FAQ

Why an antique clock?

In a word: quality. The time-keeping movements in most antique clocks are made from thick, heavy brass. This solid brass allows the movements to endure for more than a century. Each piece is cut for function and beauty. Look inside a movement, and you will see turned columns holding the front and back plates together. The back plate of a bracket clock is an art form in itself with beautiful foliate engraving.

Antique clock cases have evolved over time. At first native woods were used, for instance, walnut in England and cherry in America. Later, the discovery and colonizing of tropical lands led to the discovery of fine hardwoods such as mahogany, ebony, and rosewood. Only the wealthy could afford these beautiful new woods. The cases using these fine woods were polished to reflect their inherent beauty. A fine flame on a longcase door is ideal. This flame is created by the cabinet maker when he chose where and how to cut the board or veneers from the trunk of the tree. The native woods such as walnut and cherry have characteristics such as burl, or beautiful color, and a home town cache that cannot be denied.

An antique clock is a piece of history, a witness to times past and cultures past. To wind an English clock from the 1800’s is to stand in the footprints of perhaps, a gentleman in a linen shirt with a high collar, a four in hand neck tie and frock coat. Parliament has burnt down and re-built with a magnificent bell tower housing a great clock with a bell nicknamed Big Ben. Charles Darwin has set out on the HMS Beagle, and the steam railway has made travel much easier.

Finally, an antique clock is useful and dependable. The ticking of a clock becomes part of the life of the house. Bell strikes mark the important hours in your life such as marriage, the birth of a baby, and anniversaries, just as they have marked history for over 100 years.

What kind of investment are clocks?

A clock collection is an investment in art as well as science. Numerous artisans have worked together to create an object of beauty and function. We purchase only the finest examples of horology, made by the most respected clockmakers and cabinet makers.

Will my purchase increase in value?

Antique clocks, especially those by well-known makers, have shown a steady increase in value relative to their rarity.

How do I develop a clock collection?

Due to their purpose and many varied forms, clocks can be displayed in all areas
of your home, allowing a good cross section of examples. For instance: a Bracket
Clock in the entryway, a Longcase Clock in the living room, a Regulator in the office, a Carriage Clock in the bedroom, an Act of Parliament in the den, a Dial Clock in the kitchen and a Chronometer on the boat. If you prefer a collection based on a form of clock, maker, country or century, these would also be desirable.

What is your guarantee?

All purchased clocks and all clock movements having a full restoration are guaranteed to be in working order for two years.

If I can’t decide which clock I want, may I see them in my home?

Yes, we frequently deliver more then one clock to a home. They can be moved to different rooms for temporary set-up to help make the purchase decision easier.

When we purchase a large clock, how is it set up?

We deliver and set up all clocks in the New York Tri-sate area.

We live in another state outside the Tri-state region. How do we get the clock home?

We will deliver a clock ourselves and set it up or crate the clock and ship it. If we do the latter we can have an accredited horologist in your area set it up, or indeed, you may set it up with instructions and telephone support provided. Whatever method, the guarantee
still stands.

Do you make house calls?

Yes, if you have a clock, barometer or music box in need of repair please phone or email us and we will come to your home to review what needs to be done. If we need to remove it to our workshop we will deliver it when the repair is complete. All full repairs are guaranteed for 2 years.