Who invented the first mechanical clocks?

A Chinese monk named I-Hsing invented the first mechanical clock in 723 AD. His astronomical clock was known as the Water Driven Spherical Birds-Eye-View Map of The Heavens. You can find a variety of antique and vintage mechanical clocks on 1stDibs.

What are mechanical clocks?

A mechanical clock is made with an oscillating mechanism that marks the passing time. An escapement counts its beats. The first mechanical clock was made out of iron, and was first seen in medieval Europe. You’ll find a collection of mechanical clocks from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What were mechanical clocks used for in the Middle Ages?

Mechanical clocks were used for a variety of reasons in the Middle Ages. The clocks were used to keep track of hours for daily prayers. They also helped monks to calculate solar and lunar eclipses, and also determined feast days with accuracy. On 1stDibs, find a collection of mechanical clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.

How does a mechanical alarm clock work?

To make a mechanical alarm clock work, you need to use the wind-up keys or buttons to set the time. Mechanical alarm clocks use an oscillating wheel and springs. Most mechanical alarm clocks come with two bells that ring by means of a gear, powered by the mainspring. The gear moves quickly between the two bells, sounding the alarm. Find vintage alarm clocks on 1stDibs.

Mechanical Clocks

Train Station Clock

German Wood Clock

Vintage Travel Clocks

Skeleton Clocks

Mechanical Table

Dep Clock

French Clock Movement

Art Deco Kienzle Clock

Vintage Mid Century Modern Handmade Solid Wood Clock with Gold Color

$695

Vintage Mid Century Modern Handmade Solid Wood Clock with Gold Color

Located in Seattle, WA

The back of the clock reveals a mechanical movement, likely quartz, with a label indicating it was made by “A House of Clocks” from Seattle, WA, suggesting a possible origin or brand.

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Metal

Max Bill Design Years '60 for Junghans Wall Clock Ato-Mat

$3,215

Max Bill Design Years '60 for Junghans Wall Clock Ato-Mat

By Max Bill

Located in Biella, IT

Max Bill design years '60 for Junghans wall clock ato-mat first edit with electro/mechanical movement the clock is in ceramic metal and plastic, in good condition and very rare.....

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks

Materials

Chrome

19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock, Signed Oudin à Marseille

$2,032Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock, Signed Oudin à Marseille

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

The dial is set with beautifully pierced gilt hands and is flanked by winding holes, showing it is a mechanical movement. Please note: This clock is being sold as a decorative object.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Brass

Art Deco Mantel Clock with Lighted Glass from Hettier et Vincent, Paris, 1925

$8,611

Art Deco Mantel Clock with Lighted Glass from Hettier et Vincent, Paris, 1925

By Hettier & Vincent

Located in Ulm, DE

Two winding apertures are visible on the dial, while the rear provides access to the mechanical movement and bell. The clock is running.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu - 21.2 in

$7,923

Napoleon III Mantel Clock in Bleu de Sèvres Porcelain & Chased Ormolu - 21.2 in

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

As with any mechanical antique clock of this age, however, continued accuracy and future mechanical performance cannot be guaranteed, and periodic professional servicing may be requi...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Clock Eight Day Striking Movement Brass Numeral

$1,600

Antique Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Clock Eight Day Striking Movement Brass Numeral

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 79.5 cm (31.3 inches) Width: 40 cm (15.7 inches) Depth: 10 cm (3.9 inches) Date: 1900 Origin: English Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks...

Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Wall Clocks

Materials

Oak

Table clock Opening lost hinge Swiss clock 8-day Salimbeni

$15,177

Table clock Opening lost hinge Swiss clock 8-day Salimbeni

By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni

Located in Firenze, FI

Hand-engraved enameled Roman numerals. With mechanical Swiss clock, 8-day charge with alarm. Opening with “lost” hinge, i.e. semi-invisible.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Nouveau Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock

$1,789

Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks are complex and sensitive mechanical objects.

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Miniature French Brass Carriage Clock

$1,276

Antique Victorian Miniature French Brass Carriage Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 14 cm (5.51 inches) Width: 8 cm (3.15 inches) Depth: 6.5 cm (2.56 inches) Date: 1880 Origin: French Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Hermle North America Red Oak Moonphase Grandfather Clock

$3,540

Hermle North America Red Oak Moonphase Grandfather Clock

By Franz Hermle

Located in Omaha, NE

The movement and components have been professionally inspected and preserved, offering buyers additional confidence in both authenticity and long-term mechanical integrity. An outst...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Grandfather Cl...

Materials

Oak

Red Rhythm Alarm Clock, Japan, 1960s Atomic Design

$287

Red Rhythm Alarm Clock, Japan, 1960s Atomic Design

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

The applied hour markers and luminous hands enhance legibility while reinforcing the graphic quality of the design. Mechanically wound, the clock operates without batteries and incl...

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock – Latshea & Sons Edinburgh

$1,001

Antique French Brass Carriage Clock – Latshea & Sons Edinburgh

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 14 cm (5.51 inches) Width: 8 cm (3.15 inches) Depth: 6.5 cm (2.56 inches) Date: Victorian - 1880 Origin: French Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that anti...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Miniature Brass Carriage Clock With Alarm

$1,465

Antique Victorian Miniature Brass Carriage Clock With Alarm

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 10 cm (3.94 inches) Width: 5.5 cm (2.17 inches) Depth: 5 cm (1.97 inches) Date: Victorian - 1890 Origin: French Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that anti...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Bakelite Desk Clock By Jaz, France, c1930

$601

Art Deco Bakelite Desk Clock By Jaz, France, c1930

Located in Devon, England

Very attractive and totally authentic 1930’s Art Deco French bakelite clock by Jaz clock company . Excellent overall condition for this rare 1936 JAZZ "Luxe" model SYLVIC mechanical ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

Skeleton clock, Napoleon III, front pendulum, gilt bronze, France

$1,722

Skeleton clock, Napoleon III, front pendulum, gilt bronze, France

Located in Valladolid, ES

It includes the original key for winding the mechanism. This type of clock was a significant trend during the 19th century due to the fascination with mechanical and scientific engi...

Category

Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Exceptional 19th Century Rotating Terrestrial Globe Clock orrery tellurio

$20,691

Exceptional 19th Century Rotating Terrestrial Globe Clock orrery tellurio

Located in Madrid, ES

Heymann, Leipzig”, mounted on an elegant structure in gilt brass, all set upon a refined base of Belgian black marble. The globe is mechanically connected to the clock movement and r...

Category

Antique 1880s Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble

Vintage Sputnik clock by Slava, Space Programme decor, USSR 1960s

$631

Vintage Sputnik clock by Slava, Space Programme decor, USSR 1960s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a highly decorative vintage mechanical alarm clock by Slava, made in the USSR circa 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Ukrainian Space Age Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Cartier Baignoire Alarm Clock, 18ct Gold Plate & Brass, Swiss, 1980s

$2,161 / set

Cartier Baignoire Alarm Clock, 18ct Gold Plate & Brass, Swiss, 1980s

By Cartier

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Cartier Paris Baignoire 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Mechanical Alarm Clock, Dark Blue Enamel, 1980s An exquisite vintage Cartier Paris mechanical alarm clock from the Baignoire series, ...

Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel

Minature Antique 19th Century French Champleve and Bronze Elephant Clock

$2,853

Minature Antique 19th Century French Champleve and Bronze Elephant Clock

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Opening the rear hinged door reveals the original French mechanical movement, preserving the clock's authenticity and collectible appeal.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Louis XV Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

21st Century, white veined marble and Golden Bronze Clock

$8,611 / item

21st Century, white veined marble and Golden Bronze Clock

By Oggetti D'Arte

Located in Calenzano, FI

This clock has a mechanical 8 days wind movement and separate winding for alarm, chiming every half hour.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Cl...

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Klaas Troost 18th Century Dutch Burl Walnut Tall Case Grandfather Clock

$6,800

Klaas Troost 18th Century Dutch Burl Walnut Tall Case Grandfather Clock

Located in Long Branch, NJ

The movement has a Calander and a moon dial. The clock is currently running in store however we don't guarantee anything mechanical including clock movements and it may need adjustme...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Dutch Rococo Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Cl...

Materials

Brass

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

$66,500

Antique French Mystery Gravity Driven Rolling Ball Waterwheel Industrial Clock

Located in Danville, CA

The base itself is heavily detailed with cast brass decorative reliefs depicting industrial factory components, including a piston engine, driving belts, and a flywheel system to emp...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Early 20th Century Mahogany Two Weight Herschede Tall Case Grandfather Clock

$2,250

Early 20th Century Mahogany Two Weight Herschede Tall Case Grandfather Clock

Located in Long Branch, NJ

The clock is currently running in store however we don't guarantee anything mechanical including clock movements and it may need adjustments or repairs.

Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Grandfather Clocks and Longcase ...

Materials

Brass

Antique Exhibition Quality Carved Mahogany Nine Tube Chiming Longcase Clock

$37,146

Antique Exhibition Quality Carved Mahogany Nine Tube Chiming Longcase Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions: Height: 262 cm (103.15 in) Width: 72 cm (28.35 in) Depth: 49 cm (19.29 in) Date: 1880 Origin: English Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks are co...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Mahogany Eight Bell Musical Grandfather Clock by Winsor Bishop

$11,204

Antique Victorian Mahogany Eight Bell Musical Grandfather Clock by Winsor Bishop

Located in Suffolk, GB

Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks are complex and sensitive mechanical objects.

Category

Antique 1880s English Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

German Junghans Style Brass Lady Diana Figure Porcelain Dial Swinging Clock

$325

German Junghans Style Brass Lady Diana Figure Porcelain Dial Swinging Clock

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Danville, CA

All clock parts are made of solid brass. Most reliable mechanical swinging clock available in the market.

Category

Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian 8 Day Mahogany Longcase Clock by James Field of Hempstead

$9,718

Antique Georgian 8 Day Mahogany Longcase Clock by James Field of Hempstead

Located in Suffolk, GB

Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that antique clocks are complex and sensitive mechanical objects.

Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

German Junghans Style Brass Elegant Lady Figure Porcelain Dial Swinging Clock

$325

German Junghans Style Brass Elegant Lady Figure Porcelain Dial Swinging Clock

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Danville, CA

All clock parts are made of solid brass. Most reliable mechanical swinging clock available in the market.

Category

Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

21st Century, Hand Carved Clear Crystal and Golden Bronze Clock

$10,466 / item

21st Century, Hand Carved Clear Crystal and Golden Bronze Clock

By Oggetti D'Arte

Located in Calenzano, FI

This clock has a mechanical 8 days wind movement and separate winding for alarm, chiming every half hour.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Table Clocks and Desk Cl...

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Cartier Cream Alarm Clock 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Free import fees to USA

$1,742 / set

Cartier Cream Alarm Clock 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Free import fees to USA

By Cartier

Located in Reading, Berkshire

*** FREE IMPORT FEES TO USA *** Cartier Paris Baignoire 18ct Gold Plate & Brass Mechanical Alarm Clock, Cream Enamel, 1980s An exquisite vintage Cartier Paris mechanical alarm c...

Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel

19th Century English Mahogany Inlaid Tall Case Grandfather Clock J.C Jennens

$3,750

19th Century English Mahogany Inlaid Tall Case Grandfather Clock J.C Jennens

By Joseph Jennens & Co.

Located in Long Branch, NJ

The clock is currently running in store however we don't guarantee anything mechanical such as clock movements and it may need repairs or adjustments.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Grandfather Clocks and Longc...

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Mahogany 8 Day Strike Silent Longcase Clock Henry Weedon London

$11,076

Antique Georgian Mahogany 8 Day Strike Silent Longcase Clock Henry Weedon London

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 241 cm (94.88 inches) Width: 49 cm (19.29 inches) Depth: 25 cm (9.84 inches) Date: Circa 1760–1770 Origin: English Condition / Servicing Note: Please note that a...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George II Grandfather Clocks and Longcase C...

Materials

Mahogany

Portal clock Vienna around 1825 with integrated musical mechanism Signed: A.O.

$4,248

Portal clock Vienna around 1825 with integrated musical mechanism Signed: A.O.

Located in Wiesbaden, DE

Mechanical Brilliance: Within the clock’s enchanting exterior lies a mechanical marvel.

Category

Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Alabaster, Metal

Antique 17th Century English Burr Walnut Longcase Clock by Edin Burgis of London

$15,534

Antique 17th Century English Burr Walnut Longcase Clock by Edin Burgis of London

Located in Suffolk, GB

Dimensions Height: 219 cm (86.2 in) Width: 47 cm (18.5 in) Depth: 22.5 cm (8.9 in) Date: Late 17th century movement, later case Origin: English Condition / Servicing Note: Please...

Category

Antique 17th Century English Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Art Deco Rensie Travel Alarm Clock in Brass and Green Shagreen 1930s

$295

Vintage Art Deco Rensie Travel Alarm Clock in Brass and Green Shagreen 1930s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A very unusual and rare precious shagreen leather small desk travel clock. Shagreen Leather Travel Mechanical Alarm Clock.

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Bauhaus Table or Desk Clock by Marianne Brandt for Ruppelwerk Gotha Germany 1932

$3,443

Bauhaus Table or Desk Clock by Marianne Brandt for Ruppelwerk Gotha Germany 1932

By Ruppelwerk, Marianne Brandt

Located in München, BY

With original mechanical 8 days clock work. With key. Originally owned by Singer Nähmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft.

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

A rare 17th century English eight-day spring-driven table clock by J Gerrard

$33,634

A rare 17th century English eight-day spring-driven table clock by J Gerrard

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Parish records show Gerrard and his wife, Martha, had several children baptized there in the early 1700s, supporting the attribution of this fine clock to him. Another maker of the s...

Category

Antique 17th Century English William and Mary Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Italian Table Clock Swiss Mechanical Skeletal Movement 8 Days

$9,094Sale Price|35% Off

Sterling Silver Italian Table Clock Swiss Mechanical Skeletal Movement 8 Days

By Salimbeni

Located in VALENZA, IT

Silver table clock 925/1000 golden with translucent fire polishes in stripes on hand-engraved guillochè, Swiss mechanical skeletal movement 8 days The miniatures are hand-painted ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Other Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Mechanical Clocks", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Mechanical Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mechanical clocks available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique mechanical clocks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and chrome. We have 278 antique and vintage mechanical clocks in-stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Mechanical clocks have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Art Deco, mid-century modern and industrial mechanical clocks are consistently popular styles. Many mechanical clocks are appealing in their simplicity, but Siemens, Smiths English Clocks Ltd. and Jaeger-LeCoultre produced popular mechanical clocks that are worth a look.

How Much are Mechanical Clocks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,825, while they’re typically $60 on the low end and $585,000 highest priced.

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 Mechanical Clocks

Who invented the first mechanical clocks?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Chinese monk named I-Hsing invented the first mechanical clock in 723 AD. His astronomical clock was known as the Water Driven Spherical Birds-Eye-View Map of The Heavens. You can find a variety of antique and vintage mechanical clocks on 1stDibs.
What are mechanical clocks?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A mechanical clock is made with an oscillating mechanism that marks the passing time. An escapement counts its beats. The first mechanical clock was made out of iron, and was first seen in medieval Europe. You’ll find a collection of mechanical clocks from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What were mechanical clocks used for in the Middle Ages?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Mechanical clocks were used for a variety of reasons in the Middle Ages. The clocks were used to keep track of hours for daily prayers. They also helped monks to calculate solar and lunar eclipses, and also determined feast days with accuracy. On 1stDibs, find a collection of mechanical clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.
How does a mechanical alarm clock work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
To make a mechanical alarm clock work, you need to use the wind-up keys or buttons to set the time. Mechanical alarm clocks use an oscillating wheel and springs. Most mechanical alarm clocks come with two bells that ring by means of a gear, powered by the mainspring. The gear moves quickly between the two bells, sounding the alarm. Find vintage alarm clocks on 1stDibs.