8 Vintage Wall Clocks Worth a Small Fortune

Many people find or inherit vintage clocks from decades or even centuries past and don't realize the value they have. You might be surprised how much that regal-looking clock that hung on a grandparent's wall for ages or a funky mid-century modern piece you found at a local yard sale could be worth to collectors.

Reselling vintage and antique time pieces could be your key to eliminate some money stress, but brand, condition, and whether the clocks still work or have been refurbished will all impact value.

Here are 8 clocks worth serious cash on the resale market and how to identify them.

Editor's note: All estimated market value data comes from eBay, unless otherwise stated.

E. Howard #58 regulator clock

Estimated market value: $5,000

Regulator clocks got their name because they were powered by a weighted and geared mechanism which could be relied on to keep time more accurately, and for longer, than other clocks back in the 1700s when they were first created.

Antique regulator clocks, with their wooden cases and glass-front doors, may not appear wildly expensive. But regulators created by famed brands, like the E. Howard Watch & Clock Co., regularly sell for thousands, especially if they are still in working condition.

A working E. Howard regulator No. 58, a model that first came out in 1882, recently sold on eBay for $5,000. Most antique clocks will have the maker's name stamped somewhere, like the clock face.

Seth Thomas calendar clock

Estimated market value: $3,500

The Seth Thomas signature label is another one to look out for when gauging the potential value of an antique clock.

Like the E. Howard company, Seth Thomas was producing regulator clocks in the 19th century, and calendar clocks, which also include a monthly calendar in addition to the clock face, appear to be particularly valuable.

One from the mid-1800s in working condition recently sold on eBay for $3,500.

Simon Willard banjo clock

Estimated market value: $2,825

Simon Willard was another big name in the American clockmaking business in the 19th century, and is perhaps best known for creating the "banjo clock," a delicately designed and dependable wall clock with a shape that resembles a banjo.

Willard patented the banjo clock in 1802, and thousands were created in his own shop as well as those of relatives and apprentice clockmakers. Today, a Willard banjo clock can still be worth thousands, even if it no longer works.

One antique piece in handsome mahogany with S. Willard's signature on the base recently sold on eBay for just over $2,825.

Gustav Becker regulator

Estimated market value: $2,250

Gustav Becker was a German clockmaker and another giant in the 19th century. Wall clocks bearing his signature "G.B." are frequently more valuable due to name/brand recognition alone.

In his heyday, Becker produced mostly weight-driven regulator wall clocks, and these can be worth small fortunes today. The company expanded to create a range of intricate clock designs as technology advanced in the late 1800s.

A well-preserved, wooden Becker with three weights recently sold on eBay for more than $2,200.

Ansonia 'Santa Fe' clock

Estimated market value: $1,350

Ansonia Clock Co. was another heavy hitter in American clockmaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The "Santa Fe" model appears to be particularly valuable, and can be identified by a regal looking clock face with roman numerals and a wooden case featuring delicately carved columns and accents.

Look for the Ansonia Clock Co. signature to authenticate any potential finds. One working model kept in excellent condition recently sold on eBay for $1,350, and these clocks have been known to sell for a few hundred dollars even with clear wear and missing, replaced, and/or dented parts.

Lenox Village wall clock

Estimated market value: $1,350

Lenox Village products of all sorts are having a resurgence in popularity among vintage collectors, and if you happen to have a rare wall clock from 1989 that features beautifully adorned porcelain dollhouses surrounding the clock face, you could be looking at a serious payday.

A never-been-used version of the clock in its original box and wrapping recently sold for $1,350 online, but even opened clocks, if kept in decent condition, can net you a pretty penny to the right Lenox collector.

One version is attracting plenty of eyes on eBay with a $900 asking price.

New Haven Clock Company weight-driven clock

Estimated market value: $750

New Haven Clock Company was another one of the major players on the East Coast in the mid-19th century. It has a long and storied history and ultimately shuttered for good in 1956.

Branded clocks that have stood the test of time are now often considered retro or antiques worth shelling out some serious cash for. For example, a beautiful yet basic oak, weight-driven clock from 1910 recently sold on eBay for $750.

The value was in the upkeep. The clock was working, kept in excellent condition, and had its original glass, dial, hands, and weight.

Junghans 'Sunburst' clock

Estimated market value: $505

The Junghans brand has a long history dating back to mid-19th century Germany. The business evolved alongside many generations of the Junghans family and was, at the turn of the 20th century, the largest watch and clock factory in the world.

The company's mid-century modern pieces always seem to be crowd pleasers on the resale market, and have been known to sell for serious cash. The "starburst" or "sunburst" design, with points that mimic sunrays sticking out from the clock's face, is a particularly popular model among retro collectors.

A working clock with points in two-tone teak and black recently sold on eBay for more than $500.

Bottom line

When trying to put value on a vintage or antique clock, things like the maker's signature, the condition of the clock overall and its different parts, and functionality all play a role.

Stumbling upon a potentially valuable clock at an estate sale or even in a collection you've inherited could be a prime opportunity to earn extra money, but keep in mind that a lot of wear and tear, markings, or replaced parts will bring that value down.

Consider getting potentially valuable pieces evaluated by a professional appraiser to get a better idea of a fair listing price. Some appraisal services even offer free online tools.

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