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Classical Roman Clocks

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Classical Roman
Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
By Hermle
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set The Vintage Italian Roman Style Ornate Mantel ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set
Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

Italian Ornate Mantel Clock with Two Figural Cherub Candelabras - Garniture Set

Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3
Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
Clock, architectural form, in black and green marble, the dial in gilded bronze, pilasters in patinated bronze with Corinthian capitals, the pediment framing a terrace welcoming the ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3
Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3

Architectural Clock Depicting Medici Lion & Cassolettes in Bronze, Set of 3

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice Jaeger 8 days table clock. This is a Classic car clock, circa 1920s. It is mounted over a Classic Alfa Romeo small radiator. Fantastic piece of A...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia

Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Located in Lisse, NL
Tasteful and unique wooden wall clock with sculptural front. The magnificent front of this midcentury era wall clock is entirely hand carved out of solid wood. It is difficult to se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers
Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers

Unique Denmark Made Classical Roman Wall Clock with Sculptures and Flowers

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French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century French gilded ormolu and green marble clock garniture. Having a pair of four branch candelabra with classical busts to t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra
French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

French 19th Century Clock Set with Roman Centurion and Candelabra

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19th Century French Provincial Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
A fine quality three-piece French gilt red marble and bronze clock set comprising two three branch candelabra and a mantel clock. The clock has a whi...
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19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Provincial Three-Piece Clock Set
19th Century French Provincial Three-Piece Clock Set

19th Century French Provincial Three-Piece Clock Set

H 17 in W 12 in D 5 in
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock Silvered Dial
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Newark, England
Fully Stripped Cleaned & Serviced From our Clock collection, we are delighted to offer this Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock. The Atmos clock with f...
Category

20th Century Swiss Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Brass

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock Silvered Dial
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock Silvered Dial

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock Silvered Dial

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H 9.25 in W 8.27 in D 6.3 in
Mid Century Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
A nice example of A Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, Embassy, signed Jaeger Le Coultre, with red and black faux marble panels, base with stop lever,...
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Mid-20th Century French Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock
Mid Century Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock

Mid Century Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock

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H 8.6 in W 7 in D 5 in
Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Tiffany's clock case with enamel roman numbers and bronze snake dials. At the top, the clock is adorned with an Indian palace gallery and dome that has a crane finial over it and dra...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture
Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture

Tiffany & Co. Ormulu Bronze Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock Garniture

H 21.5 in W 11 in D 7 in
Mocap 'Discodip' Illusionistic Wall Clock
Located in Maastricht, NL
Mocap 'Discodip' illusionistic wall clock design: JAN PAUL “Time is an illusion” Most wall-clocks have the same basic shape: round. Also the ...
Category

2010s Dutch Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Metal

Mocap 'Discodip' Illusionistic Wall Clock
Mocap 'Discodip' Illusionistic Wall Clock

Mocap 'Discodip' Illusionistic Wall Clock

H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 3.94 in
French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare model of a French Empire mantle clock depicting an allegory to "La Prudenzia" or Prudence, Wisdom or Sound Judgement. This virtue is represented as a patinated bronze statue of of a classically draped bearded standing male figure leaning on a gilt bronze plinth legs crossed and with a sword in its scabbard by his side. There is an an open scroll on top of the plinth held in place by the figure's elbow arm raised and forefinger of his hand pointing at his temple in a gesture associated with thinking. The plinth housing the clock dial and movement is decorated with a serpent coiled around a rod which along with the sword and scroll are associated with "La Prudenzia". The whole sits on a gilded rectangular base decorated with a finely cast frieze centred by a rondel showing the two Janus heads...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom
French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom

French Empire Figural Bronze Clock Depicting an Allegory to Prudence or Wisdom

H 25 in W 15.5 in D 6.5 in
Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head A large handcarved wooden cuckoo clock, decorated with hunting accessoires, oak leaves, hare, pheasant and a stag head ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top
Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top

Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top

H 20.87 in W 17.33 in D 11.42 in
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head A large handcarved wooden cuckoo clock, decorated with hunting accessoires, oak leaves, hare, pheasant and a stag head ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head
Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head

Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head

H 27.56 in W 16.15 in D 9.85 in
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock, Nickel Plated, Manufactured 1950
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Greven, DE
Atmos II from Jaeger LeCoultre Switzerland Nickel-plated brass Year of manufacture 1950 Dimensions: H x W x D: 23.5 x 21 x 16.5 cm Description: Atmos II in a new nickel-plated cas...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock, Nickel Plated, Manufactured 1950
Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock, Nickel Plated, Manufactured 1950

Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos Clock, Nickel Plated, Manufactured 1950

H 9.06 in W 8.27 in D 6.3 in
Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Norwich, GB
Jaeger-LeCoultre mystery clock in a Lucite case with beautiful chinoiserie decoration featuring a bird in flight and standing on a gilded stepped bas...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Lucite

Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock
Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock

Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Mantel Clock

H 6.5 in W 8.75 in D 2 in
Midcentury Table Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Switzerland
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass and glass construction with eight days movement. Made by Jaeger-LeCoultre in Switzerland in the 1960s.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Table Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Switzerland
Midcentury Table Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Switzerland

Midcentury Table Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Switzerland

H 6.7 in W 9.45 in D 1.58 in
Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Mérida, YU
A beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre mid century Vendome Atmos clock. This piece looks wonderful on a desk in a study, or on a mantelpiece or table. Very elegant. ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Gold Plate

Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock
Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock

Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock

H 13 in W 23 in D 18 in
Previously Available Items
Viennese Classical Enamel Table Clock
Located in Newark, England
Stunning Viennese enamel table clock circa 1880. The table clock of fine form with four central columns painted extensively with gods and goddesses amongst a central figure of Diana....
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Ormolu

Viennese Classical Enamel Table Clock
Viennese Classical Enamel Table Clock

Viennese Classical Enamel Table Clock

Free Shipping
H 11.42 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Brass Sand Clock/Timer
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a sand clock made with glass and brass. Two round brass plates joined by three brass columns semi-enclosed the eight shaped glass containing the sand. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Brass

Brass Sand Clock/Timer
Brass Sand Clock/Timer

Brass Sand Clock/Timer

H 10 in W 3.88 in D 3.88 in
Vintage Mid-19th Century French Empire Figural Clock
By Vincenti et Cie
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage, circa 1855, French Empire mantel clock is designed with a doré bronze mythological subject upon a footed white marble and gilt bronze platform. The mounted bronze sculp...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Vintage Mid-19th Century French Empire Figural Clock
Vintage Mid-19th Century French Empire Figural Clock

Vintage Mid-19th Century French Empire Figural Clock

H 14.5 in W 18.75 in D 4 in
Rare Large Cartier Mantle Clock
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Expert craftsmanship! A rare and important Cartier mantle or desk clock of heavy gilt gold bronze with a polished Lapis Lazuli cobalt blue and yellow gold inclusions. Of classical carriage decorative design with columns and a Greek winged eye touch. Roman numerals and chiseled incised hands and face. This clock is extraordinarily heavy, very solid, tight and works perfectly. This is a bit of a Cartier mystery clock...
Category

1980s American Vintage Classical Roman Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rare Large Cartier Mantle Clock
Rare Large Cartier Mantle Clock

Rare Large Cartier Mantle Clock

H 10.4 in W 9.2 in D 3.2 in

Classical Roman clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with brass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Hermle, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,502 and tops out at $2,662 while the average work can sell for $1,800.

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