Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

French

Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.

Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.

While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.

The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.

Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.

Creator: Christofle

Christofle, "President" Table Clock, France 1980s

$2,478

Christofle, "President" Table Clock, France 1980s

By Christofle

Located in PARIS, FR

Superb "Président" model table clock from the Christofle factory in France. Created in the 80s. Art Deco style. Base and columns in silver-plated metal, hallmarked by the manufacture...

Category

1980s French Art Deco Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Swatch Wall Clock Maxi 1980s

$480

H 83.47 in W 12.6 in D 3.94 in

Swatch Wall Clock Maxi 1980s

By Swatch

Located in Čelinac, BA

Swatch wall clock maxi 1980s

Category

1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

Glass Table Clock by Cleto Munari, Italy, 1980s

$557

H 4.14 in Dm 3.15 in

Glass Table Clock by Cleto Munari, Italy, 1980s

By Cleto Munari

Located in Milan, IT

Tiny glass table clock by Cleto Munari. Heavy transparent sphere with silver stripe lays on a black glass plinth.

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Silver

1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock

$425

H 1 in W 13 in D 13 in

1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock

By Wakita

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A vibrant postmodern wall clock from Canetti's Moderntime Collection, showcasing the playful geometric abstraction of perfect 1980s design. Featuring a light gray face encased in a m...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Artec Table Clock by Nicolai Canetti, Metal, USA, 1980s

$887

H 11.03 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in

Postmodern Artec Table Clock by Nicolai Canetti, Metal, USA, 1980s

By Canetti

Located in Den Haag, NL

Rare Postmodern Constructivist Geometric Artec Collector's Collection Clock by Canetti, USA, 1980s. Postmodern Clock, ArTime Collection, by Canetti, Inc, 1980s This clock has a uniqu...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

1980s Wakita Spring Table Clock

$295

H 7.5 in W 4 in D 4 in

1980s Wakita Spring Table Clock

By Shohei Mihara, Wakita

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A striking postmodern table clock by Wakita featuring a sculptural white coiled spring base supporting a minimalist white face. The clean circular dial displays simple gray dot hour ...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

1980s Black Postmodern Wall Clock by Chass

$250

H 1.5 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in

1980s Black Postmodern Wall Clock by Chass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With a vibrant 1980s touch of class, this 'Chass' Postmodern Wall Clock features a black case and face, pastel numbers, geometric accents, and an asymmetrical hand arrangement. Remin...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

1980s Postmodern Mantle Clock by Empire Arts

$295

H 14.5 in W 5 in D 9.5 in

1980s Postmodern Mantle Clock by Empire Arts

By Empire Art Products Co.

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A vintage 1980s postmodern textured mantle clock by Empire Art Products in various shades of spelled gray. In very good vintage condition and works well. Measures: 9.5" x 5" x 14.5".

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Wood

1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock

$275

H 4.5 in W 2.5 in D 5.5 in

1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock in the style of Shohei Mihara’s designs for Wakita. With a black face, red, white and yellow hands, and chrome rocking b...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1980s Postmodern Black & Silver Pendulum Desk Clock

$250

H 8 in W 4.5 in D 6 in

1980s Postmodern Black & Silver Pendulum Desk Clock

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock with a oval base, rounded top case, geometric hands, and a silver pendulum 'ring' above the base of the clock that keeps t...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

1980s Postmodern Red Wall Clock

$225

H 3 in W 12 in D 12 in

1980s Postmodern Red Wall Clock

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A super fun new old stock 1980s or 1990s clock. Red case, white face with stylized black numbers, and red hands. In very good vintage and unused condition in original box. Takes a si...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

1980s Postmodern Wall Clock by Empire Arts

$250

H 2 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in

1980s Postmodern Wall Clock by Empire Arts

By Empire Art Products Co.

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A vintage 1980s postmodern textured wall clock by Empire Art Products in various shades of spelled gray. In excellent vintage condition and works ...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Wood

1980s Black Postmodern Wall Clock by Citizen

$350 / item

H 1 in W 10 in D 10 in

1980s Black Postmodern Wall Clock by Citizen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A truly stunning and rare Memphis Milano inspired wall clock made in Japan by Citizen. Black case, black face with a dot at 12 o'clock and "CITIZEN" at 6 o'clock, and amazing multi-...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items

Christofle Silver Boulle Desk Clock

Sold

H 2.96 in Dm 8.27 in

Christofle Silver Boulle Desk Clock

By Christofle

Located in Paris, FR

A contemporary French Christofle silver plated desk or accent clock in its original box, bag and protection sticker on the glass. A timeless decorative piece and gift idea for bedroo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass

Silver Desk Clock by Christofle

Sold

H 7.49 in W 10.63 in D 3.15 in

Silver Desk Clock by Christofle

By Christofle

Located in Milan, IT

Marvelous desk clock by Christofle. Streamlined piece with silver elements.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Silver

Christofle table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Christofle table clocks and desk clocks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of silver and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original table clocks and desk clocks by Christofle were created in the Art Deco style in france during the 1980s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider table clocks and desk clocks by JAZ, Cartier, and René Lalique. Prices for Christofle table clocks and desk clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,697 and can go as high as $2,697, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,697.

Questions About Christofle Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Where is Christofle made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Christofle is made in France. This company is renowned for its luxury tableware and flatware and has been based in Paris, France since it was founded in 1830. Browse a collection of authentic Christofle pieces from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do you identify a Christofle?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
To identify a Christofle, examine it closely in search of the maker's marks. Prior to 1935, Christofle typically marked its silverware with a balance and the initials “OC.” Later pieces will generally display a chess piece with the same initials. Examples of these marks are available on the official Christofle website for you to compare to the markings on your piece. For further assistance making an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silver wares.
What is Christofle known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Christofle is known for designing luxury silverware and tableware. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to the roots of founder Charles Christofle, who got his start as a copper jeweler apprentice. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Christofle pieces.
Is Christofle real silver?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Yes, Christofle is real silver. The French silversmith produces pieces out of sterling silver that are roughly 93% pure silver and 7% copper. In addition, Christofle offers silver-plate items, which have a thin layer of 99.9% fine silver over a base metal. Explore a selection of Christofle silver wares on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Christofle cutlery?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
To identify Christofle cutlery, look for maker’s marks. Depending on the age of your piece, the marking may be "GC," "CC" or "Christofle." Alternately, pieces from the Gallia line may only say "Gallia." If you wish to learn the style name of your silverware, compare it to images shared by trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of assistance. Explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silverware on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Christofle silverware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
To identify Christofle silverware, first find its maker's mark. On pieces produced before 1935, you'll normally find a balance stamp along with the initials “OC.” Later pieces show a chess piece along with the “OC” initials. The official Christofle website has a reference page with images of its various markings that can assist with the identification process. To determine what pattern your silverware is, examine images posted in identification guides found on various trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of help in identifying Christofle silverware. Explore a large collection of Christofle silver on 1stDibs.