French Chiming Clock
Antique Mid-19th Century French High Victorian Wall Clocks
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wall Clocks
Brass, Steel
Antique Early 1900s French Provincial Wall Clocks
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Clocks
Pine
Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Wall Clocks
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Other
Antique 19th Century French Clocks
Enamel, Bronze
Antique 18th Century French Neoclassical Wall Clocks
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Mantel Clocks
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Mantel Clocks
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century French Biedermeier Mantel Clocks
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Mantel Clocks
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks
Marble, Brass
20th Century German Art Deco Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s French Clocks
Walnut, Glass
Antique Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Mantel Clocks
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Antique 1890s More Clocks
French Chiming Clock For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Chiming Clock?
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 is a chime on a clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The chime on a clock is the tune that it plays at specific time intervals. A clock may chime on the hour, or more frequently to mark shorter time increments. Shop for a variety of clocks from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What makes a clock chime?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A mechanical process is what makes a clock chime. The music roll pulls back a chime hammer, which then returns to its original position and hits a chime rod, or in certain cases, a steel tuned tube, as it rotates. The majority of chiming, weight-driven mechanical grandfather clocks have 12 hammers and rods. Find a collection of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The meaning of the chimes on a clock relates to time. At specific intervals, the chimes play a melody to let you know how much time has passed. Depending on the design, clock chimes may sound every 15, 30 or 60 minutes. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Westminster chime clock features a quartz clock movement, which electronically plays the “Westminster Quarters” / “Westminster Chimes” melody on the hour mark. A Westminster chime clock also plays a progressive melody to mark every quarter-hour. Westminster chime clocks are considered classic and timeless furnishings, made using high-quality wood and metals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage Westminster chime clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A Westminster chime clock uses quartz movement to work the gears, to move pendulums and to play the popular melody everyone is fond of. The quartz movement electronically plays the melody that can be set to play on the hour, half an hour and quarter hour if desired. Find a wide range of antique, new and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To fix the chime on a mantel clock, take it to an experienced clock repair shop. A professional will have the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose the problem with the chimes and make the necessary repairs. You'll find a range of mantel clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021To get your grandfather clock to chime correctly, you must wait until the next hour count and note how many hours the clock chimes and then move the hour hand to the hour the clock chimed. Then you can reset the clock to the proper time.1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021You can get your grandfather clock to chime correctly in a few easy steps. Firstly, wait for the next hour to chime on the clock. After that, count how many hours your grandfather clock chimes. With your finger, move the hour hand to the number of the hour count, and reset the time clock to the correct time. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with an antiques appraiser or related professional for help. Find a variety of grandfather clocks on 1stDibs.
- 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022How you adjust a French mantel clock depends on its design. In many antique clocks, there is a winding slot that says R for Retard on one side and A for Advance on the other. If you wish to make the clock faster, you turn the key toward the R. To slow down the clock, turn the key in the opposite direction toward the A. Find a large collection of French mantel clocks on 1stDibs.
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