Germany Staiger Alarm Clock… Elgin National Pocket Watch… Seth Thomas Mantle Clock…What do the above have in common? Well, besides being timekeepers, all of them are examples of old, vintage, and antique clocks and watches.

Antique clocks and watches were made using different materials, designs, styles, and sizes long, long ago. The ability to accurately identify and research on this antique clocks and watches are important then because of the diversity, as well as the number, of clock and watchmakers and manufacturers around the world.

If we are going to trace the history of clocks and watches, we would be back to the late 14th century when the first clock was made. In the early years, as well as many centuries over, mechanical clocks and watches were so uncommon and made by few that only rulers and noblemen had such. The common people, especially those in Europe, have to rely on the few public clocks that are existent.

The majority of clocks and watches made from the 15th to the middle of the 17th century are now mostly in museums and a small percentage in different individuals’ private collection. Most people will never set eyes on these timekeepers nor will be able to recognize them.

Many antique clock and watch collectors would agree that periods in history greatly influenced the materials and styles of clocks and watches, such that these timekeepers were not only used for time measurement, but as decoration as well. Also, they were made with such high quality that with proper care and maintenance, they are apt to last several centuries.

There are several things that you may take into consideration if you are a collector or just a one time buyer of an antique clock or watch - besides the fact that it should be interesting, beautiful, befitting your needs or you want it to be a part of your life and home for many years.

Any changes made on them will diminish the value of the antique clock or watch.

* Rarity. Common sense dictates that the rarity of anything brings value. To determine rarity, research is required, which may be costly and time consuming. When done, however, it may result into identification of clocks and watches that have excellent value.

* Provenance. Determining the origin of the timepiece, like rarity, can affect the value of the clock or watch greatly. This also is done through research and documentation.

The values of clocks and watches range from a few to several thousand dollars, though there are those that amount to a million or so. Determining a timepiece’s value, however, can only be done if the four areas mentioned above are well looked into or researched. You must search, therefore, for an authority that is honest and with integrity to help you before making a purchase.

About the Author

Collecting Antiques is a passion many know too well, many of these antique these collections are surprisingly valuable and extremely interesting and valuable. Learn about Antiques visit the Antiques Pages at http://antiques.zupatips.com to learn more.

You have heard the value of collectible clocks and want to start a hobby. Or maybe you are a veteran clock collector. Antiques may be your thing or the latest trend of clocks with imprinted artwork. The more you know, the more you’ll save when buying.

Here is a list that may help

1. Visit museums and websites that have exhibitions and inventories of clocks. Most museums hand out detailed brochures. Most new clock sellers will be able to explain the history of the artist whose work appears on the clock and where he/she stands in the marketplace.

2. Shop the Internet for clock dealers and collectors. More likely than not, they share your enthusiasm and will be glad to share information.

3.If you are unsure of of the clock’s value, look up comparable clocks and what price they have sold for in the past. This will be of great help.

4. You may find that it is worth paying a little more for a guarantee. Sometimes the label might be a reproduction and the case might not be the original. Remember, you will likely pay more for the clock that is in excellent condition and less for the clock in fair condition. If it is a reproduction, that does not mean it is not a collectible clock. In the old days of clock collecting, one-of-a-kind clocks were the anchor product. Now clock collectors everywhere look for licensed art image clocks of great artists, cartoonists, and the like.

5. If the clock has a label or signature of a well-known clockmaker or once belonged to a celebrity, the value will be much greater.

6. Don’t forget the additional costs you may incur once you have purchased the clock. There may be transportation fees (for larger clocks), restoration fees, insurance fees, and cleaning and maintenance fees. And of course almost all will have shipping fees. If ordering online, look at the weight of the clock or if it is not mentioned, ask the vendor the cost of shipping if it is not shown at checkout.

7.Always have a caveat emptor attitude. Most dealers are honest, but be careful not to become a victim of an crooked one. They are out there. Always ask for a written guarantee that specifies you can get a refund if any claims turn out to be untrue. Most will offer one but if not, it’s best to go elsewhere.

8. Buy from a clock dealer or someone who sells more than one or two clocks. Most antique clock dealers will focus on clocks. When buying newer artsy clocks, the vendor may sell other items, but has more than a few clocks in stock. In other words, the vendor is familiar with the clock and the artist.

9. If the clock is an antique or old, it should be lubricated by a professional at least every five years, and overhauled every ten years.

10. If care and instructions of the clock are not mentioned on the website (if buying online) ask the vendor for them, or how care should be taken.

About the Author

A new sort of clock collecting has evolved; art licensed cartoon clocks by Rick London who founded LT Superstore and Londons Times Cartoons Rare Cartoon Desk & Wall Clocks By Rick London, and <a href=’http://www.londonstimes.us