Things to Consider When Buying an Antique Wall Clock

With the number of beautiful antique wall clocks out there, choosing the right clock for you can be a difficult choice, especially considering that some of these clocks require a significant financial investment. To make this process a little bit easier, I’ve put together a list of things to consider when buying an antique wall clock.

First, you should seriously consider having your intended purchase professionally appraised. This costs a bit of money, but it gives you a very good idea of how much you should pay for the clock. Quite often, dealers will dramatically mark up the price of an antique to take advantage of uneducated buyers. Sometimes, though, it is the seller who is uneducated and you can get a very valuable piece for cheap. Without having the item appraised by a third party, you enter negotiations with the lower hand. At the very least, it would be a good idea to consult a pricing guide for antique clocks to get some idea of the clock’s value. You can find a good one here.

Another very important factor to take into account is the condition of the clock. By definition, antique wall clocks are very old, and though many have withstood the test of time, there are those that have not been so lucky. Unless you repair clocks as a hobby, or want to begin repairing clocks as a hobby, you should be very cautious about buying a damaged or broken clock. Though you may feel you are getting a great clock at a steal, the costs of having it repaired may negate any savings. Another advantage of having a clock professionally appraised is that you will be given a very good idea of the condition the clock is in. The person making the appraisal may even be able to give you an idea of how much it would cost to repair the clock.

Finally, there is the matter of the clock’s placement in your home or office. All too often, people become taken with an antique wall clock, buy it and take it home, only to find that they have nowhere to put it. Before purchasing an antique clock, it is wise to find a place (or places) that you may want to put it. Carefully measure the space and the clock to be sure that your exciting new purchase won’t become a disappointment. Let me also say that if you love the clock enough, whether or not there is an ideal spot for it in your house may not matter to you at all.

Nice French Ribbon Clock

I ran across this video of a woman showing a 19th Century French Ribbon Clock. The video isn’t the most professionally done, but the clock is a real beauty. She even opens it up to give us a little peek inside at the nice brass detailing around the roman numerals and the filigree.

Most importantly, she sneaks in a very important piece of advice regarding the hanging of antique wall clocks near the end of the video. She emphasizes the importance of making sure the clock is hung as level as possible. If the clock is not level both across the face (the 3 ‘o clock to 9 ‘o clock direction) and vertically (hanging straight up and down), the pendulum will not swing evenly and the clock will not keep time correctly.

Take a look a the video here.

The Joy of Antique Wall Clocks

In a world where the word “clock” has become synonymous with “cheap” and “plastic,” it is little wonder why many people choose to decorate their homes with elegant and beautiful antique wall clocks. These working pieces of art add a classic finish to any room, and allow you to see time in a different way. Their soft, musical chimes not only tell you what time it is, but do so in a soothing way.

Most of these clocks have not survived the ravages of time, which means those that remain should be treasured and cared for. They provide a challenging and relaxing pastime to hobbyists who repair and restore these charming timepieces. Anyone who takes part or wants to take part in this hobby should read this book. It’s a must have for those who like to delve into the intricate and beautiful levers, gears, and cogs of these antique wall clocks.

In addition to being a stylish and enjoyable addition to your house, antique clocks can also be a great investment, their value only increases with time. I recently read an article which said that if properly maintained, antique clocks can be worth up to $500,000!

If you are interested, you can read the full text of that article here.