Antique Clocks and Watches

Clocks are the only antiques that go on doing their job. This section gathers wall, mantel, floor and wrist mechanical timepieces of Soviet and European manufacture.

There is one main question when buying: does it run. Sellers state this in the description, and it is worth confirming separately. A movement that has stood for decades usually needs cleaning and oiling — a normal service rather than a fault, but its cost is worth allowing for in advance.

The second question is completeness. Wall and mantel clocks most often lose the winding key, the pendulum and the dial glass. These can be replaced, but a substituted part lowers collectable value, so original components are always noted separately.

On the dial, look at the state of the enamel and the hands; on the case, at the veneer or lacquer. All of this is visible in the photographs. Ask the seller if you need a close view of the movement.