Daniel Delander (ca. 1678–1733, recorded 1692, working 1692–1721) Table clock with calendar, ca. 1720 British, London, Case: burl walnut veneer on oak, with stained wooden moldings and brass fittings; Dial: partly gilded and partly silvered brass; Movement: brass, steel; 23 1/2 × 14 1/2 × 8 1/4 in. (59.7 × 36.8 × 21 cm)

Online Antique Clock Valuations

Welcome to iValuations' dedicated online Antique Clock appraisal hub. Our international specialists combine decades of market expertise to provide accurate, certified valuations of your horological items from photographs.

Start Valuation

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/188957

The Brook, c. 1895–1900. Paul Cezanne (French, 1839–1906). Oil on fabric; framed: 74.9 x 97.2 x 8.3 cm (29 1/2 x 38 1/4 x 3 1/4 in.); unframed: 59.2 x 81 cm (23 5/16 x 31 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna Jr., 1958.20

Chinese Jar with Lion-Head Handles (青花雙獅頭罐), 1300s, Jiangxi Province, Jingdezhen, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368)

Musical bracket clock by Eardley Norton, circa 1790

Online valuations in over 50 categories of fine art, antiques & collectibles, with dedicated specialists in each field

What Is Your Antique Clock Worth?

The international market for antique clocks represents one of the most diverse and multi-layered sectors of the decorative arts. An antique clock combines the scientific advancements of its day, micro-engineering, and master cabinetmaking and metalwork. From the austere, architectural proportions of 17th century English longcase clocks to the lavish, Louis XVI fire gilded bronze cases and Empire mantel regulators, this specialised market favours mechanical originality, quality, maker reputation, and regional craftsmanship. As historic clocks were prized, expensive status symbols that required a collaborative effort between master clockmakers and other top artisans, authentic and well preserved examples continue to hold strong collecting appeal.

Our dedicated horological specialists provide precise, market reflective valuations across all types of mechanical movements, cases, and periods. We regularly appraise an expansive array of domestic and institutional timekeepers, including elegant Georgian longcase and bracket clocks, intricate French carriage and cartel clocks, precision marine chronometers, skeleton clocks, and rare Viennese regulators. Whether you possess an 18th century repeating bracket clock bearing the coveted signature of a London master like George Graham, a decorative 19th century French mantle clock, or a precision regulator, our team examines multiple pointers. We meticulously cross-reference maker signatures, backplate stamps, and production styles with real time international auction databases, specialised horological reference archives and our deep institutional knowledge to establish an accurate fair market and insurance value.

Determining the definitive value of an antique clock requires a deep, dual-level inspection of both its external casing and its internal movement. Unlike static decorative arts, a clock's value is profoundly tied to its mechanical integrity; a beautifully preserved case housing a heavily altered, swapped, or modernised movement will lose a considerable portion of its collector's value. Our specialists analyse the escapement mechanism, striking and going trains, checking for evidence of past conversions (such as an early lantern or bracket clock updated from a verge escapement to an anchor escapement), or poor quality restoration. Externally, we evaluate the authenticity of the dial, inspecting for later signatures, replaced hands, altered spandrels, or repainting, while examining the case for age appropriate wear, original finishes, and sympathetic restorations. This exhaustive technical and historical analysis ensures you receive an authoritative appraisal report you can completely trust.

How to Submit Your Antique Clock for Valuation

Upload photos of your item

iValuations' experts will value your item

Our experts will appraise your item

Receive a valuation certificate from iValuations

Receive a valuation report

1. Take Clear Photographs:

Provide good resolution, well lit photos. For this category, we specifically require a clear shot of the entire item, the sides and back (if available), shots of the movement (if accessible), and crisp close-ups of any signatures, maker's marks, stamps or labels.]

2. Gather Item Details:

Note down the physical dimensions (height, width and depth), the medium or materials used (if known), and any known provenance, history, or paperwork.

3. Complete the Online Form:

Click the START VALUATION button for the valuation form, select Object from the dropdown menu, and then fill in the item details, upload your images, fill in your details, and securely submit your request.

4. Receive a Valuation Report:

A professional written PDF valuation report will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours, detailing your item with a written descriptive, a fair market value and an insurance value.

START VALUATION

What Our Specialist Looks For When Valuing an Antique Clock

Clockmaker & Case Attribution: Is the movement signed or stamped by a renowned master clockmaker? Can the cabinetwork or bronzework be attributed to a known workshop or a celebrated maker's guild?

Movement Type & Materials: Is it a weight driven longcase, a fusee bracket clock, or a gilded carriage clock with platform escapement? Are the case materials tortoiseshell boulle work, fine walnut, or ebonized fruitwood?

Size & Presence: What are the exact dimensions? Does the timepiece have a commanding presence, such as an 8 foot tall longcase clock, or is it a small, technically intricate portable timepiece?

Condition: Has the movement suffered from mechanical modifications, such as an early 17th century clock converted from a verge to an anchor escapement? Are the wheels, plates, and hands original, or are there later modern replacements?

Complications & Style: Is the design iconic of a sought after horological era. Does the movement feature rare complications like astronomical phases, musical chimes, or perpetual calendars?

Provenance: Is there any documented ownership history, or archival record linking it to an historic estate or notable collection?

Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Clock Valuations

How do you determine if a clock's movement is original to its case, or if it is a later marriage?

Answer: A marriage in clock terms occurs when a movement from one clock is conjoined with a case of another. For example, to spot this in longcase clocks, we look closely at the structural connection points inside the housing. In a genuine piece, the movement sits perfectly on its original seatboard without any awkward gaps, extra packer material, or other signs of height adjustment. We inspect the inside of the case for ghost impressions, such as empty, redundant screw holes or modified support brackets, which can indicate that a previous mechanism was removed. Furthermore, the dial must align flawlessly with the dial mask; if the dial numbers are partially obscured or there is space at the edges, it is almost certainly a later pairing that will drastically reduce collector value.

Does converting an early clock from its original mechanical setup to a later system affect its appraisal value?

Answer: Yes, historical mechanical conversions can significantly impact value, though the context matters. In the late 17th century, the invention of the anchor escapement revolutionized timekeeping accuracy, prompting many owners to convert their older, less accurate verge escapement clocks to the new system. While an antique clock that still retains its original, unaltered verge escapement is more rare and thus commands a higher financial premium from purist collectors, a well executed, period correct historical conversion is an acceptable part of the object's story. However, some of these have been reconverted back to a verge setup by later restorers seeking to return the piece to its original configuration. Knowing the difference, and identifying the quality of these conversions, is vital is vital to establishing the correct value for an antique clock.

Why is the condition of the dial so critical when valuing an antique clock?

Answer: The dial is the "face" of the clock and arguably the most important element for commercial appeal. On early brass dials, we look for crispness in the engraved lines, original silvering on the chapter ring, and well cast spandrels in the corners. On later painted or enamel dials, condition is paramount because these surfaces are incredibly fragile and difficult to repair. Hairline cracks, flaking paint, chips around the winding holes (often caused by a slipping winding key), or clumsy, amateur touch-ups to faded numerals all detract from the value. A dial that has been repainted or over-restored loses its collector's appeal, and an immense amount of monetary value.

Ready to Discover the Value of your Antique Clock?

Expert written valuations with pricing tailored to the size of your collection.

In addition to purchasing a single valuation we also offer a system of allowing you to buy valuations in batches. This affords you a discounted rate, meaning the more valuations you buy the less you pay for an individual valuation.

After purchasing a valuation pack you will be emailed a code with which you can redeem your valuations at your convenience.

For more information on how iValuations works, please see our FAQ page.