If you’ve ever browsed online classifieds for a clock, you know you’re in for a treat—part treasure hunt, part comedy hour. From clocks that “work perfectly” except for that one little thing (like the hour hand missing) to listings that boldly proclaim an antique piece just needs “batteries,” the world of secondhand horology is a wild and wonderful place.
I find browsing clock ads to be an enjoyable game. My favorite is Facebook Marketplace. I am always on the lookout for a hidden gem or that one overlooked antique clock the seller considers worthless, but is actually quite valuable.
Here’s a roundup of real clock ads—some earnest, some cryptic, and some unintentionally hilarious—that prove buying a clock can be both an entertaining and bewildering experience for the novice, and an amusing journey for the more knowledgeable.
Rather than risk any copyright issues, I’ve chosen to exclude photos, though, to be fair, they wouldn’t have offered much additional clarity.
- Comes with a pendulum and weights. The clock also rings.
- Wall clock in great condition.
- Old mantle clock. Not sure who made it. Might be haunted. Works when it feels like it. $75 OBO
- Has key. No idea what it does
- Ticking is loud enough to keep you awake. Great for insomniacs!
- Clock is in working condition! Need to have part placed back into place. (not clear from the photo what the part is, exactly)
- Dark brown wall hanging clock. Works perfectly fine, but the time has been glued to avoid the constant tick-tock of the time.
- Wooden clock, Quality item
- Victorian clock. Covered in ‘natural patina’ (my wife says it’s just years of dust). Keeps decent time if you shake it occasionally.
- Antique clock, needs batteries
- Bought it at an estate sale. I think it was working then?
- Not sure how to categorize the condition, and therefore how to price. Looking to sell. If interested, you can always come and take a look. (At least this seller is honest)
- Old clock, works well. Wind every 3 days, pick up downtown, includes wind key shelf included if you want. (Ad for an 8-day clock)
- Big ole antique grandfather clock, battery operated, good condition.
- Galleria grandfather clock. 70 inches. Doesn’t work, but clock will chime (a random number of times!) if you manually advance to the hour. Priced to reflect condition.
- Vintage pendulum wall clock. Needs repair but still works!
- Jung hams mini regulator clock 3 ft by 14 inches works good has key nice size bell (should be Junghans)
- I think it’s an antique. Or maybe just dusty
- Doesn’t keep time, but it sure looks nice.
- Vintage clock with Odo movement in working conditions. However, it stops working after couple hours running. It may require a service which may (I believe) cost more than its current value (maybe not, I don’t know). (Another honest ad)
In fairness, none of the clocks I found are priced over 100CDN, so it’s not a significant loss if you’re tempted to buy one. Many, however, are Chinese-made clocks that have already outlived their intended lifespan.
That said, not all clocks on Facebook Marketplace—or virtually any online marketplace—are destined for the trash bin; I did come across a few that were interesting prospects and fairly priced.
Just keep in mind that the word antique is used rather loosely.
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Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
This was such a fun read😊Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you
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These are great. I can answer some of the statements. Older clocks, before a newer style push button start used a key. Time(?) glued to “stop time”. Hell, lets talk! Young German actors over doing it? Junge Hams.
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