You can have a very nice digital clock by your bedside that will play the radio when you wake up, that is fine, but there is no comparison with the gentle sound of a chime or bell coming from the living room telling you not only what the time is, but in a soft, musical and soothing way. This is antique clocks.

Antique clocks are unusual in the world of antiques in that it is a working piece of art, or should be in order to get the most enjoyment and value. The antique clocks are primarily a timepiece after all.

In earlier times the grandfather clock was ever present and homes had very high ceilings. If this is one you are considering, make sure you know the dimensions of both the entrance to your home as well as the actual ceiling height. It would be a shame to purchase an antique clock and not be able to stand it upright.

Secondarily the antique clocks are furniture. It graces your home in a particular way with its mahogany case and brass clock face. The longcase clock was originally evolved from a pendulum clock that hung on the wall, the case being added to enclose the pendulum. Since this time the clock has become an art form in itself and very desirable to collectors. As you know with any furniture, in addition to the clock mechanism, there are many factors which determine its value and desirability; specifically age, quality and condition. It may surprise you to know that superior clocks of this type from the late 17th or early 18th century may be valued at $500,000.00.

Pendulum clocks are wound with a key to keep the tension on the movement and enable it to keep time. There are two types of movements, 8 day and 30 hour. This means that this is the interval at which they must be wound in order not to lose time or run down completely. The 8 day clocks have a weight which drives the pendulum and one which drives the bell or chime. These clocks have keyholes on either side of the dial to wind each one. Some clocks also came with the added feature of having a moon dial or a tidal dial for local tidal times.

If you feel there is something odd about the clock you are considering, you may save yourself a considerable amount of time and money to consult a professional to evaluate your antique clock.