Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

I occasionally browse online sites in search of a rare gem—a clock with history, character, and craftsmanship that stands out from the crowd. But more often than not, my searches lead me to an assortment of clocks that are less than inspiring. The worst offenders tend to be battery-operated models that, quite frankly, have little to no horological or aesthetic value. Many of these would be better off in the recycling bin than on display in someone’s home.

One recent listing caught my attention, not because it was a hidden treasure, but because of its sheer audacity. Here’s a cropped photo from a local Facebook Marketplace ad showcasing a battery-operated grandfather clock.

The clock itself is of the mass-produced variety, designed to imitate the heritage of traditional grandfather clocks. Even if this clock were in pristine condition, it would struggle to fetch more than $20 on a good day. Battery-operated grandfather clocks simply don’t hold their value or appeal to serious or even novice collectors.

What really set this listing apart, though, was not only the condition of the clock but the asking price. The base was visibly chewed up, likely by a pet, through years of neglect or a hungry boarder. Despite this glaring flaw, the seller had boldly priced the clock at $250—an amount that would be wildly excessive even if the clock were in pristine condition. It’s hard to fathom what the seller was thinking when they set this price. Perhaps they were banking on someone mistaking it for a valuable antique, or maybe they just didn’t realize how far off the mark they were.

This listing is a prime example of a common issue in the world of online clock sales: a lack of understanding of a clock’s true value. Sellers often overestimate the worth of battery-operated clocks or even common variety mantel clocks, assuming that size, style, and age automatically equate to desirability and monetary value. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. For collectors and enthusiasts, the value of a clock lies in its craftsmanship, uniqueness, or mechanical complexity —not in its ability to mimic something it’s not.

For those new to clock collecting, this serves as an important reminder to do your homework. Before purchasing a clock, take the time to understand what you’re looking at. Is it a genuine mechanical clock with a quality movement, or is it a battery-operated replica? Is it style without the substance?

Even an educated novice clock collector would pass on this one.

While there are undoubtedly treasures to be found online, listings like this one can be frustrating and even comical. I doubt the seller will gain any traction with this ad.