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French Ormolu Clocks

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

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

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte, ormolu and patinated bronze signed

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

A French 18th century Kingwood and Ormolu mounted clock, signed Lacan À Paris
A French 18th century Kingwood and Ormolu mounted clock, signed Lacan À Paris

A French 18th century Kingwood and Ormolu mounted clock, signed Lacan À Paris

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A sensational and extremely high quality French 18th century Louis XV Period Kingwood and Ormolu

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

French 19th Century Boulle mantle clock.
French 19th Century Boulle mantle clock.

French 19th Century Boulle mantle clock.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality French 19th Century Boulle mantle clock, having a gilded ormolu putti seated on

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

French 19th Century Classical Mantel Clock
French 19th Century Classical Mantel Clock

French 19th Century Classical Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive 19th century classical French Louis XVI style mantel clock, having gilded ormolu

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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

19th Century French Enamel Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A wonderful quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu and Champlevé enamel

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Large 19th Century Louis XVI Style Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock Guibal Paris
Large 19th Century Louis XVI Style Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock Guibal Paris

Large 19th Century Louis XVI Style Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock Guibal Paris

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A fine and large Louis XVI style French mantel clock, from the end of the Napoleon III period, 1870

Category

Antique 1870s French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825

19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825

Located in Greven, DE

Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825

Category

Antique 1820s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock
French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock

French 19th century Empire st. Gris st. Anne, Carrara marble, and Ormolu clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Ormolu clock. This beautiful clock is supported on a circular white Carrara marble base with a receded

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock
A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock

A French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An adorable and high quality French 19th century Louis XV/XVI st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu clock

Category

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

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock
Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock

Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive 19th century French gilded ormolu and Severs porcelain mantel clock. Having putti

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Marble Clock, Signed Déliau
French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Marble Clock, Signed Déliau

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Ormolu and Marble Clock, Signed Déliau

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An incredible and extremely high quality French late 18th century Louis XVI period ormolu, white

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble, Ormolu

Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock
Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock

Large Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Marble Figural Clock

Located in New York, NY

The large and elegant antique French Empire style bronze and marble figural clock features a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th Century Champleve enamel mantle clock
French 19th Century Champleve enamel mantle clock

French 19th Century Champleve enamel mantle clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive fine quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and Champleve enamel mantle

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique French Chinoiserie Ormolu and Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Graniture
Antique French Chinoiserie Ormolu and Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Graniture

Antique French Chinoiserie Ormolu and Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Graniture

Located in New York, NY

A very fine antique French chinoiserie, doré bronze, and Imari porcelain three-piece clock

Category

Antique 1860s French Chinoiserie Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. White Carrara Marble, Ormolu And Jeweled Clock
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. White Carrara Marble, Ormolu And Jeweled Clock

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. White Carrara Marble, Ormolu And Jeweled Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning French 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble, Ormolu and jeweled dial clock

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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

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

By Kahn

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted amaranth, tulipwood, sycamore and

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Influenced Clock Set, 19th Century
French Empire Influenced Clock Set, 19th Century

French Empire Influenced Clock Set, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

white enamel clock face, an eight day striking movement, gilded ormolu mounts matching the pair of side

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière

French 19th century Louis XVI st. Bronze, Ormolu and Marble Clock, by Denière

By Jean-François Denière

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A superb and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Rouge

Category

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

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock
The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

The Astronomy Lesson French Empire Mantel Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This magnificent French Empire ormolu mantel clock features the iconic Neoclassical genre scene

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute
18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute

18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and Marble Cercle Tournant Mantel Clock by Lepaute

By Lepaute

Located in London, GB

18th century Louis XVI ormolu and marble cercle tournant mantel clock by Lapaute French, Late 18th

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

Rare 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and White Marble Inclined Plane Mantel Clock
Rare 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and White Marble Inclined Plane Mantel Clock

Rare 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and White Marble Inclined Plane Mantel Clock

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

An extremely rare Louis XVI mantel clock 'a cremaillere', a movement driven by its own weight

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Alabaster, Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock Set in the Neo-Grec Style
Antique Alabaster, Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock Set in the Neo-Grec Style

Antique Alabaster, Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock Set in the Neo-Grec Style

Located in London, GB

Antique Alabaster, Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Clock Set in the Neo-Grec Style French, Late 19th

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Silver Plate, Bronze, Ormolu

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock
French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

French Tortoiseshell Boulle clock with ormolu mounts surmounted by a brass finial. Gilded dial

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Mantel Clocks

Materials

Tortoise Shell

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Marble Clock Signed Raingo Frères
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Marble Clock Signed Raingo Frères

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Marble Clock Signed Raingo Frères

By Raingo Frères

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu
Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu

Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

A magnificent Napoleon III period mantel clock, dating to around 1865–1875, crafted in deep bleu de

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.
French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.

French Champleve enamel clock set, 19th Century.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French gilded ormolu and champleve enamel clock set. The

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Fine Sevres Porcelain Blue Celeste and Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock
Fine Sevres Porcelain Blue Celeste and Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock

Fine Sevres Porcelain Blue Celeste and Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock

Located in London, by appointment only

blue celeste borders and the clock face with Roman Numerals, each porcelain panel signed verso. French

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Figural Clock
Antique Figural Clock

Antique Figural Clock

By F. Barbedienne Foundry

Located in Atlanta, GA

Magnificent gilt bronze clock signed Barbadienne founder, rouge Royale marble base.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Ormolu and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Clock Set in the Louis XVI Manner
Ormolu and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Clock Set in the Louis XVI Manner

Ormolu and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Clock Set in the Louis XVI Manner

By Charles Le Roy

Located in London, GB

A clock garniture in the Louis XVI Manner By Le Roy et Fils The ormolu clock case and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Classical 19th Century French Enamel Mantel Clock
Classical 19th Century French Enamel Mantel Clock

Classical 19th Century French Enamel Mantel Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style gilded ormolu mantel clock. Having a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne
Louis XVI Style Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne

Louis XVI Style Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne

By Ferdinand Barbedienne

Located in London, GB

Comprising a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra, the ormolu clock with circular dial

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI More Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Mantel Desk Clock Ormolu Mounts, Boulle Style
19th Century French Mantel Desk Clock Ormolu Mounts, Boulle Style

19th Century French Mantel Desk Clock Ormolu Mounts, Boulle Style

Located in Miami, FL

A superb quality antique French mantel clock, circa 1875. This Boulle style clock is made with red

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Louis XVI style enamel mantel clock, C19th
French Louis XVI style enamel mantel clock, C19th

French Louis XVI style enamel mantel clock, C19th

Located in Brighton, Sussex

This exquisite late 19th-century French Louis XVI-style mantel clock exemplifies the elegance of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set
Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set

Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set

By Maison Deniere

Located in Brighton, Sussex

An enchanting 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze Louis XVI style clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Neoclassical Louis XVI Period French Mantel Clock
Neoclassical Louis XVI Period French Mantel Clock

Neoclassical Louis XVI Period French Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical Louis XVI period French mantel clock French, late 18th century Dimensions: Height

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820
French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820

French Empire Style Mantel Clock, circa 1820

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive and stylish early 19th Century gilded ormolu and green marble mantle clock

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French Sevres Porcelain Clock Set
19th Century French Sevres Porcelain Clock Set

19th Century French Sevres Porcelain Clock Set

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality French, 19th century pink sevres porcelain and gilded ormolu clock set. Having a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

Early 19th Century French Empire Period Portico Clock
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Portico Clock

Early 19th Century French Empire Period Portico Clock

Located in Dublin, IE

A fine early 19th century French Empire period Portico clock of exceptional quality in the Neo

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture
French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture French, late 19th century Clock: Height 60cm

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Louis-Philippe Ormolu Clock, Esmeralda or Dancer with a Tambourine
Louis-Philippe Ormolu Clock, Esmeralda or Dancer with a Tambourine

Louis-Philippe Ormolu Clock, Esmeralda or Dancer with a Tambourine

Located in Paris, FR

Early 19th century Louis-Philippe figural Ormolu clock featuring an oriental woman playing

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock by Gervais
Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock by Gervais

Large 19th Century French Mantel Clock by Gervais

By Frédéric & Gervais Durand

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu, bronze and white marble mantel

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls
Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls

Antique Louis XV Style Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Denière et FIls

By Maison Deniere

Located in London, GB

Antique Rococo Louis XV style ormolu and patinated bronze clock set by Denière et Fils French, c

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

French 18th Century Louis XV Period/Louis XVI Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock
French 18th Century Louis XV Period/Louis XVI Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock

French 18th Century Louis XV Period/Louis XVI Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu nine light chandelier. The chandelier is

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Rare Late 18th Century Neoclassical Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock
Rare Late 18th Century Neoclassical Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock

Rare Late 18th Century Neoclassical Louis XVI Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

front of which is set with an ormolu panel chased with cherubs playing with doves, it is surmounted by

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Large French Japonisme Ormolu Garniture Clock Set Attributed to Edouard Lievre
Large French Japonisme Ormolu Garniture Clock Set Attributed to Edouard Lievre

Large French Japonisme Ormolu Garniture Clock Set Attributed to Edouard Lievre

By Edouard Lievre

Located in New York, NY

ormolu gilded bronze, this extraordinary clock garniture set reflects the height of French aesthetic

Category

Antique 19th Century French Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Garniture
19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Garniture

19th Century French Champlevé Enamel Clock Garniture

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century French champlevé enamel and porcelain clock garniture, set in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Empire Mahogany Clock with Gilded Ormolu
Empire Mahogany Clock with Gilded Ormolu

Empire Mahogany Clock with Gilded Ormolu

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Empire mahogany clock with gilded ormolu clock is in working condition.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Large 19th Century French Champleve Enamel Clock Set
Large 19th Century French Champleve Enamel Clock Set

Large 19th Century French Champleve Enamel Clock Set

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality large 19th century French gilded ormolu and Champlevé enamel clock garniture, having

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

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

Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Neoclassical style French malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, late 19th century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clocks

Materials

Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu

French Directoire Egyptian Style Mantel Clock Signed Leclerc
French Directoire Egyptian Style Mantel Clock Signed Leclerc

French Directoire Egyptian Style Mantel Clock Signed Leclerc

Located in London, GB

Beautiful antique French Directoire period Egyptian or Gout d'Egypt ormolu and patinated bronze

Category

Antique 1790s French Mantel 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 very good quality 19th century Louis XVI style gilded ormolu clock garniture, the clock having a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Mantel Clocks

Materials

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 good quality French gilded ormolu and white marble, 19th Century Louis XVI style mantel clock

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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

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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
    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
    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
    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.