Mechanical Wind Up Clocks
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass
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Mahogany
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Brass
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Brass
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Brass
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Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Tools and Chimne...
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Alabaster, Bronze
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Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Mantel Clocks
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Mechanical Wind Up Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Mechanical Wind Up Clocks?
Finding the Right Clocks for You
A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.
Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.
A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.
Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.
On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.
- What are mechanical clocks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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.
- How do I wind a banjo clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To wind a banjo clock, insert the key into the winding point. Turn the key in a clockwise fashion until the winding mechanism disengages. If you no longer have the winding key, see an experienced clock repair shop for assistance. You'll find a variety of banjo clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To wind an Elliott clock, first, find the slot in the back. Insert the key or crank and turn until the winding mechanism doesn't move anymore. Avoid forcing the mechanism any further to prevent damage. On 1stDibs, shop a range of clocks from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To wind an Ansonia mantel clock, first insert the key into the center winding point, usually found on the back. Then, turn the key clockwise until the winder no longer turns. Repeat the process in the right winding point to set the quarter-hour charm and the left winding point to set the hour strike. You'll find a range of Ansonia clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mechanical 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.
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