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.