Art Deco Mantel Clocks

The art deco movement originated in France in the late 1920s and was quickly embraced by designers from around the world. At the time art deco was seen as being ultra modern with a focus on style and sophistication. The movement went into hibernation during the second world war but made resurgence during the 1960s and again in the 1980s when technology allowed for more computer aided graphic design. Art deco works include art, architecture, and industrial design. One of the most famous examples of art deco is the Chrysler Building in New York.

Original art deco clocks from the 1920s to the 1930s were mostly mass produced but due to the war in Europe many were destroyed. This made art deco mantle clocks highly collectible items, prices for clocks in good condition and working order sell for many thousands of dollars. The mass production also led to a lower quality of clocks so working examples are both highly collectible as well as being useful household ornaments.

You can however find many replica clocks that are produced today, if you like the art deco styling but can't afford the price. Modern replicas are well made often using the same mechanisms and materials as the originals they are based on. In order to increase the value and the collectability of these modern clocks, manufactuers often only release a limited number of models. If you are looking for an art deco clock and are not interested in how collectible it is, cheap mass produced imitation clocks are available. These clocks have all the stylings of an original or replica clock but are made from cheap materials. These clocks can be purchased from many large department stores for under a hundred dollars.

Art Deco Clock makers

Left to right: Arthur Imhof Mantel Clock; Seth Thomas Mantel Clock; Walter Dorwin Teague Mantel Clock.

Arthur Imhof

Arthur Imhof, a Swiss clockmaker, produced clocks featuring amber glass and bright chromed bronze that still look spectacular when viewed today.

Seth Thomas

Seth Thomas Specialized in making shelf and mantel clocks. Up until 1845, his clocks featured wooden-movement before being replaced by brass. While innovative, clocks produced by Thomas are seen to be conservative in their design.

Walter Dorwin Teague

Walter Dorwin Teague was a US art deco clock designer who worked for G.E. He is most famous for his brown Bakelite clock that appeared in many US homes during the 1940s.