A Guide to Buying a Carriage Clock : Carriage clocks are highly sought-after collectable items because of not only their appealing beauty, but because of the enjoyable process of searching and buying a carriage clock. Let us start by discussing a brief history of these gorgeous timepieces before moving on to talk about what you should be looking for when buying one.
Brief History of Carriage Clocks
The carriage clock is believed to have been developed in the early eighteenth century with the aim of meeting the needs for a smaller and portable clock. Previously, the majority of these devices were designed with a pendulum mechanism, increasing their chances of being damaged when moved.
These marvels, however, possesses a spring-driven platform that makes it suitable to be moved around without any possibility of damage.
Parts
Even though these beautiful gadgets can be easily moved around, they are still made up of many complex parts, including the following:
Case
Dial
Escapement
Hands
Bells, Gongs, etc
Main Spring Winding Button
Things to Look For When Buying
A few factors need to be considered when searching for and buying a timepiece. Read on to find out what they are.
1. Working Condition
If you are buying a brand new model, then this will not apply to you. However, if you are going for an antique version, then you will have to thoroughly review it thoroughly to figure out its working condition. The mechanism and parts must be in a good condition and it should be able to accurately track time. The trains and the striking mechanism must be in a good working condition.
2. Originality
Keep an eye out for any fake, low quality replicas of these antiques. Many of these are being marketed at the same price of the originals.
3. Design
When it comes to the design, you will have many options to choose from. These time-keeping pieces are designed to look beautiful and elegant. Appearance of a time-piece is a major factor that needs to be considered when buying one. Think about where you wish to place it – even though you can move it around the house, it would be sensible to have a certain location in mind. This will help you choose the design based on the decor of that particular room.
4. Accessories
Those versions that come with winding keys or the original travel cases usually have a higher value. Do ask your vender about the accessories.
5. Budget
Budget is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider when searching for one. The design and the quality of the mechanism determine the cost. In general, you get what you pay for.
These are an excellent addition to your home’s interior. Its portability allows it to be moved from one room to another if you want to change its location.