The earliest antique clocks for measuring time would have been water clocks and sundials. These were replaced later with such inventions as calibrated wax candles and the ‘hourglass’. These in turn were to be ultimately replaced in the mid 17th century by the ‘pendulum’ clock.
The word clock has its origins in the word for a bell. Sound was very important to the rhythm of life. Bells were usually placed in towers to signal time.
Interest in astrology, astronomy, navigation and showing vital information relating to the state of the tides encouraged further refinement of clocks and their mechanisms.
A medieval mechanical clock can be seen today in Salisbury Cathedral. A vast amount of related information can be had at Clock Net
Antique Clocks – The quest for accuracy
The quest for accuracy soon saw spring-driven devices with escapements. The 15th and 16th centuries in Europe saw advances and in the mid 17th century the first of the pendulum clocks emerged. These first appeared in Holland but soon were taken up in England. They developed into the ‘long case clock’ familiar to us today. Some refer to these as ‘grandfather clocks’, which is a 19th Century term.
The discovery of the anchor escapement in around 1670 to replace the old fashioned verge escapement made possible the development of the long case clock. Each short swing of the pendulum measured one second with power provided by the downward pull of lead weights on pulleys.
English long case clocks with eight day going movements soon developed.
Highly complicated, musical, month-going and astronomical antique clocks were made. Many had remarkably accurate movements, particularly chronometers for precise navigation. These hugely contributed to England’s supremacy at sea.
Anyone interested in antique clocks should possess a copy of G.H. Baillie’s ‘Clockmakers of the World’. The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers have a useful site to visit.
Antique clocks offered for sale by Box House Antiques
We specialize in antique clocks of the 18th century, mainly long case clocks. We try to offer long case clocks which harmonize well with other antiques. While we do take note of the quality and originality of movements our focus is mainly on the case itself. All our long case clock movements are professionally overhauled and come with a 2 year guarantee.
