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The hobby of collecting clocks which can come in all shapes and sizes from carriage clocks to long-case clocks.

Popularity
Clocks have been appreciated and treasured since at least the 17th century and, despite their popularity, are available at a wide range of prices.

Location
Clocks can be found in antique shops and antique fairs, as well as auctions, car boot sales and garage sales. some can also be picked up at jumble sales and bric-a-brac sales but care must be taken to establish whether they are in working condition.

Age
Collectors can be of all ages and you are never too young or old to start a collection.

Ability
Clock collecting can be great fun and also very interesting if you get a taste for antique clocks. There is much to be learnt about the makers and the mechanisms, as well as them being a magnificent piece of furniture and practical timepieces.

Description
Unlike many other types of antiques, clocks are 'working' antiques. You can appreciate them for their visual appeal and technical mastery - and they also serve as timekeepers. Most clocks are relatively easy to date and identify because they were signed by their maker on the dial and movement, and records of most makers have survived. A clock's visual appeal, however, lies largely in its case, which usually reflects the style of furniture of the period.

Dedication
If you're a novice collector thinking of investing in a clock, it's probably best to buy one in working order. Most clocks can be repaired, but restoring a bargain can be a laborious and expensive business, and unless the problem is very straightforward it's often cheaper in the long run to buy a clock that's been properly overhauled and restored to working order by a skilled clockmaker. Three key elements should be accessed before buying a clock: the mechanism/movement, the dial and the case.

Closely Related Activities
The collecting of clocks is known as horology.

Cost
The value of a clock depends on its maker, the movement, the case and its condition. Plain carriage clocks are available from about £200, and a late 19th-century long-case from around £800.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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