Clocks & Watches
Clock and watch collecting attracts enthusiasts who appreciate both mechanical engineering and decorative arts. The movement is the heart of any timepiece and the primary determinant of quality and value. Cases range from simple utilitarian designs to elaborate examples featuring ormolu, marquetry, porcelain, and precious metals. This is a field where working condition and originality of components are especially important.
What to Look For
- ●Movement maker's name, serial number, and quality indicators engraved on the back plate or movement bridges
- ●Case construction quality including material, finish, proportions, and decorative elements appropriate to the period
- ●Originality of the dial, hands, pendulum, and other visible components, as replacements reduce value
- ●Mechanical complexity including complications such as chiming, calendar functions, and moon phases
- ●Serial numbers that can be cross-referenced with manufacturer records to establish date of production
What Affects Value
- 💰Maker reputation, with names like Patek Philippe, Breguet, Simon Willard, and Thomas Tompion at the highest level
- 💰Movement complexity and condition, with original, functioning complications adding significant value
- 💰Case material and decoration quality, especially for gold, silver, and finely decorated examples
- 💰Originality of all components including dial, hands, movement, and case belonging together from manufacture
Common Reproductions & Fakes
- ⚠Married clocks where a genuine antique movement is placed in a non-original case or vice versa, detectable by mismatched serial numbers and fitting inconsistencies
- ⚠Modern quartz movements installed in antique clock cases, identifiable by the ticking pattern and movement examination
- ⚠Fantasy pocket watch cases with decorative engraving added to plain genuine cases to increase visual appeal and perceived value
- ⚠Asian-made reproduction bracket and mantel clocks with aged finishes and copied dial designs
Collecting Tips
- ✓Open the case back and examine the movement directly, as the movement tells you more about value than the exterior appearance
- ✓Record serial numbers from both the movement and case, then research them in maker-specific databases to confirm they were produced together
- ✓Have antique clocks serviced by a specialist horologist rather than a modern watch repair shop, as improper service can damage delicate mechanisms
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out how old my grandfather clock is?
Open the hood or access panel to examine the movement. Look for the maker's name and serial number engraved on the back plate. Cross-reference this information with horological databases and reference books for that maker to determine the production date. The dial style, case design, and construction methods also help narrow the date. British longcase clocks can often be dated precisely using maker records, while American tall clocks frequently carry labels inside the case identifying the maker and location.
Are old pocket watches valuable?
Value varies enormously. Common late 19th-century American pocket watches by Elgin or Waltham in standard cases sell for $50 to $200. However, watches by premium makers like Patek Philippe, high-grade railroad watches, or pieces with gold cases and complications can be worth thousands or tens of thousands. Key value factors include the maker, grade of the movement, case material, condition, and whether it is a particularly rare model or serial number range.
Should I wind and run my antique clock?
If the clock has been recently serviced and is in good mechanical condition, regular winding and running is actually beneficial as it keeps lubricants distributed and prevents mechanisms from seizing. However, if the clock has not been serviced in many years, have it examined by a qualified horologist before winding, as dried lubricants can cause wear and damage when the mechanism runs without proper lubrication.
Identify & Value Clocks & Watches
Take a photo with Valued and get instant identification and value estimates.
Get Valued