In a time before smartphones dominated our pockets, clocks were the keepers of time, with some being symbols of luxury and sophistication. The world of antique clocks is a realm filled with rare and exquisite timepieces highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts. From ornate French mantel clocks to monumental Tiffany & Co. tall-case clocks that serve as testaments to design, these are among the most sought-after and expensive antique clocks in existence.
1. 19th Century Chinese Enameled Jeweled Bronze Automation Clock
This grand 19th-century French automaton clock, created for the Chinese market, boasts 24kt gold plating, vibrant gemstones, and intricate mechanical craftsmanship. Standing at 38 inches tall and weighing 60 pounds, it showcases a white porcelain dial with black Roman numerals and captivating automaton features: spinning beaded cones, rotating flowers, and ducks moving in three cascading waterfalls. With a marked chain-driven movement and accompanying key, it retains full functionality, enhancing its value.
2. Palatial French Figural Bronze Clock Set
An elaborate French clock set in bronze with accompanying candle holders. The set is adorned with intricate scrollwork and emphasized by striking black cherub-like figures, making it a find fit for an estate sale.
3. Chinese Gilt Bronze Clock Music Automation
Standing at 33.75 inches tall, this Chinese gilt bronze automaton clock features a fusee movement with bell music that plays every hour. Its intricate automaton display includes eight rotating immortals on the crown, spinning foreign figures on the lower section, and flowing waterfalls and rivers.
4. French Art Deco Bronze, Onyx, and Crystal Mantel Clock
Representing the refined craftsmanship of the Art Deco period, this French mantel clock showcases bronze accents, onyx elements, and crystal panels.
5. Asa Munger Stovepipe Shelf Clock
Crafted in Auburn, New York in the early 19th century, this exquisite timepiece features a grained mahogany case with original patina, adorned with stenciled and painted stovepipe metal pillars showcasing gold leaf designs of fruit compotes and foliage.
6. Philadelphia Chippendale Carved Mahogany Tall Case Clock
An 18th-century tall case clock boasting intricate Rococo carvings, a gilt and silvered dial with moon phase and date aperture, and a fluted-waisted case embellished with carved details. Originally owned by Captain John Green Sr., it boasts a rich surface with minor restorations.
7. Monumental French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
This grand 19th-century French Napoleon III gilt bronze mantel clock features cherub motifs and intricate detailing with lavish gilding. Previously part of an Old Westbury collection, it holds a place of historical significance.
This intricate timepiece from the Napoleon III era showcases exquisite craftsmanship and opulence. The Art Deco Mother of Pearl Clock by Linzeler Marchak, sold for $30,000 at a live auction, boasts a black enameled gold case adorned with mother-of-pearl inlaid panels. It houses a gilt brass movement and features a floral inlaid face marked with Chinese characters. Sitting atop a scroll base, the clock is crowned with a carved agate button, exemplifying elegance and sophistication.
Next, the Bronze French Clock Garniture Set, sold for $28,000 at Clarke Auction Gallery, features a clock movement in marble supported by cherubs amidst vines and grapes on a marble base. Complementing the clock are candelabra adorned with cherubs, a tree, and a dove, enhancing the set’s ethereal charm. Both the clock and candelabra rest on marble bases with bronze bun feet, adding a touch of luxury to any space.
Moving on to the French Animated Locomotive Industrial Clock, which sold for $25,000 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery, this unique timepiece boasts a bronze case shaped like a steam locomotive mounted on a black marble base with rails. Noteworthy features include a stick thermometer on the funnel, a paper dial compass, and an aneroid barometer with a silvered dial mounted in the boiler, showcasing a blend of artistry and functionality.
Lastly, the Tiffany & Co. Grandfather Tall Case Clock, sold for $23,750 at Royal Antiques, stands at an impressive 99 inches tall. A symbol of luxury and quality, this tall case clock includes the pendulum, tubes, and weights, embodying the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless allure associated with the Tiffany & Co. brand. These antique clocks have not only retained their value over time but have also become coveted treasures for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
