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.

How do I wind a banjo clock?

To 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.

How do you wind an Elliott clock?

To 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.

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.

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.

How do I wind an Ansonia mantel clock?

To 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.

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.

Mechanical Wind Up Clocks

Art Deco Pink Glass Mantle Clock By Smiths Clocks Ltd

$649

H 6.3 in W 8.67 in D 1.97 in

Art Deco Pink Glass Mantle Clock By Smiths Clocks Ltd

By Smiths English Clock Systems

Located in Devon, England

Previously a mechanical wind up clock has been converted to a battery quartz clock now and it is currently working well .

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Chinese Art Deco Carved Mahogany Mantle Clock, circa 1900

$1,685

H 16.75 in W 12 in D 6.25 in

Chinese Art Deco Carved Mahogany Mantle Clock, circa 1900

Located in Nantucket, MA

Turn of the century Chinese carved mahogany mantle clock, circa 1900, an Art Nouveau to Art Deco transitional style with a period wind-up mechanical clock, featuring an Immortal figu...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Materials

Mahogany

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

$2,850

H 27 in W 9 in D 9 in

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

Located in Danville, CA

This clock has an 8 day mechanical wind up movement. The whole clock is measured in 27" high.

Category

Late 20th Century Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Recent Sales

1960s Italy Ritz Pink Art Deco Wind-Up Alarm Table Clock in Lucite and Brass

Sold

H 6.25 in W 8.5 in D 1.5 in

1960s Italy Ritz Pink Art Deco Wind-Up Alarm Table Clock in Lucite and Brass

By RITZ

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Art Deco fabulous pink vintage table clock by RITZ made in ITALY 1960s Mechanical Wind-up Alarm Desk Clock Colors of Pink Salmon, White, Black, & Gold in Brass and Lucite Plexiglas...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brass Atlanta Zodiac Table Clock, 1960s, Germany

Sold

H 10.24 in Dm 8.67 in

Brass Atlanta Zodiac Table Clock, 1960s, Germany

By Atlanta Clock Co.

Located in Den Haag, NL

Very nice attractive Zodiac desk clock mechanical wind up clock work. Brass. Works perfect.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mechanical Wind Up Ingraham Desk Small Ball Clock, circa 1900

Sold

H 3 in Dm 3 in

Mechanical Wind Up Ingraham Desk Small Ball Clock, circa 1900

Located in Van Nuys, CA

It has a second revolving unit. Mechanical pocket watch design ball clock, wind the winding knob for running the small clock.

Category

Antique Early 1900s More Clocks

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Walnut Sunburst Mechanical Wind Up Wall Clock

Sold

H 1 in Dm 20 in

Beautiful Walnut Sunburst Mechanical Wind Up Wall Clock

By George Nelson

Located in Rockaway, NJ

George Nelson style circa 1970s walnut sunburst mechanical wind up wall clock.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large and Impressive 1930s Art Deco Nickel-Plated Mantle Clock

Sold

H 7.09 in W 10.44 in D 2.76 in

Large and Impressive 1930s Art Deco Nickel-Plated Mantle Clock

Located in Devon, England

Fully serviced and working on an 8 day mechanical wind up movement. This clock is definitely one that will raise a smile upon it's arrival.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Materials

Nickel

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

Sold

H 27 in W 9 in D 9 in

27" French Style Mystery Brass Lady Cherub Upside Down Chain Ball Swinging Clock

Located in Danville, CA

This clock has an 8 day mechanical wind up movement. The whole clock is measured in 27" high.

Category

Early 2000s Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Mechanical Rotisserie, 19th Century

Sold

H 16 in W 35 in D 10 in

French Mechanical Rotisserie, 19th Century

Located in Doylestown, PA

An unusual French Mechanical Rotisserie, circa 1870, with wind-up clock mechanism.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Tools and Chimne...

Materials

Iron

People Also Browsed

19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror

$4,250

H 45.5 in W 28.25 in D 2.25 in

19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror

Located in Houston, TX

19th Century French Louis XV Style giltwood mirror.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Edo Period Samurai Suit Of Armor

$188,500

H 51.25 in W 25.75 in D 22.63 in

Edo Period Samurai Suit Of Armor

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exquisite Tetsusabiji Uchidashi Gomai Dou Gusoku (Five-Plate Russet Iron Embossed Cuirass Armor), crafted in the 18th century, exemplifies the pinnacle of Edo-period samurai arm...

Category

Antique 18th Century Asian Edo Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Copper, Iron

art deco table clock, Bayard brand, works.

$731

H 9.85 in Dm 7.88 in

art deco table clock, Bayard brand, works.

By Bayard

Located in Mouscron, WHT

art deco table clock, Bayard brand, works.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage art deco blue glass table clock

$1,350

H 8.25 in W 8.25 in D 2.25 in

Vintage art deco blue glass table clock

Located in Houston, TX

Beautiful Art Deco Cobalt Blue Table Clock English Moderne Circa 1930's

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass

JAZ Paris 1930 Art Deco Geometric 8 Days Glass Desk Clock in Stainless Steel

$1,575Sale Price|30% Off

H 7.26 in W 9.82 in D 2.15 in

JAZ Paris 1930 Art Deco Geometric 8 Days Glass Desk Clock in Stainless Steel

By Jaz

Located in Miami, FL

A desk clock designed by Jaz Paris. A beautiful and very handsome desk clock, created in Paris France by the the clock company of Jaz during the art deco period, back in the early...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s

$3,350

H 51.97 in W 44.89 in D 13.78 in

Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s

Located in Devon, England

Beautiful and original 1930s Art Deco English walnut display cabinet. A lovely piece of furniture that's veneered in figured mid tone walnut. Still retains its original silk interior...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Late 19th Century Pair of Bronze Atlas Sculptures with Globe & Armillary Sphere, circa 1900

$395,000

H 89 in W 22 in

Late 19th Century Pair of Bronze Atlas Sculptures with Globe & Armillary Sphere

Located in Fredericksburg, VA

This pair of bronze sculptures of Atlas with Globe & Armillary Sphere are of high cast quality. Pairs have sold for over 700,000 Euro. Their condition is excellent for age and has ve...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored

$500,000

H 39.5 in W 58 in D 82 in

Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored

By Steinway & Sons

Located in Dayton, OH

Fully Restored 1901 Steinway & Sons Model B Louis XV Baroque Rococo Grand Piano – Serial Number 99151, Full 88 key keyboard. The most exquisitely detailed example of a turn of the c...

Category

Early 20th Century American Louis XV Musical Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood, Rosewood

Art Deco French Enameled Silver Desk Clock

$2,995

H 2.75 in W 4 in D 1.25 in

Art Deco French Enameled Silver Desk Clock

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This enameled silver desk clock is unsigned, so a specific maker cannot be identified, but the case was made in France, and the movement in Switzerland in the period and style of Art...

Category

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

Materials

Silver, Brass

Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London

$19,109

H 40.56 in W 108.27 in D 29.53 in

Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

An elegant and impressive large Louis XV style confidante sofa which has been hand carved and gilded using traditional methods and materials to achieve an authentic period finish. Th...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Sofas

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

"Art Deco Clock in Chinese Manner", Gübelin Clock w/ Red Hardstone Finial

$14,800Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.25 in W 6.5 in D 1.88 in

"Art Deco Clock in Chinese Manner", Gübelin Clock w/ Red Hardstone Finial

By Gubelin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Bold and elegant, this rare -- possibly unique -- Art Deco table clock in the Chinese manner by the renowned Gübelin firm in Switzerland is a close cousin to the impossibly rarified ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble

Paul Frankl Skyscraper Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock

$2,250

H 7.5 in W 6 in D 3.75 in

Paul Frankl Skyscraper Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock

By Paul Frankl

Located in Chicago, IL

Beautiful Period Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock in the manner of Paul Frankl As Found Condition. Missing the glass lens. the metal piece in front is loose. Most importantly, Waln...

Category

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

Materials

Bakelite

Müller Frères, Lunéville, "Anémones" Art Nouveau Glass Lamp circa 1910

$13,570Sale Price|27% Off

H 21.66 in Dm 11.03 in

Müller Frères, Lunéville, "Anémones" Art Nouveau Glass Lamp circa 1910

By Muller Fres Luneville

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Muller Frères, Lunéville, “Anémones” Lamp Mushroom lamp in multi-layered glass with acid-etched and wheel-carved decoration of red and mauve magnolias in bloom on an opalescent backg...

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Arts & Crafts Amsterdam School Geometrical Design Oak Mantel Pendulum Clock

$1,652

H 9.8 in W 11.5 in D 5 in

Rare Arts & Crafts Amsterdam School Geometrical Design Oak Mantel Pendulum Clock

Located in Lisse, NL

Early 20th century, great condition Dutch Arts & Crafts mantle / table / desk clock. To have found this stunning and wonderful design, Dutch Arts & Crafts table clock was a treat, b...

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Mantel Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Art Deco Chrome 8 Day Skyscraper Desk Clock By Asprey, England, c1930

$1,087

H 3.94 in W 5.32 in D 1.19 in

Art Deco Chrome 8 Day Skyscraper Desk Clock By Asprey, England, c1930

By Asprey International Limited

Located in Devon, England

Made by the iconic British Luxury Brand, Asprey. This is a genuine Art Deco period desk clock. Comes in a highly polished chrome finish. It has a Swiss 8 day movement and is in worki...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

$145,000

H 106 in W 66 in D 26 in

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French (19th Century) walnut library ladders with side railings and steps leading to a top platform (on casters) (attributed to Napoleon III's personal library) (Related item...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs

Materials

Walnut

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Mechanical Wind Up Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mechanical wind up clocks available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, brass and copper, all mechanical wind up clocks available were constructed with great care. Mechanical wind up clocks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Mechanical wind up clocks made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with folk art — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made mechanical wind up clocks over the years, but those made by Arthur Imhof, H. Luppens & Cie and Hermle are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Mechanical Wind Up Clocks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,325, while they’re typically $450 on the low end and $7,999 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 Wind Up Clocks

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.
How do I wind a banjo clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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.
How do you wind an Elliott clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
To 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.
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.
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.
How do I wind an Ansonia mantel clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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.
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.