What to Look for When Buying a Vintage Wall Clock
You may recall that we recently wrote about what to look for when buying a vintage carriage clock. If you need a recap or would like to find out more about choosing a carriage clock, feel free to read our guide. If a wall clock is more your style, we’ve put together this handy guide to help explain what to look for when hunting for the ideal vintage wall clock.
At The Clock Clinic, we have a stunning collection of antique wall clocks for sale, each showcasing fine craftsmanship, a storied history and exquisite detail.
Read on below to learn more about what you should look for when adding a vintage wall clock to your home or workplace.
What is a vintage wall clock?
At The Clock Clinic, we classify any item as vintage when it is less than 100 years old. If it is more than 100 years old, we would deem it an antique.
As a result, you will often find people referring to vintage as antique and vice versa. The wall clocks we typically stock at The Clock Clinic are, in most cases, antiques.
In terms of appearance, vintage wall clocks often resemble their older antique relatives, although many take on a slightly more modern twist as designs change and technology evolves. You can find some replicating looks from years gone by, whilst others may look almost otherworldly. Much depends on the manufacturer, the designer and the era.
Vintage wall clock styles
The vintage wall clock is a timepiece that tells a story. From its initial design to the first place it was ever hung, a fascinating history may be hidden within its working pieces. We see particular details on each clock, and some of these markings, features or colours are resplendent of the era in which the clock was created.
Wall clocks from the early 1900s
Clock design took its next step as we moved through the 1900s to the 1940s. Materials such as chrome, glass and marble started to be factored into the design process. This led to cleaner and simpler designs, which for many were seen as groundbreaking at the time.
Mid-century wall clocks
As we reached the end of World War Two, clock design changed again; mid-century clocks embraced the move into a new world by utilising plastic and metal. The designs became a little more exciting and innovative, leading to households adding clocks to more rooms.
Late 1900s
As we moved into the latter part of the century, the speed at which technology was evolving saw clockmakers adapt to new styles, mechanics and manufacturing techniques. Battery life became a key indicator of a clock's capabilities, and quartz movement was utilised to help improve accuracy. Whilst those made in this era can be deemed vintage, their mass production, low manufacturing costs and general style led to them not retaining the same value that older vintage wall clocks hold.
How can I tell if my vintage wall clock is vintage?
There are a few key signs that help you identify whether your wall clock is genuinely vintage, and not a modern-day replica being passed off as an older model.
Look for signs of the manufacturer
Many vintage wall clocks will exhibit the manufacturer's name or logo. This could be a brand or the name of an independent horologist. A sign of fading isn’t a sign of inferior quality – this could in fact help justify its classification as vintage.
Next, look at the back of the clock. You should see similar markings that may be engraved into the materials. Sometimes, and perhaps for aesthetics, clockmakers hide these identifiers within the clock itself, so check the interior as well.
You can then compare these markings with imagery found online or in vintage/antique stockists to see how they match. If you don’t see any markings, don’t be alarmed. Whilst it could mean the clock is a fake, some manufacturers kept their branding discreet. Instead, perhaps look for serial numbers or dates. These could help further validate the authenticity of your wall clock.
How was it made?
Vintage wall clocks are commonly made of wood and feature brass or metal for the hands, frame or movement. Whilst it may not be visually appealing, if you can see some discolouration on the metal, this could be a good sign. Brass exhibits a greenish colour as it ages; fake vintage wall clocks don’t, as a cheaper metal is often used.
Then, look for whether any plastic is used. Older clocks don’t have plastic as part of their construction. If your clock is said to be from the 1940s, and it has plastic in place, it could be fake or have been restored cheaply.
You can also expect some wear and tear. A genuine vintage wall clock will show signs of slight fading, perhaps an odd scratch, or some cloudiness on the glass. A modern attempt at a vintage timepiece won’t exhibit these.
Finally, check the wood that has been used. Oak, walnut or mahogany were often used in the construction of older clocks, with cheaper alternatives utilised on more modern and mass-produced items.
Look at the detail
When shopping for a vintage wall clock, you can expect to see signs of wear, but you shouldn’t notice things such as glue marks, loose parts or distinctly poor construction. If you see signs like these, you may have found a fake.
What is the movement like?
The movement of a clock is part of the attraction. The incredible artistry with which the wall clock is constructed, transforming it into a working timepiece, helps create a fascinating journey into the past. Look for a smooth, steady mechanism where the clock ticks evenly after it is wound. Be wary of weight, too. A clock that feels too light may have smaller and more modern pieces inside, and this is often a sign that cheaper materials have been used or that the clock isn’t as old as claimed.
These tips should help you find the ideal vintage wall clock for your home or workplace. One final piece of advice we can provide is to speak with the seller. Ask questions about the clock's history, enquire into the rationale behind the price, and ask if there is any genuine documentation available to support the vintage claims.
Speaking to the team at The Clock Clinic can put you at ease. We have many years of experience in antique & vintage clocks, and can offer our expert advice to help guide you in the right direction. If you already own a vintage or antique wall clock and would like it to be inspected, get in touch. We provide clock repairs and servicing, ensuring you can gain the most enjoyment possible from your vintage timepieces.