Skip to main content

French Ormolu Clocks

to
103
1,398
664
2,175
1
522
223
157
152
106
46
12
8
7
6
1
1
216
1,872
85
1
53
7
1
11
2
4
4
1
1
2,020
1,704
919
678
527
2,114
2,093
6
6
5
2,176
2,176
2,176
65
44
38
28
28
Sort By
Large 19th Century French Empire Style Clock Set
Large 19th Century French Empire Style Clock Set

Large 19th Century French Empire Style Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive and fine quality 19th century French Empire influenced clock set. Having a pair

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Late 19th Century Rocaille Ormolu Mantel Clock with Floral Decoration
Late 19th Century Rocaille Ormolu Mantel Clock with Floral Decoration

Late 19th Century Rocaille Ormolu Mantel Clock with Floral Decoration

Located in Paris, FR

Mantel clock in gilt and sculpted bronze featuring abundant Rocaille motifs such as rinceaux

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Set
19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Set

19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very fine quality 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and champlevé enamel clock garniture

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

French Gilt Bronze Ottoman Chinoiserie Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

A 19th century gilt bronze clock with a seated lady in Ottoman dress resting on cushions with her

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Plum-Mahogany Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Plum-Mahogany Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Plum-Mahogany Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Plum-Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Tall-Case

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Cl...

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock Manner of Zwiener
French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock Manner of Zwiener

French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Mounted Tall Case Clock Manner of Zwiener

By Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

a rare opportunity to acquire a clock of museum quality that embodies the very essence of French

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Clock Set
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Clock Set

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A charming French 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century
French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century

French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu mantel clock, having Sevres style porcelain

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Important 19th Century French clock garniture by Deniere.
Important 19th Century French clock garniture by Deniere.

Important 19th Century French clock garniture by Deniere.

By Maison Deniere

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A wonderfully impressive 19th Century French gilded ormolu clock garniture, by Deniere of Paris

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Clock Garniture
19th Century French Clock Garniture

19th Century French Clock Garniture

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality French bronze and ormolu clock garniture, having bronze cherubs mounted either side

Category

Antique 1860s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble And Ormolu Clock By Raingo Frères
French Early 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble And Ormolu Clock By Raingo Frères

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI St. Marble And Ormolu Clock By Raingo Frères

By Raingo Frères

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

ormolu clock by Raingo Frères. The clock is raised by elegant topie shaped feet with fine wrap around

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures
French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures

French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Classical Figures

Located in London, GB

French gilt bronze mantel clock with Classical figures French, 19th century Measures: Height 45cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Clock
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Clock

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A striking high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period ormolu, tortoiseshell, and brass

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Louis XVI Mantel Clock by Bruel, Carrara Marble & Ormolu, Circa 1780
Louis XVI Mantel Clock by Bruel, Carrara Marble & Ormolu, Circa 1780

Louis XVI Mantel Clock by Bruel, Carrara Marble & Ormolu, Circa 1780

By Bruel

Located in London, GB

A Louis XVI period mantel (fireplace) clock by Bruel of Paris Constructed in Carrara marble and

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble

Early 19th Century French Sienna Marble Mantle Clock
Early 19th Century French Sienna Marble Mantle Clock

Early 19th Century French Sienna Marble Mantle Clock

Located in Dublin, IE

An exceptional quality early 19th century Sienna marble and ormolu mantle clock, the sienna marble

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration Mantel Clocks

Materials

Siena Marble, Ormolu

Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden
Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden

Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden

Located in Roslyn, NY

A Regency monumental doré and patinated bronze ormolu-mounted on marble base clock adorned with

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock
French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock

By A.D. Mougin

Located in Norwich, GB

French Tortoiseshell Boulle clock with ormolu mounts surmounted by an ornate central finial

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs
Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs

Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs

By Jacques Caffieri

Located in London, GB

Antique French cartel clock of Venus with cherubs French, Late 19th Century Height 120cm, width

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Wall Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An enchanting late 19th century French gilded ormolu and marble mantel clock, depicting cherubs

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Louis XVI style Cartel wall clock, 52" 1880
French Louis XVI style Cartel wall clock, 52" 1880

French Louis XVI style Cartel wall clock, 52" 1880

Located in Brighton, Sussex

This large and impressive late 19th-century French gilded ormolu cartel wall clock exemplifies the

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Charles X  Clock with Bust of Apollo
French Charles X  Clock with Bust of Apollo

French Charles X Clock with Bust of Apollo

Located in London, GB

French Charles X patinated bronze, ormolu and black marble clock with bust of Apollo. Very well

Category

Antique 1830s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Siena Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock
French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Mantel Clock

By Aubert & Klaftenberger

Located in Norwich, GB

French tortoiseshell Boulle clock with ormolu mounts and surmounted by a brass finial. Enamel

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Tortoise Shell

French Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Lit à Baldaquin', Paris, Around 1790
French Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Lit à Baldaquin', Paris, Around 1790

French Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Lit à Baldaquin', Paris, Around 1790

Located in Vienna, AT

functional, key present. The Empire style clock case was probably made in France around 1790. At the time

Category

Antique 1790s French Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880
French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880

French Sevres, Louis XVI Style Clock Set, 1880

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th century French Sevres style porcelain and gilded ormolu clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

A French early 19th century Louis XVI st Ormolu white Carrara Gris St Anne clock
A French early 19th century Louis XVI st Ormolu white Carrara Gris St Anne clock

A French early 19th century Louis XVI st Ormolu white Carrara Gris St Anne clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A charming and most unique French early 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu, white Carrara, and Gris

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Large Clock Garniture Signed Houdon
Large Clock Garniture Signed Houdon

Large Clock Garniture Signed Houdon

Located in Tarzana, CA

An exceptional large 19th century French figural clock set after a model by Jean Antoine Houdon

Category

Antique 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock
Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock

Very Impressive French 19th Century Neoclassical Lyre-Form Clock

By Etienne LeNoir

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

An impressive French 19th century Neoclassical Lyre-form clock with jeweled pendulum. Amazing

Category

Antique 1850s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock
French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

French Neoclassical Style Lyre-Form Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical style lyre-form gilt bronze clock French, 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French Mantel Clock of Empire Period of "Borne" Form
French Mantel Clock of Empire Period of "Borne" Form

French Mantel Clock of Empire Period of "Borne" Form

Located in London, GB

Attractive french Empire clock in patinated bronze and ormolu of milestone or "borne" form. Having

Category

Antique 1810s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set

Located in London, GB

This wonderful clock set was created in France in circa 1870, in the late 19th century. The set

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time
French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time

French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying time

Located in London, GB

Fabulous antique French Charles X miniature mantel clock of Cupid carrying off time. This has to be

Category

Antique 1820s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock
Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock

Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock

Located in London, GB

Rococo Style Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Carriage Clock French, late 19th Century Dimensions

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer
Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer

Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Royer

By Ernest Royer

Located in London, GB

This beautiful gilt bronze (ormolu) clock set was crafted, circa 1870 in France. The set is

Category

Antique 1870s French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris
French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris

French Clock, Directoire Period, Portico Form, Signed Revel Paris

Located in London, GB

A French Directoire ormolu mounted black marble portico clock of Egyptian temple form. Set upon

Category

Antique 1790s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock + Candelabra, 19th Century
French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock + Candelabra, 19th Century

French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock + Candelabra, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality mid 19th Century French gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantel clock with a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils
French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils

French Empire vine orientated vase clock signed Blanc Fils

Located in London, GB

A fine French Empire vase or urn clock in patinated bronze and fire/ mercury gilt ormolu. With

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'
19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'

19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'

By Monbro Ainé 1

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality, large French 19th century gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, signed

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

French Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, circa 1830 Measures: Height

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Regence Style Ormolu & Kingwood Grandfather Tall Case Clock
French 19th Century Regence Style Ormolu & Kingwood Grandfather Tall Case Clock

French 19th Century Regence Style Ormolu & Kingwood Grandfather Tall Case Clock

By Charles Cressent

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine and palatial French 19th century Regence style figural ormolu-mounted kingwood and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Regency Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French, Louis XVI Style Enamel Clock Set, 19th Century
French, Louis XVI Style Enamel Clock Set, 19th Century

French, Louis XVI Style Enamel Clock Set, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French Louis XVI style Champleve enamel clock set. The clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques
19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century French gilt mantle clock with sevres plaques circa 1890. Fine quality ornate french

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Gilded Clock Set, 19th Century
French Louis XVI Style Gilded Clock Set, 19th Century

French Louis XVI Style Gilded Clock Set, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality, impressive 19th century French gilded ormolu and grey marble clock garniture

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Late 19th Century Cut-Glass French Urn Mantel Clock
Late 19th Century Cut-Glass French Urn Mantel Clock

Late 19th Century Cut-Glass French Urn Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A beautiful French cut-glass and gilded ormolu Louis XVI style urn mantel clock. Measures: 41cm (16

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French ormolu and hand painted porcelain on a cobalt blue ground
French ormolu and hand painted porcelain on a cobalt blue ground

French ormolu and hand painted porcelain on a cobalt blue ground

Located in London, GB

French ormolu and blue porcelain mantel clock. The blue porcelain with blue ground and decorated

Category

Antique 1870s French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Revolving Mantel Clock
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Revolving Mantel Clock

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Revolving Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A wonderful late 19th century French Annular Louis XVI style gilded ormolu revolving mantel clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock
Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock

Large French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze cartel clock

Located in Tarzana, CA

A large French Louis XV style gilt bronze cartel clock. After the model by Jacques Caffièri. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Wall Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Annular Signed Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Annular Signed Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Annular Signed Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

marble, ormolu and patinated bronze annular clock, signed MARTI, circa 1840. Raised by a circular white

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Sevres Bisque Clock Signed Guyon a Lyon
French Neoclassical Style Sevres Bisque Clock Signed Guyon a Lyon

French Neoclassical Style Sevres Bisque Clock Signed Guyon a Lyon

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant French neo-classical st. Sèvres Bisque clock signed Guyon a Lyon ( Jean Baptiste Guyon

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Classical French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Classical French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Classical French Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and marble mantel clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Cherub clock set, by Deniere, Paris
French 19th Century Cherub clock set, by Deniere, Paris

French 19th Century Cherub clock set, by Deniere, Paris

By Maison Deniere

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An enchanting and very good quality French 19th Century grey marble and gilded ormolu clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set
Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set

Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set

By Raingo Frères

Located in London, GB

Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 27cm

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Antique Mantel Clock, Mercury-Gilded Bronze, 1815-1830
French Antique Mantel Clock, Mercury-Gilded Bronze, 1815-1830

French Antique Mantel Clock, Mercury-Gilded Bronze, 1815-1830

Located in MADRID, ES

Exquisite French mantel clock from the Restoration period (reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Garniture Set
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Garniture Set

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Garniture Set

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A striking and most decorative French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set
French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set

French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set

Located in London, GB

French gilt bronze and enamel three-piece clock set French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 45cm

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825
A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825

A French Gilt bronze Charles X mantel clock, circa 1825

Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY

A French Charles X period gilt bronze figural mantel clock circa 1825. Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont

Category

Antique 1820s French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Napoleon III Ormolu Pink Porcelain Clockset
French Napoleon III Ormolu Pink Porcelain Clockset

French Napoleon III Ormolu Pink Porcelain Clockset

Located in New York, NY

A fine quality Napoleon III Ormolu pink porcelain clockset Origin: French Date: Late 19th

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "French Ormolu Clocks", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

French Ormolu Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of French ormolu clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique French ormolu clocks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, ormolu and bronze. There are all kinds of French ormolu clocks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Louis XVI, Empire and neoclassical French ormolu clocks are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made French ormolu clocks over the years, but those made by Japy Frères, Raingo Frères and Samuel Marti are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are French Ormolu Clocks?

Prices for French ormolu clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, French ormolu clocks begin at $195 and can go as high as $1,919,381, while the average can fetch as much as $8,379.

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.

Questions About French Ormolu Clocks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ormolu furniture refers to the ornate decoration typically applied to French antique furniture. The decoration is made out of bronze and is then covered with 18 to 24 karat gold. You can shop a collection of ormolu furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An ormolu clock is a timepiece surrounded by gilding, metal covered with a thin layer of gold. The clocks are usually very ornate and designed for display on a mantel or table. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of ormolu clocks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Check 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, 2022
    How 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.