulator clock is a weight-driven clock regulated by a swinging pendulum with glass on all four sides (all the glass is beveled). The pendulum in such clocks is the regulator which contains two glass vials with mercury. Find a range of antique crystal regulator clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A Vienna Regulator clock is a weight-driven clock. Although certain spring-driven clocks are sometimes referred to as Vienna Regulators, true Vienna Regulators are weight-driven clocks. The Vienna Regulator clock is an excellent addition to any home. Find a collection of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A regulator is a clock powered by a weighted and geared mechanism. First developed in the 18th century, regulators were a great leap beyond previous clock designs and offered far better accuracy. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique regulator clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022First arriving on the scene in England in 1720, regulator clocks, when properly adjusted, were accurate to within 10 seconds per month. They were powered by a weighted and geared mechanism. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of regulator clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a regulator wall clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A regulator wall clock is a wall-mounted clock invented in the late 18th century. These types of clocks are weight-driven, regulated by a swinging pendulum.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The oldest astronomical clock in the world is in Prague, located on the Old Town City Hall in city square. Installed in 1410, it was the third oldest astronomical clock in the world, and the oldest one still in operation. Browse a range of astronomical clocks on 1stDibs.
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