How to Start an Antique Clock Collection

Clocks have been around for centuries, and over the years construction methods and types of timepieces have changed considerably. Antique clocks were often designed to occupy prominent places in the owner's home. As a result, they're usually very beautiful and frequently valuable. If you're fascinated with mechanical objects as well as objects of beauty, you may want to start an antique clock collection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Find Different Types of Antique Clocks

1. Before you start your collection, know the difference between various different types of clocks: grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, mechanical clocks, doll's head clocks and pendulum clocks, just to name a few.

2. Know where and when certain clocks were made. Doll's head clocks were popular in France around Louis XIV's reign. Pendulum clocks were were the sole type of clock available from 1656 to about 1930.

3. Know your budget. Some antique clocks can be very expensive.

4. Shop around various antique stores in your area and find out what pieces are available to you. You can also find plenty of antique clocks online. The Internet Clock Shop is a good place to start (see Resources below).

5. Ask experts at the antique shops to help and advise you on how best to start your collection.

6. Decide whether you simply want to own the clocks, buy and sell them for profit, or restore worn and damaged clocks.

7. If you want to clean and restore your clocks yourself, research how to do so properly. If not, find a place that will do so for you as effectively as possible.

8. Decide on a place to store your clocks. Remember that some antique clocks take up a lot of room.

Tips & Warnings

• Dust, clean and polish your clocks regularly in order to help keep them in good repair.
• Keep in mind that many clocks chime on the hour, and some chime every fifteen minutes. If you do not wish to be disturbed by clock chiming, particularly late at night, be sure to keep your collection somewhere where you will not hear them.
• Don't forget that some clocks require regular winding every couple of days, otherwise they wear down and will not display the correct time.
• Be sure your clock is placed on a perfectly level shelf. If it is even slightly off-balance, it could interfere with the inner workings of the clock.
• Don't get taken! Be sure you know exactly what kind of clock you're buying before you buy it. Ensure that it's authentic, not a reproduction or forgery.

Resources

• Different types of antique clocks available at The Internet Clock Shop