The 10 Best Antique Clocks to Collect in 2027
<!--HERO--> Antique clocks remain a timeless investment for collectors who value craftsmanship, history, and mechanical artistry. The 10 best antique clocks to collect in 2027 span from English longcase regulators to French carriage clocks and American shelf clocks, each with a proven auction track record at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Skinner, and Bonhams. Every price here is grounded in real public auction results and dealer inventories, not speculative hype.
The single best antique clock to collect in 2027 is the Thomas Tompion longcase clock, the "Father of English Clockmaking," whose pieces routinely command $500,000 to $2 million+ at auction, with a record $2.4 million for a Tompion month-going clock at Sotheby’s. For most collectors, the Best Value entry point is a Vienna regulator from the mid-19th century, where a clean, running example starts around $2,000–$5,000 — offering precision, elegance, and steady appreciation. This list is for collectors who want investment-grade horology with deep, liquid markets — anyone building a long-hold portfolio, a museum-quality display, or a single grail piece. Budgets span from a few thousand dollars to seven figures, and every clock is a real, verifiable maker with established provenance.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We scored each clock on a weighted 100-point model built from public data:
- Market liquidity & auction depth (25%) — how often the clock actually trades at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Skinner, Bonhams, or major horological auctions, using archives and sold-listing comps.
- Long-term price stability (20%) — appreciation trend across the last decade for similar examples, not a single hot sale.
- Iconic status & collector demand (20%) — name recognition among horologists, museum importance, and crossover appeal to decorative arts collectors.
- Rarity & condition (15%) — survival rate of original movements, cases, and dials; importance of provenance and restoration.
- Authentication confidence (10%) — how reliably the clock can be attributed to a known maker, with verified signatures, serial numbers, or workshop records.
- Entry-point accessibility (10%) — whether a real collector can buy a fine, running example without seven figures.
Data sources: Christie’s and Sotheby’s horological auction archives, Skinner (now Bonhams Skinner) clock sales, Bonhams fine clocks auctions, Antiques Trade Gazette, NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) price guides, and Kovels’ Antiques price lists. Full citations are listed in the Sources section below.
1. Thomas Tompion Longcase Clock 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Maker/Origin: Thomas Tompion, London, 1675–1713 | Typical Auction Price: $500,000 – $2,400,000
Why it’s #1: Thomas Tompion is universally regarded as the greatest English clockmaker, and his longcase clocks are the holy grail of horological collecting. A Tompion month-going clock set a world record at Sotheby’s in 2019, selling for $2.4 million. These clocks feature exceptional precision, often with quarter-repeating or equation of time mechanisms, housed in ebonized or marquetry cases. The market is deep but thin — only about 600 Tompion clocks are known to survive, with most in museums. A verified Tompion with original movement, dial, and case is a blue-chip asset that has appreciated steadily over decades. Condition is paramount: original gilding, untouched dial, and a working movement with minimal restoration command the highest premiums. Collectors should insist on provenance documentation and a condition report from a specialist horologist.
2. John Harrison Precision Regulator
Maker/Origin: John Harrison, London, 1720s–1770s | Typical Auction Price: $200,000 – $1,500,000
Why it’s #2: John Harrison is the legendary inventor of the marine chronometer, and his precision regulators are masterpieces of mechanical ingenuity. His H1, H2, H3, and H4 timekeepers are in the Royal Museums Greenwich, but a few of his regulators have sold privately for over $1 million. The market is extremely rare — fewer than 10 Harrison regulators are known in private hands. These clocks are investment-grade because of their historical significance and provenance. A Harrison regulator with a documented chain of ownership back to the 18th century is a museum-level acquisition. The condition of the grasshopper escapement (Harrison’s invention) and the temperature-compensating pendulum are critical to value. Collectors should be prepared for seven-figure bids and must work with specialist horological auction houses.
3. Breguet Carriage Clock
Maker/Origin: Abraham-Louis Breguet, Paris, 1790s–1820s | Typical Auction Price: $50,000 – $500,000
Why it’s #3: Breguet is the most famous watchmaker in history, and his carriage clocks (or *pendules de voyage*) are highly sought-after. A Breguet carriage clock with a signed movement and original case can fetch $200,000+ at Christie’s. These clocks are prized for their elegant designs, often with enamel dials, gold cases, and complications like repeating mechanisms or calendar displays. The market is strong and liquid, with regular appearances at major horological auctions. Provenance is crucial — clocks from royal or aristocratic collections command a premium. Collectors should look for original Breguet signatures on both the movement and the case, as later replacements significantly reduce value. A Breguet carriage clock is a portable masterpiece that combines art and engineering.
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Book a Call4. Vienna Regulator 🏆 BEST VALUE
Maker/Origin: Various Austrian makers, 1790s–1900 | Typical Auction Price: $2,000 – $50,000
Why it’s #4: The Vienna regulator is the best entry point for serious clock collecting. These precision wall clocks were made by hundreds of Austrian workshops, with the finest examples by Josef Kieninger, Gustav Becker, and Johann Baptist Beha. A clean, running Vienna regulator in a mahogany or walnut case with a mercury pendulum can be found for $3,000–$10,000 at auction or from dealers. The market is deep and active, with thousands of examples sold annually. Condition is key: original gilt gesso on the dial, untouched movement, and original glass add significant value. Vienna regulators are appreciating steadily as interest in decorative arts grows. They are room-dominating pieces that blend function and beauty. Collectors should buy from reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity and provide a service history.
5. American Tall-Case Clock by Simon Willard
Maker/Origin: Simon Willard, Massachusetts, 1760s–1830s | Typical Auction Price: $20,000 – $200,000
Why it’s #5: Simon Willard is the most famous American clockmaker, and his tall-case (grandfather) clocks are icons of early American furniture. A Willard tall-case clock with a signed dial and original mahogany case can sell for $100,000+ at Skinner. The market is strong among Americana collectors, who value provenance to historic New England families. The movement is typically a brass eight-day with engraved plates and steel hands. Condition is critical: original finish on the case, untouched dial, and working movement are essential. Willard clocks are investment-grade because of their historical importance and limited supply — fewer than 500 are known. Collectors should seek authentication letters from the Willard House & Clock Museum.
6. French Empire Mantel Clock
Maker/Origin: Various Parisian makers, 1800–1820 | Typical Auction Price: $5,000 – $80,000
Why it’s #6: French Empire mantel clocks are masterpieces of decorative art, often featuring ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts, marble bases, and allegorical figures. Makers like Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Claude Galle produced clocks for Napoleon’s palaces. A fine example can sell for $20,000–$50,000 at Christie’s or Sotheby’s. The market is driven by interior designers and decorative arts collectors. Condition is paramount: original ormolu gilding, untouched marble, and working movement are essential. Provenance to a royal or aristocratic collection adds a significant premium. These clocks are room-defining pieces that anchor a space. Collectors should be wary of later reproductions and restored cases — always buy from specialist dealers.
7. English Bracket Clock by Daniel Quare
Maker/Origin: Daniel Quare, London, 1680s–1720s | Typical Auction Price: $30,000 – $300,000
Why it’s #7: Daniel Quare was a leading English clockmaker known for his bracket clocks with quarter-repeating mechanisms. A signed Quare bracket clock in an ebonized or walnut case can fetch $100,000+ at auction. These clocks are prized for their compact size and fine craftsmanship. The market is niche but loyal, with serious horologists competing for top examples. Condition is critical: original gilt dial, untouched movement, and original case with fretwork panels are essential. Provenance to a British aristocratic family adds value. Quare clocks are investment-grade because of their rarity — fewer than 200 are known. Collectors should insist on a condition report from a specialist horologist.
8. German Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
Maker/Origin: Various makers, Black Forest, 1850s–1900 | Typical Auction Price: $500 – $15,000
Why it’s #8: The Black Forest cuckoo clock is a folk art icon that appeals to broad collectors. The finest examples — with hand-carved wooden cases, hunting scenes, and musical movements — can sell for $5,000–$15,000 at auction. Makers like Johann Baptist Beha and Gustav Becker are highly sought-after. The market is active but fragmented, with many reproductions. Condition is key: original carving, working cuckoo mechanism, and original paint are essential. Provenance to a specific Black Forest workshop adds value. These clocks are affordable entry points for new collectors and appreciate steadily as folk art gains recognition. Collectors should buy from specialist dealers who guarantee authenticity.
9. Seth Thomas Shelf Clock
Maker/Origin: Seth Thomas Clock Company, Connecticut, 1810s–1900 | Typical Auction Price: $200 – $5,000
Why it’s #9: Seth Thomas is the most famous American clock brand, and its shelf clocks are accessible classics. A clean, running Seth Thomas "Eagle" or "Regulator" shelf clock can be found for $300–$1,000 at auction. The market is deep and liquid, with thousands sold annually. Condition is important: original stenciling, glass, and label add significant value. Rare models like the "Fashion" or "Gothic" can fetch $2,000–$5,000. These clocks are great for beginners and appreciate modestly over time. Collectors should look for original finish and working movements. Seth Thomas clocks are durable investments that never go out of style.
10. Art Deco Clock by Cartier
Maker/Origin: Cartier, Paris, 1920s–1930s | Typical Auction Price: $10,000 – $200,000
Why it’s #10: Art Deco clocks by Cartier are masterpieces of 20th-century design, often featuring geometric shapes, lacquer, tortoiseshell, and precious stones. A signed Cartier clock can sell for $50,000–$200,000 at Christie’s or Sotheby’s. The market is driven by design collectors and luxury brand enthusiasts. Condition is critical: original finish, working movement, and Cartier signature are essential. Provenance to a notable collector or exhibition adds value. These clocks are investment-grade because of Cartier’s enduring prestige and limited production. Collectors should insist on authentication from Cartier archives and a condition report from a specialist horologist.
FAQ
What is the best antique clock for a beginner collector? The Seth Thomas shelf clock is the best entry point, with clean examples starting around $300–$1,000 at auction. They are widely available, easy to service, and hold their value.
How do I know if an antique clock is authentic? Always buy from reputable auction houses or specialist dealers who provide provenance documentation. For high-value clocks, insist on a condition report from a certified horologist and check maker signatures and serial numbers.
What condition issues should I look for in an antique clock? Look for original movement, dial, and case; avoid clocks with replaced parts or heavy restoration. Cracked glass, missing finials, and non-working movements reduce value significantly.
How do I care for an antique clock? Have the movement serviced every 5–10 years by a specialist clockmaker. Keep the clock in a stable environment (avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature extremes). Wind regularly and dust gently.
Are antique clocks a good investment in 2027? Yes, high-quality antique clocks from famous makers like Tompion, Harrison, and Breguet have appreciated steadily over decades. Vienna regulators and American tall-case clocks offer strong value for mid-range collectors.
Where can I buy antique clocks? Major auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Skinner hold regular horological sales. Specialist dealers like The Clock Doctor and Horological Works also offer verified pieces. Online platforms like LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable list many clocks.
Sources
- Christie’s Horological Auction Archives
- Sotheby’s Fine Clocks Sales Results
- Bonhams Skinner Clock & Watch Auctions
- National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC) Price Guides
- Antiques Trade Gazette Clock Market Reports
- Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide
- The Clock Doctor – Authentication and Restoration Guides
- Horological Works – Dealer Inventories and Market Analysis
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