A clockmakers lament: The Decline of Antique Clock Collecting in a Modern World

Posted on by rjoiner2021

Recently, my sister, who was an avid antique collector, confided in me that she has given up her passion. When I asked her why, she explained that there’s no one to inherit her collection and appreciate its value. She lamented that her son might end up melting down her cherished sterling silver collection for cash after she’s gone.

German bracket style clock by HAC

This got me thinking about the younger generation’s lack of interest in preserving the past, especially when it comes to antiques like clocks. While my three children have shown some interest in a few of my prized timepieces, when have departed this earth most will probably end up being auctioned off for minimal prices, which saddens me.

Ogee clock C.1876

However, this trend of disregard for preserving history isn’t new. I recall a trip to Boston in 2019, where my wife and I listened to a play at the State House about a slave’s connection to the John Hancock family. Despite its historical significance, the original Hancock house had been torn down in the 1860s, showing how past generations also failed to recognize the importance of preserving such landmarks for the future.

Scottish tall case clock C.1848

Part of the problem may be that the mechanical clocks that held nostalgic value for my generation are not present in the homes of today’s youth, except for iconic pieces like Grandfather and cuckoo clocks. Before my time, mechanical clocks were discarded in favour of electric ones when they wore out, further disconnecting younger generations from the charm of antique mechanical timepieces.

Trying to gift a mechanical clock to a millennial often leads to the response, “Thanks, but I have no space for one.” It’s evident from visits to antique stores or clock fairs that the average age of visitors and traders tends to be on the older side, reflecting the dwindling interest in these historic items among the youth.

Table clock C.1875

As a consequence, many valuable clocks are being sold for considerably low prices, despite the high asking prices seen on online selling platforms. With the current trend, it’s likely that clock prices will continue to decline for years to come.

The disinterest in preserving the past and the declining value of antique clocks are issues that continue to plague our society. While some special interest clocks may still hold value, the overall market for antique timepieces seems to be on a downward trajectory and it doesn’t look like that will end in the foreseeable future.

Perhaps it’s time for us to cherish and appreciate these pieces from the past before they become forgotten relics of history.

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7 thoughts on “A clockmakers lament: The Decline of Antique Clock Collecting in a Modern World”

  1. So true Ron. Whatever “collectibles” the millennials are hot about today, vintage clocks not on their shortlist. I too wonder the fate of my prized clocks.
    (Was that a typo? Cuckoo and Grandfather clocks being “iconic” and the “exception”).

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    1. Sadly that seems to be the way it is. Iconic and exception both fit. Perhaps exception might be the better choice of words.

      Ron

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I love clock collecting. It’s amazing that I can get amazing triple chime braket clocks for $20 – $40. Tube chime grandfather clocks for $150 and somtimes jemelers clocks for free. ALmost all of these clocks had issues and generally nothing that a little oil didnt solve. someday people will realize the value becuase with age, typically people gain wisdom.

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    1. I believe there will be a shift in the future. Antique clock markets tend to follow cycles, and while prices may be low now, they are likely to rise again in the future.

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  4. While I appreciate the sentimental value of antiques, it’s unfair to expect younger generations to inherit and maintain collections they didn’t choose. Not only do many lack the space and resources to store fragile items, but finding interested buyers or recipients who might enjoy the pieces is increasingly challenging. Shipping delicate antiques is expensive, risky, and complicated. Especially if you have to do so one at a time.

    Forcing family members to keep, store, or feel guilty about not preserving a collection places an undue emotional and practical burden on them. Each generation should have the freedom to curate their own memories and possessions without being weighed down by obligatory inheritances.

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    1. As a collector, I wouldn’t be disappointed if most of my collection ended up being sold or given away. I’ve come to accept that my kids have little interest in inheriting most of what I’ve gathered.

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