junghans sydney – Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

will antique and vintage clock prices go up or down in 2023? Is this the time to buy or sell? Allow me to share my insights and observations.

According to the United States Government, the term “antique” is reserved for items that are over a century old. Webster’s dictionary defines an antique as a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago. Wikipedia defines antiques as applying to objects at least 100 years old.

On the other hand “vintage”, according to most sources, is a period that is less than 100 years but more than 30 years. Definitions of vintage may vary. In the jewelry business, for instance, vintage may be considered as anything 10 to 20 or more years.

There is no true “standard” pricing for any vintage or antique clock. As with most objects, there is a price range that most would consider reasonable. Similar to many other items, vintage or antique clocks do not have a set standard price. Instead, there exists a range of prices that most people would view as reasonable. Having said that, prices for common antique clocks have largely stagnated over the past several years while rare and highly prized clocks appear to have retained their value.

People who frequently purchase antique or vintage clocks are likely aware that the clock market has been experiencing a decline in prices for some time. Is 2023 a good time to sell or buy? Of course!

_{McLauchlin tall case clock, Scotland, C. 1848}

How are clock prices set?

Setting the price for an antique or vintage clock is not a straightforward process. It involves various factors, such as the condition of the clock, its history, and the seller’s personal experience in the market.

Some sellers may price their clocks higher than their actual value to leave room for negotiation, while others may count on buyers’ lack of knowledge about the true value of the clock. However, a well-informed buyer can use their knowledge to find a great deal, by looking for prices consistent with reputable auction houses and online marketplaces.

Junghans Corner feet finished — _{Junghans Sydney C. 1913}

Factors affecting the sale of clocks

As said, high-end and truly rare clocks, such as those with historical significance or exceptional craftsmanship, have managed to retain their value in the market. However, even for these clocks, sales are still largely based on market conditions and demand. For example, if there is a sudden influx of similar clocks on the market, it could drive down the demand and price for those clocks. Therefore, while rare clocks may be more likely to hold their value, they are not completely immune to market fluctuations.

But what conditions influence the sale of run-of-the-mill antique and vintage mechanical clocks and those of slightly better quality?

Two factors have influenced the decline in prices. Common antique and vintage clocks have flooded the market in the past several years driving prices steadily downwards. Secondly, the new generation of millennials has little interest in antiques and finds it pointless to collect antique and vintage clocks. Sentimental reasons aside, the cost of servicing an antique or vintage clock far exceeds its value.

Moreover, modern homes do not have room for clocks as floor and wall space is limited. In an age when families are living in 800-square-foot apartments space is at a premium. That could change as people migrate from dense cities to smaller communities.

And when space is at a premium grandfather clocks and jeweler’s regulator clocks though finely crafted and cost thousands when new are not items many would consider appropriate for the modern family home.

While I cannot predict the future with certainty, based on the prices observed over the past few years, I anticipate that the antique clock market will remain largely unchanged in 2023 and beyond. Currently, it appears to be a buyer’s market, and there may be excellent deals available for those who are knowledgeable and take the time to shop carefully and do their research.

It’s important to remember that knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing antique clocks. Doing your homework can help you identify the most valuable and unique pieces, and can also help you avoid overpaying for items that may not hold as much value. While there may be some great clocks out there, it’s crucial to approach the market with a discerning eye to ensure that you get the most value for your money.

Junghans, a name that is well-known to clock collectors and repairers, is not the company it once was. In recent years, the company has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of high-quality wristwatches.

However, During the early to mid-20th century the German company had established itself as a prolific producer of wall, mantel, and tall case clocks. Collectors and enthusiasts highly value the company’s clocks for their superior quality, solid construction, and classic designs that have withstood the test of time.

Although I wasn’t actively seeking out a new Junghans clock to add to my collection, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to acquire this one at an attractive price. It now joins my collection of clocks, which includes two other Junghans clocks.

One is a bracket clock from 1911 (code stamped B11), and the other is an older wall clock from the turn of the 20th century. Both of these clocks are among the 21 clocks in my home that are run and maintained on a daily basis.

_{Junghans Crispi time and strike wall clock} _{C. 1899}

As expected, the clock arrived safely after I chose to have it shipped to me instead of personally picking it up from the auction house, which is located two hours away from my home. I had confidence in the auction house’s ability to package the clock securely for safe shipping, as I have dealt with them in the past and they have always been careful with packaging.

Having received the clock, I can confirm that it is exactly what I expected it to be, with no surprises or unexpected issues. Checking its functionality, I wound both sides and it runs and strikes as it should.

A similar movement in my Sydney bracket clock is stamped with a code (B11) indicating its production year, which is two years before this one. The gong block in both clocks is also identical in appearance.

However, I will only be able to confirm if there are any other internal differences between the two clocks when I dismantle the movement for cleaning.

Is the blemish just above the number five a scuff mark or a permanent abrasion, or is it merely a buildup of dirt that can be cleaned off?

_{Crackling or alligoration of the finish}

The case of the clock appears dull and neglected, and I am uncertain as to the appropriate method for refinishing at this point, nevertheless, it is evident that the case’s appearance would be significantly improved with some care and attention.

A correction from a previous article

After believing that the pendulum attached to the clock was not appropriate for the movement, I replaced it with what I believed was the correct one. However, I discovered that the replacement pendulum did not reach down to the beveled glass port and the rod hook was opposite in orientation to the one that came with the clock.

Despite functioning well and keeping accurate time, it did not look suitable. After I posted an article on first impressions, sight unseen, A reader pointed out that they have the exact pendulum bob for their Junghans roundtop clock, which has now led me to reconsider my previous assumption that the original pendulum was not the correct one. Thank you, dear reader!

Now that I have confirmed that the clock is functioning correctly, it is time to proceed with the disassembly and cleaning process, which is evidently long overdue.

Tag: junghans sydney

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