Online Antique Clock Valuations & Appraisals

Get an online clock valuation from our specialist in less than 48 hours. Whether it’s a Dutch bracket clock or a Swiss wood cuckoo clock that you found at a car boot sale, our expert will provide you with a valuation of your clock along with a description of your item, including his views on origin date and value. Simply upload a photograph to get started. An increasing number of clients use our online clock valuation service to check an item's value before buying a clock at an auction or from a dealer, thus getting an independent opinion. Mechanical clocks were invented in Western Europe in the medieval period. They were first used in cathedrals and churches, sometimes installed in towers to mark the canonical hours - times for prayer. In the middle ages, automaton clocks first became popular. These extremely intricate clocks include moving characters that strike the hours and sometimes play musical tunes. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, clocks became always more elaborated and decorative. Clocks makers often went beyond the functionality and created real works of art. The measurement of time was only one small feature of these clocks. They were luxury items designed to impress as well as educate. One such clock is the gilt-brass and silver automaton elephant clock, which was auctioned for $512,000 (£337,500) at a Sotheby’s auction - more than twice the estimated value. These continued to be popular right through the Georgian period. Many elaborate exotic time-pieces were made in London for export to the East in the late 18th century. Turkey, China and India were the principal destinations for these clocks. They were thought of as interesting toys. Examples can still be found in this areas’ museums.

Our Expert for Antique Clocks

We have two clocks experts working with us at Value My Stuff. Our first specialist has over 30 years experience in this area of expertise. He started his career at Garrards, the Crown Jewellers, and then spent 20 years working in auction houses, both for Bonham’s and Sotheby’s. His experience in both the auction and retail worlds, has given him tremendous knowledge of the fascinating world of clocks.

Our second expert is an independent horological specialist working in the United States. He began his career as a medical doctor and enthusiastic collector of clocks, before closing his practice to become a full time antiques dealer. In the 1990s he set up an antiques dealership with his son and now specialises in clock valuations. He has published many of his findings regarding American clocks in journals and magazines throughout America.

The Auction market for Clocks

Antique clocks can be quite valuable and various models achieve significant prices. In 2006, a large Swiss Black Forest cuckoo clock sold for $18,000. In 2008, Christie’s hold a sale dedicated to magnificent clocks for the Imperial Chinese Court from the Nezu Museum. The whole sale made HK$280,960,500 (approximately £20m) which was the world record for any horological auction. Top lot was an English musical and automaton ‘Sailing ships’ clock for the Chinese market which sold for UK$ 36,167,500 (£ 3m).

Determining the Value of Antique Clocks

Today, antique clocks can be worth quite a lot of money. The condition, manufacturer, age and mechanical features of an antique clock can all affect its value. Not only are antique clocks often made from valuable metals but their mechanisms, designs and provenance can also provide significant historical value. It has become paramount to get an expert’s opinion before buying or selling a clock, especially via the internet. New fake but well executed carriage clocks appeared recently on some internet selling sites a few months ago. They are believed to be made in China. Some of them were achieved substantial sums, around $1,000 (around £650).

Get an Online Clock valuations today

To recieve an antique clock valuation, simply upload some photographs of the item and any of its marks  and give as much information as possible. Our dedicated clocks appraiser will evaluate all of the relevant criteria. Within 48 hours, you will receive an online clock valuation, in the form of a printable certificate. We will also provide a web certificate that can be used in eBay listings. 

Useful links & further information

Latest clocks & valuation news

Related Information