The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Extremely Rare 1932 Isamu Noguchi “Measured Time” Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are very pleased to present this *genuinely rare* Isamu Noguchi Measured Time Clock and Kitchen Timer. This clock marks Noguchi's first industr...
Bakelite
Metropole Clock, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Metropole Clock in plastic laminate, designed in 1982, George Sowden. George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Gloucestershire College of Art in the 1...
Plastic
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
$1,298 / item
Nomon Pisa Floor Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Innovating with its small and simple models Nomon brings the Pisa T Clock to be placed on desktops or corner desks. The slim needle shape of this foot clock...
Brass, Chrome
Candino Ladies Wristwatch Case in 18-carat and Watchstrap in 14-carat
By Candino
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant Candino ladies' watch is a fine example of Swiss craftsmanship, featuring a case made from 18-carat gold and a watchstrap crafted from 14-carat gold. The combination of ...
Gold
Shou Sugi Ban Charred Grandfather Clock from New York City Water Tower Wood
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
A sleek modern take on the grandfather clock. This piece is made from historic decommissioned NYC water tower wood. The wood is torched in the Shou Su...
Aluminum, Steel
21st Century by D.Palterer Marble and Metal Clock in Nero Marquina White Carrara
Located in massa, IT
Marble clock designed by Arch. David Palterer. Size: cm. 9 x 5 x 25 H. Materials: Bianco Carrara - Nero Maequina Designed by: David Palterer.
Marble
$2,299 / item
Clessidra Hourglass in Gray and Red Glass by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfectly balanced between two different colours, the sand flows through the sleek glass chambers made using the Incalmo technique, taking on its colour and becoming a part of it. Grains of sand, impalpable and imperceptible as a whole, yet so real, like time passing. Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini sealed it in the Clessidra in 1957 Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. Clessidra – designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini in 1957 – evolves in 2015, taking on a more sinuous, feminine appearance. Perfectly balanced between two different colors, sand flows through sleek glass, crafted using the Incalmo technique; as it flows, it gradually colors and becomes an integral part of the glass. Additional Information: Material: Glass, sand Color: Gray/red Dimensions: Ø 15 x H 28 cm Available in other color options: Green river /Powder pink...
Glass
Clessidra Hourglass in Bamboo and Aquamarine Glass by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfectly balanced between two different colours, the sand flows through the sleek glass chambers made using the Incalmo technique, taking on its colour an...
Glass
Contemporary Modern Sculptural Gear Clock by Clockwork Inc.
By Clockwork Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish freestanding clock features a rich wood finish with unique gear face clock. Brass details and sculptural feel make this piece by Clockw...
Wood
Blue Hour Table Clock Signed by Adam Ruiz & Cyril Fuchs
By Adam Ruiz
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue hour table clock signed by Adam Ruiz & Cyril Fuchs Dimensions: 50 x 27 x 4 cm Materials: Sculpted steel Handscultped, signed The blue hour is a steel clock weathered with ...
Carrara Marble, Copper
Modern Round Clock by Davide Medri for Dilmos, Hand-Cutted Mirror Mosaic Tiles
By Davide Medri, Dilmos Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
Shining Time, designed by Davide Medri for Dilmos Milano, is a unique clock and part of the capsule collection "Time is Up", composed by eight unique clocks. This piece is a great e...
Gold Leaf
$425Sale Price|26% Off
Peter Max Pop Art Wristwatch
By Peter Max
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool Petet Max wristwatch with leather band, circa 1988. Pop Art dial face with white acrylic bezel and a size "18" blue faux ostrich skin leather band. Hard to find and super...
Metal
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grey Acquamarine Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
$7,904 / item
Protopunk Clock 01
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Protopunk is a collection of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk. Each piece is handmade with thick cuts of steel roughly cut with a torch, welded together and then...
Cut Steel
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Horizon Amber Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Orange Indigo Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
$1,386 / item
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grape Red Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber Horizon Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber Murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Red Straw Yellow Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
$6,066 / item
Wax Clock Altar by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Wax Clock Altar by Panorammma Dimensions: D 60 x W 60 x H 50 cm Materials: Steel, wax candle. Panorammma is a furniture design atelier based in Mexico City that seeks to redefine ou...
Steel
$631 / item
Marble One Cut Table Clock, Moreno Ratti
By Moreno Ratti
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble One Cut table clock - Moreno Ratti Dimensions: D 9 x W 20 x H 20 cm Materials: Calcata Oro marble. The idea of this collection comes from the desire to take the concept of minimalism to the extreme, as in the Recisi series: a single cut of a geometric figure (the square) allows the creation of a functional object where the two pieces that compose it, respond to a need. The family consists of: a table lamp (Moon Lamp) with a touch-sensitive ignition system, a clock and a solifleur. Moreno Ratti "When I was young I played with pieces of marble, like now. There are a lot of marble waste...
Marble
21st Century by D. Palterer Marble and Metal Clock in Rosso Francia e Verde Alpi
Located in massa, IT
Marble clock designed by Arch. David Palterer. Size: cm. 10.5 x 6 x 26 H. Materials: Rosso Francia / Verde Alpi Designed by: David Palterer.
Marble
21st Century by Elda Lippi "OROLOGIO 6" Marble Clock
Located in massa, IT
Marble clock designed by Arch. Elda Lippi Size: cm. 12 x 12 x 6 H. Materials: Bianco Carrara - Nero Marquina - Pietra serena - Pietra dorata.
Marble
$3,079Sale Price|30% Off
H 70.08 in Dm 10.63 in
Modern Grandfather Clock, Italian Prototype, Wood & Steel, Circa 1970
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pendulum clock built in the 1970s. The story of this item is rather peculiar: Some time ago a kind-looking elderly gentleman came into our store and asked if he could look at our mer...
Steel
Superb, Unique "Father Time" Art Deco Clock, Wood Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Extremely fine, made in America, Germany or France, this "Father Time" electric wall clock is a masterpiece of wood and brass inlay. Using a series of hard...
Brass
Westminster Chiming Grandmother Clock in a Mahogany Case
Located in Montreal, QC
This grandmother clock has a spring-driven, three train, chiming movement, facilitating the Westminster chime on a nest of gong rods. The case is mad...
Brass
Crystal Face and Pendulum Clock Made by Ansonia Clock of New York
Located in Stamford, CT
Crystal face and pendulum clock made by Ansonia Clock of New York. Bronze case in all beveled glass surround. Height: 11.5 inches Width: 7 inches Depth: 5...
Brass
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 5 in W 6 in D 2.5 in
1940s Isamu Noguchi Black+White Train Clock Modernist Japanese Industrial Design
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Sale includes both, and both clocks are untested, thus graded DISTRESSED, despite being cosmetically good.
Bakelite
Exquisite 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Clock Case and Stand
Located in Miami, US
This stunning Meissen porcelain clock case and stand exemplifies the luxurious Rococo style of the 19th century, characterized by its elegant shell and foliate scroll silhouette. The...
Porcelain
NSNG One More Time Clock Rusted Corten
By Joost van Bleiswijk, Kiki & Joost
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
Mid-Century Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Measured Time Clock and Timer
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Noguchi's first mass-produced design, completed circa 1932, predating his design for the "Radio Nurse" baby monitor by about five years. Produced...
Metal
$1,760Sale Price|44% Off
H 6.11 in W 3.55 in D 5.52 in
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye "Measured Time" Clock and Kitchen Timer
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
The “Measured Time” clocks have appeared previously on the market without attribution, identified only by the clockface “Hawkeye” label or the Stev...
Metal
NSNG One More Time Clock heated corten
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
18th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Tall Case Clock
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Tall case clock with chinoiserie decoration throughout the case, including figures, pagodas, and flowering trees in gold. The hood has a pagoda top with brass finials and flanking co...
Brass
Antique found time wall clock/regulator from around 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique found time wall clock/regulator from around 1880 Solid wood, richly carved with brass pendulum. Movement needs to be checked.
Nutwood, Oak
$2,320Sale Price|39% Off
H 99.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in
Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stately late 18th century Belgian, Liege, tall case clock case having a period Black Forest clock workings with wooden enameled dial and hand-painted fruit decoration, the original...
Bronze, Enamel, Iron
$919 / item
H 20.48 in W 7.88 in D 11.82 in
Italian Ceramic Vase Red Model by George Sowden for Superego Editions.
By George Sowden, Superego Editions
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Red ceramic vase of the RedYellowBlack collection designed by George Sowden and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 50 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biography George J. Sowden is a designer with experience in various fields of Industrial Design activity. These range from the development of mass-produced electronic products, to handmade low volume artisan objects, including ceramics glass textiles and carpets. His first working experience in Italy was with Ettore Sottsass. He collaborated with Olivetti for more than 20 years and was one of the founder members of Memphis. He has been consultant to Olivetti, Alessi, Bodum, Fratelli Guzzini, Lorenz, Memphis, Moulinex, Post Design, Pyrex, Rancilio, Steelcase, Swatch, Segis, Tefal, Telecom Italia, IPM, and others. He established SowdenDesign in 1981 through which he develops his consultant activities as an Industrial designer, whilst maintaining collaborators in the studio with which he develops his experimental/research work. SowdenDesign products have been published in many books on design...
Ceramic
Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
A highly unusual antique Victorian miniature grandfather or longcase table clock dating to around 1880, with a wonderfully architectural dark wood case and exceptionally decorative g...
Brass
Sold
H 0.4 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Maarten Baas, sweepers clock, signed& numbered, icon Dutch contemporary design
By Maarten Baas
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Sweepers Clock by Maarten Baas, original signed and numbered CD of one the most iconic pieces of 21st century dutch design. 2023 was a great year for Baas. First a mind-blowing collaboration with G-star during Salone Del Mobile in April and in summer opened his soloshow It’s About Time in museum Voorlinden. In 2002 Baas graduaded form Design Academy Eindhoven in 2002 with his Where there’s Smoke Collection. To this end, he modified design classics such as the Rietveld chair with a gas burner. He became world famous with his blackened furniture. His work is included in the collections of the MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Many travelers know his Schiphol clock, the three-meter high clock that has been installed at Schiphol Airport since 2016. The Millen House...
Other
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Clock & Kitchen Timer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hawkeye kitchen timer and clock by Isamu Noguchi, c.1930s. This 1932 design was Isamu Noguchi's first commercial design. The pieces features an arched bl...
Metal
Sold
H 21 in W 14.75 in D 4 in
Vintage Small World Rhythm Piano Organist Musical Battery Wall Clock Japan
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century Rhythm Small World, battery operated, musical animated wall clock. Made in Japan. Features an oval plastic case finished with a burl wood veneer, with a white and gold face over a gold, copper and blue painted pipe organ and bells, flanked by a pair of organists. Measure: 21" Plays Wohl mir,dass ich Jesum habe (Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring), BWV1056 Largo Alla Hornpipe, and Wachet auf,ruft uns die Stimme Canon (Sleepers Wake) by Johann Sebastian Bach, plus When You Wish Upon a Star by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington, from Walt Disney’s “Pinocchio.
Plastic
Maurice Lacroix Pontos 2016 Perfect Condition
Located in Madrid, ES
Maurice Lacroix Pontos, men's wristwatch, automatic, steel with leather strap and folding clasp, Ref: PT 6150, AU 20625, case diameter: 41 mm, y...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 0.25 in W 8 in D 0.75 in
Tag Heuer Professional Link Chronograph Mens Stainless Steel Divers Wristwatch
By TAG Heuer
Located in Dayton, OH
Tag Heuer chronograph wristwatch with tachymetre, stainless steel case and band, water resistant to 200 meters. Measures: Band - 8” x 0.75” / ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 15.75 in
Italian Modern Round Stainless Steel Wall Clock with White Dial by Alessi, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round stainless steel wall clock with white dial by Alessi, 1980s Round stainless steel wall clock with white dial and black numbers. Made by ...
Steel
Modernist Sculptural Hourglass, circa 1985
By Venini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist sculptural hourglass. circa 1985.
Glass
Sold
H 9.25 in W 8.5 in D 6.5 in
Modernist Polished Brass Atmos Classique Desk Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist desk clock was realized by the fabled Swiss watch maker Jaeger Le-Coultre. It features a polished brass open frame body with translucent glass walls that surr...
Brass
Isamu Noguchi Hawkeye Clock & Kitchen Timer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hawkeye kitchen timer and clock by Isamu Noguchi, c.1930s. This 1932 design was Isamu Noguchi's first commercial design. The pieces features an arched bl...
Metal
Howard Miller Burl / Chrome Wall Clock
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A maple burl wood framed wall clock with cast chrome accents to each corner and a cream face with roman numeral numbers. Battery operated and hanging hole drilled to the backside wit...
Wood
Civilized Primitives Clock
By Kiki & Joost, Kiki van Eijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Civilized primitives is an extraordinary unique collection that brings together natural elements and the old technique of bronze casting. The designer investigates the basic and func...
Bronze
Cartier Yellow Gold Tank Francaise Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Cartier yellow gold tank Francaise chronograph quartz wristwatch - Serial No. 1830MG283053 Condit...
Steel, Gold
Hour Glass with Pink Sand
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Pink Gold Ladies Wrist Watch
By Bulgari
Located in Bellport, NY
Bulgari ladies snake watch: Specs:+ Diamond face. Case size 3.5 mm, case material pink gold. Water resistant 30 m Bond material gold. .Movement B033. Functions hour/minute, win...
Gold
Jullou Men's Wristwatch of Danish Design Embodied with Diamonds
By Jullou
Located in Lejre, DK
Jullou men's wristwatch of Danish design in steel and embodied with 20 diamonds. The Watch is with a genuine leather strap with fold closing. Swiss made.
Steel