What to Look for When Buying a Vintage Carriage Clock

The vintage look is very in-demand – from a quick online search for vintage furnishing, clothing, cars and more, the sheer range available is testament to this. When prospective customers shop with us, vintage carriage clocks or mantel clocks are commonly requested, often eclipsing the demand for antiques.

How we define vintage matters, though. This definition can determine whether an item is an authentic find, or vastly overpriced for its age. At The Clock Clinic, we define vintage as an item that is less than 100 years old, with antique items being more than 100 years old.

However, due to how the words vintage and antique have been adopted, they are often used interchangeably by dealers, collectors and others for items that may fall within the same time period.

In this blog, we explain what to look for when searching for a vintage carriage clock. You can also use the same process if an antique clock is your preference.

How to identify a vintage carriage clock

If you are looking to add a touch of elegance to your living room, dining room or bedroom, a carriage clock certainly helps. These ornate timepieces, which first found their way into homes and workplaces in the 19^th century, showcase incredible design skills and stunning mechanics.

Carriage clocks were traditionally given as gifts, taking pride of place in a home and signifying an important life event such as retirement. Vintage carriage clocks are also enjoyed by enthusiasts of the industry. Fans of horology marvel at the small yet perfectly formed timepieces they have chosen to display in their homes.

To find the perfect gift or the ideal carriage clock for your home, there are several factors to first consider.

Authenticity & maker

On the dial or movement, you should be able to see a signature or maker’s mark to indicate the manufacturer. You should also be sure to check for a serial number or hallmark. This can help indicate not only who made it, but also when it was made. Ultimately, this will help you determine whether the clock is antique or vintage by our definition, helping you ascertain if the price is representative of the clock’s age.

Condition

As with any purchase, condition is important. Before making the decision to buy, you should inspect the dial, the case and the glass panels.

With the dial, for instance, look for cracks or chips in the porcelain or enamel dials. If you find hairline cracks in the dial, you should expect a lower price.

When looking at the case, check whether the brass or bronze is in good condition. Look for the original gilding, too. If you see signs of wear, dents or replacement pieces, the carriage clock may not be as vintage as you originally thought. The glass panels should also all be intact. If any are missing, seeking a replacement will be straightforward, but may affect the clock's value.

Movement and functionality

When shopping for a vintage carriage clock, ask for it to be wound (if it hasn’t been already) so that you can ensure it ticks smoothly. Sticking hands or inconsistent movement could indicate a problem with the clock’s mechanisms.

There are some other checks worth completing. Look for the balance wheel or lever escapement and find out if they are original parts or replacements. You may also wish to enquire if clock repairs have taken place recently. If repairs are needed, you may need to slightly increase your budget.

You could also ask to test the chime, if the clock has one. The strike and repeat function can vary between vintage carriage clocks, so it can pay off to test this first and ensure that it functions as it should.

Originality

As with confirming authenticity, it is also important to check the originality of the clock. Confirm whether the serial numbers or identification marks match those on both the case and the movement. It may also be worth checking for the original key. Many vintage carriage clocks for sale, when sold by specialist horologists, will retain the original key. Occasionally, however, a replacement has been sought. This isn’t a major cause for concern, but for a true vintage carriage clock, the original key will be best. It will also help retain the value of the timepiece.

Provenance & rarity

At The Clock Clinic, we have the privilege of working on a wide range of beautiful and rare carriage clocks. Learning about a clock’s history and the unique story that led it to us is all part of the magic. When you shop for a vintage carriage clock, it is worthwhile learning the documented history.

From time to time, especially rare models surface. Whilst more expensive than other vintage or antique clocks, the rarity or uniqueness of a clock can help it become more desirable and therefore more valuable in the future. Ask the seller where the clock originated from, if it boasts any unique features and whether it stems from a specific time period.

If you are looking for a carriage clock, either as a gift or as an investment for yourself, speak to our team. We have many years of experience in the sales and repair of vintage clocks. Located in London, you can book an appointment today. We will dedicate our time to helping you find the perfect carriage clock for your budget. From Jaeger LeCoultre models from the 1960s to antiques that were first telling the time in the 19^th century, our collection is as vast as it is stunning.