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Clocks - General

Collectors researching antique clocks for sale online will come across some familiar names over and over again. These include Morez, Morbier, Cartier, Kenzle, and Jungans, to name a few. These distinguished clocks hold their value for centuries, while fine clocks from modern makers have made a name for themselves as well. Clocks sought after by collectors come from a variety of traditions out of France, Germany, Switzerland, and America.

Comtoise clocks, originating in the Morbier region of France, are provincial weight-driven clocks. Also known as Morez or Morbier clocks, these clocks took over the clockmaking tradition of France in the 19th century. Cartier clocks are the other French-born timepieces under the watchful eye of collectors. Cartier began making clocks during the Art Deco period. The chic table and travel clocks bring anywhere between $500 and $515,000 at auction.

Kienzle was one of the leading German clock companies from 1883 until taken over by a holding company in 1999. Some Kienzle clocks were automotive or aviation clocks. A chrome pivoted clock resides in the collection at the Museum Victoria. Vintage Jungans clocks are some of the most collectible from the Black Forest, made of hardwoods and featuring intricate engravings. In the 20th century, Jungans merged with other clockmakers including Lenzkirch and Gustav Becker, producing Gustav Becker clocks under the original name until the '30s. The Swiss have also produced many notable vintage and modern timepieces including Imhof clocks and the Schatz 400-day clock of the '50s.

In America, clock manufacturing blossomed in the New England area. E. Ingraham clocks were shaped like acorns, beehives, and miniature Gothic cathedrals. The popularity of black mantel clocks made from onyx, slate, marble, iron, and wood led to the production of the Seth Thomas adamantine clock beginning in 1882. Sessions mantel clocks include the black mantel clocks of Welsh design from 1903 to 1930. Waterbury clock models often incorporated brass, as Waterbury evolved from a brass manufacturing company. Most American clockmakers produced a variation of the popular gingerbread clocks, which were both aesthetically pleasing and affordable.


Quick Facts

  • An E. Ingraham walnut calendar clock sold for $306 at an auction by Skinner in 2011
  • A rare, limited-edition Imhof silver-gilt mystery clock with rock crystal, lapis lazuli, and mother of pearl circa 1985 sold for $12,087 at an auction by Sotheby’s in 2014
  • A lapis and nephrite jade Art Deco Cartier clock sold for $221,000 at a Doyle New York auction of the estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl in 2013

Recommended Items at Auction

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Reiseuhr Biedermeier
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Reiseuhr Biedermeier
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€4207 Bids
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Faux Stone Toland Quartz Clock with Humidity & Temperature Dials 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm.)
Feb 25, 6:00 PM EST
Faux Stone Toland Quartz Clock with Humidity & Temperature Dials 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$114 Bids
WOODEN PROPELLER CLOCK - NO SHIPPING
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
WOODEN PROPELLER CLOCK - NO SHIPPING
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$604 Bids
Two leather cased travel clocks, together with a pocket watch (untested)
Feb 20, 1:00 PM AEDT
Two leather cased travel clocks, together with a pocket watch (untested)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD403 Bids
(2) Have A Happy Day Yellow Clock/ Watch
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
(2) Have A Happy Day Yellow Clock/ Watch
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$203 Bids
Two Lighthouse Clocks
Mar 06, 10:00 AM EST
Two Lighthouse Clocks
by New England Auctions
Est: $500- $750
$2753 Bids
The Western Clock Mfg. Figural Gilt Desk Clock
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
The Western Clock Mfg. Figural Gilt Desk Clock
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$152 Bids
Bilderuhr mit Ansicht Bingen am Rhein 1822
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Bilderuhr mit Ansicht Bingen am Rhein 1822
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€1001 Bid
Uhrenständer Schlange
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Uhrenständer Schlange
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€801 Bid
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Original Schatz 400 day Dome clock
Feb 22, 1:00 PM AEDT
Original Schatz 400 day Dome clock
by Moorabool Auctions
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD251 Bid
Prunkkaminuhr Miroy Frères et Fils
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Prunkkaminuhr Miroy Frères et Fils
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€3001 Bid
Fünf Taschenuhren
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Fünf Taschenuhren
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€1001 Bid
WOODEN CLOCK AS FOUND
Mar 12, 11:00 AM EDT
WOODEN CLOCK AS FOUND
by Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction & Realty LLC
Est: $9- $9,999
$51 Bid
Herrenuhr Omega Constellation Gold
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Herrenuhr Omega Constellation Gold
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€1,6001 Bid
Pedro Friedeberg, Astroecologico clock
Feb 27, 11:00 AM CST
Pedro Friedeberg, Astroecologico clock
by Wright
Est: $5,000- $7,000
$4,0001 Bid
Bilderuhr Biedermeier
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Bilderuhr Biedermeier
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€6001 Bid
A COLLECTION OF TRAVEL AND DESK CLOCKS
Feb 27, 9:30 AM GMT
A COLLECTION OF TRAVEL AND DESK CLOCKS
by Elstob Auctioneers
Est: £60- £80
£301 Bid
Neun Taschenuhren G. Jacot Locle
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Neun Taschenuhren G. Jacot Locle
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€2001 Bid
Sammlung großkalibrige Taschenuhren
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Sammlung großkalibrige Taschenuhren
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€2001 Bid
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Lucite “Frozen Time" Clock Gear Art Pillar
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
Lucite “Frozen Time" Clock Gear Art Pillar
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
OROLOGIO
Feb 27, 3:00 PM CET
OROLOGIO
by Casa d'aste Martini
Est: €2,000- €2,500
€2,0001 Bid
Damenarmbanduhr Bruno Söhnle Glashütte
Feb 21, 10:00 AM CET
Damenarmbanduhr Bruno Söhnle Glashütte
by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€201 Bid
A Group of Collectables including Travel Clock, Bookmark, Silver Top Toiletry Jar
Feb 28, 6:00 PM AEDT
A Group of Collectables including Travel Clock, Bookmark, Silver Top Toiletry Jar
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD40- AUD80
AUD201 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Clocks - General


Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH

Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH

James Auctioneers London

James Auctioneers London

John Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

John Nicholson's Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel