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French Ormolu Clocks

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Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer

Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer

By Ernest Royer

Located in London, GB

This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France

Located in New York, NY

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock
Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock

Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock

By Jacob Petit

Located in London, GB

Charles X Period Ormolu Mounted Jacob Petit Porcelain Mantel Clock French, c.1825 Height 36cm

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI, Ormolu and Sevres Style Mantle Clock, 19th Century
Louis XVI, Ormolu and Sevres Style Mantle Clock, 19th Century

Louis XVI, Ormolu and Sevres Style Mantle Clock, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century gilded ormolu Louis XVI style mantle clock, having reclining putti

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Figural Ormolu Clock Garniture, Raingo Frers
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Figural Ormolu Clock Garniture, Raingo Frers

French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Figural Ormolu Clock Garniture, Raingo Frers

By Raingo Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine and palatial French 19th century Louis XIV style figural ormolu three-piece clock and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Painted Porcelain Clock Set
19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Painted Porcelain Clock Set

19th Century Sèvres Style Ormolu and Painted Porcelain Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

An exquisite 19th century French gilt bronze and hand painted jeweled Sevres Porcelain clock set

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'
Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'

Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock 'Pendule au char'

Located in Kittery Point, ME

with roman numerals forming its wheel. The model of this clock is allegorical for harvest, personified

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

A Restauration Period Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Deniere
A Restauration Period Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Deniere

A Restauration Period Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Deniere

By Maison Deniere

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Restauration Period Paris Porcelain Inset Ormolu Mantel Clock, Attributed to Jean François

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique Clock Set
Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique Clock Set

Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique Clock Set

By Samuel Marti

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A very large, rare and impressive original antique clock set. The bodies are stunning Japanese

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock
An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

An Extremely Fine and Rare 19th Century Ormolu Cartel Clock

By Samuel Marti

Located in Amersham, GB

three Greek Erotes, make this an extremely romantic clock. The extremely fine ormolu (gilded bronze

Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XV Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Rouge Griotte Marble and Ormolu Clock Set
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Rouge Griotte Marble and Ormolu Clock Set

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Rouge Griotte Marble and Ormolu Clock Set

By Raingo Frères

Located in New York, NY

A Magnificent Large Antique French 19th Century Ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble clock set of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire
A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire

A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire

By Pierre-Philippe Thomire

Located in Harrington Park, NJ

AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Fine Antique French Tiffany & Co. Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture
Fine Antique French Tiffany & Co. Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture

Fine Antique French Tiffany & Co. Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in Tarzana, CA

An elegant 19th century ormolu mounted marble 3 piece clock garniture. This clock set was made in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock by Deverberie a Paris, Fire-Gilded
French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock by Deverberie a Paris, Fire-Gilded

French Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock by Deverberie a Paris, Fire-Gilded

Located in Berlin, DE

French Empire mantel clock from DeVerberie a Paris. Fire-gilded. Age-related condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th century Ormolu, Marble and Porcelain clock, by F. Pelissier
French 19th century Ormolu, Marble and Porcelain clock, by F. Pelissier

French 19th century Ormolu, Marble and Porcelain clock, by F. Pelissier

By F. Pelissier

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A most elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu, white Carrara marble and

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Fine Ormolu and Marble Cherub Clock Set by H Luppens Paris
Fine Ormolu and Marble Cherub Clock Set by H Luppens Paris

Fine Ormolu and Marble Cherub Clock Set by H Luppens Paris

By Samuel Marti, H. Luppens & Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

modelled in the Louis XVI style, the clock features three ormolu cherubs toiling to support a large deep

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century
Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century

Located in Astoria, NY

Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Alabaster Portico Mantel Clock, late 19th century, the circular enamel

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Enamel, Ormolu

Grand Ormolu and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères and Salmson
Grand Ormolu and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères and Salmson

Grand Ormolu and Marble Clock Set by Raingo Frères and Salmson

By Raingo Frères

Located in London, GB

Grand ormolu and marble clock set by Raingo Frères and Salmson French, Late 19th Century Clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Late 18th Century, French Louis XVI Neoclassical Ormolu Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock
Late 18th Century, French Louis XVI Neoclassical Ormolu Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock

Late 18th Century, French Louis XVI Neoclassical Ormolu Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

A very fine Louis XVI period ormolu striking cartel clock “aux guirlandes”, the movement signed on

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock

French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock

Located in Rome, IT

Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with

Category

Antique 1790s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock

By Jollet & Cie

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock, signed

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French mantel clock
19th Century French mantel clock

19th Century French mantel clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock

Category

Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815
Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815

Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815

Located in Montreal, QC

This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports

Category

Antique 1810s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and Ormolu Longcase Clock, circa 1890
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and Ormolu Longcase Clock, circa 1890

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and Ormolu Longcase Clock, circa 1890

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany and ormolu longcase clock, circa 1890.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longca...

Materials

Ormolu

Three-Piece Louis XV Rococo Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set
Three-Piece Louis XV Rococo Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

Three-Piece Louis XV Rococo Style Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in London, GB

Three-piece Louis XV Rococo style porcelain and ormolu clock set French, late 19th century Clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Mantle Clock
French 19th Century Mantle Clock

French 19th Century Mantle Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality French late 19th century gilded ormolu and champleve enamel mantel (fireplace

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard
Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard

Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard

By Henri Picard

Located in London, GB

This magnificent clock set is the work of celebrated French maker Henri Picard, who collaborated on

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie
Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie

Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie

By Charpentier et Cie

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This large and impressive clock is by the renown French Bronzier Lemerle Charpentier & Cie. It

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XIV Style White Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Set
19th Century French Louis XIV Style White Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Set

19th Century French Louis XIV Style White Marble and Ormolu Bronze Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

Antique (19th century) French garniture (set) in the Louis XIV including mantel clock and pair of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard
19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard

19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard

By Monbro Ainé 1

Located in Tarzana, CA

Imposing 19th century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze striking Mantel clock. Flanked by two sitting

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock by Roque, Paris
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock by Roque, Paris

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Clock by Roque, Paris

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu clock by Roque, Paris. The

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French Sevres Style Figural Garniture Clock Set
19th Century French Sevres Style Figural Garniture Clock Set

19th Century French Sevres Style Figural Garniture Clock Set

Located in Tarzana, CA

This excuisite 3-piece 19th century French ormolu mounted porcelain clock set comprising a central

Category

Antique 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche
Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche

Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche

By C. Detouche

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Palatial and Extremely Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Regulateur de Parquet

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Sevres Style 3 Piece Clock Clock Garniture
19th Century French Sevres Style 3 Piece Clock Clock Garniture

19th Century French Sevres Style 3 Piece Clock Clock Garniture

Located in Dublin, IE

A Fine 19th Century French Sevres-Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture. Comprising a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu, Bronze and Marble Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu, Bronze and Marble Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu, Bronze and Marble Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An exceptional French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu, patinated bronze and Brèche Violette

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Belle Epoque Period Bronze And Ormolu Annual Clock
French 19th Century Belle Epoque Period Bronze And Ormolu Annual Clock

French 19th Century Belle Epoque Period Bronze And Ormolu Annual Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A high quality and very unique French 19th century Belle Epoque period patinated Bronze, Ormolu and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Style Ormolu Clock Set Depicting the Oath of the Horatii
Empire Style Ormolu Clock Set Depicting the Oath of the Horatii

Empire Style Ormolu Clock Set Depicting the Oath of the Horatii

Located in London, GB

This exquisite 19th century trio is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking six-light

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette marble and Ormolu clock
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette marble and Ormolu clock

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette marble and Ormolu clock

By Le Roy

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Breche Violette marble and Ormolu

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock, By E. Lemoine
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock, By E. Lemoine

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Clock, By E. Lemoine

By Lemoine

Located in New York, NY

The impressive and unusual clock is designed in an architectural form, featuring a cylindrical drum

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sèvres Style Gold Ormolu and Pink Porcelain Antique French Three-Piece Clock Set
Sèvres Style Gold Ormolu and Pink Porcelain Antique French Three-Piece Clock Set

Sèvres Style Gold Ormolu and Pink Porcelain Antique French Three-Piece Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in London, GB

interior. The three-piece, antique French clock set comprising a central clock and a pair of flanking

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical More Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Ormolu and White Marble Boudoir Clock Set
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Ormolu and White Marble Boudoir Clock Set

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Ormolu and White Marble Boudoir Clock Set

Located in Miami, FL

A beautiful 19th Century French Louis XVI Ormolu and White Carrara Boudoir Clock with a Pair of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

French Carriage Clock by Couaillet Freres, Ormolu, Circa 1890
French Carriage Clock by Couaillet Freres, Ormolu, Circa 1890

French Carriage Clock by Couaillet Freres, Ormolu, Circa 1890

By Couaillet Freres

Located in MADRID, ES

Outstanding and highly collectible French officer’s carriage clock of grand luxury, executed in

Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Bronze

Ormolu And Sevres Style Porcelain Three Piece Mantel Clock Garniture Set
Ormolu And Sevres Style Porcelain Three Piece Mantel Clock Garniture Set

Ormolu And Sevres Style Porcelain Three Piece Mantel Clock Garniture Set

Located in Cypress, CA

Exceptional Late 19th Century French Louis XV Style ormolu and Sevres style porcelain 3 piece

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers
Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

Located in New York, NY

19th c. French Gilt Dore Bronze Chinoiserie Clock possibly made for the Chinese market. The

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

1900 Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Elegant Lady Marble Base Ball Clock
1900 Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Elegant Lady Marble Base Ball Clock

1900 Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Elegant Lady Marble Base Ball Clock

Located in Danville, CA

1900 Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Elegant Lady Marble Base Ball Clock Here we are offering a

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French musical automaton clock
19th Century French musical automaton clock

19th Century French musical automaton clock

Located in London, GB

automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set
19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

19th Century Turquoise Sèvres Style Jeweled Porcelain and Ormolu Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

porcelain vases and covers depicting playing. Date: circa 19th century Origin: French Dimension: clock

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock, La Lecture, Paris, c. 1813
Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock, La Lecture, Paris, c. 1813

Early 19th Century Empire Ormolu Mantel Clock, La Lecture, Paris, c. 1813

Located in Greven, DE

x D: 30 x 30 x 15 cm Description: The "La Lieuse" pendulum is probably the best-known clock by the

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Rouge Marble Clock Set

Located in Tarzana, CA

Fine 19th century French gilt bronze mounted Rouge marble 3-piece figural clock set Clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock
French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock

French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A charming and high quality French early 19th century Empire st. white Carrara marble and Ormolu

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Louis XV Style Boulle Mantel Clock with Ormolu Mounts and Cherub Finial
French Louis XV Style Boulle Mantel Clock with Ormolu Mounts and Cherub Finial

French Louis XV Style Boulle Mantel Clock with Ormolu Mounts and Cherub Finial

By Ecole Boulle

Located in Dallas, TX

.Decorate a study or formal living room with this exquisite vintage Boulle clock. Crafted in France

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

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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.