Carriage Clocks– What Makes Them Tick?

A carriage clock can be identified by its rectangular shape and medium size. Originally the carriage clock was made for traveling in the 19th century. The main travel means during the 1800s was by carriage. Carriage clocks was in vogue during the mid 1860s.

For special occasions like weddings, fancy carriage clocks were given as presents. Even though carriage clocks were thought of as travel clocks during their day, they are bigger than traditional travel clocks because they are time pieces made with spring driven mechanics.

Look for these traits of carriage clocks

• The casing: carriage clocks have a shiny metal casing either in brass or another metal.
• The facing: with a glass protecting the hands of the clock and a porcelain background to make the time easily seen.
• The porcelain: often it is well designed and white or light in color so that its easy to see.
• The Large Handle: on the top of the clock should be a big handle to make it easy to carry while traveling inside a carriage.
• For the design of the carriage clock: you should see clean lines with detailed features such as a metal scroll, foliage or a stamped enamel or porcelain.
• Chimes of the Carriage clock: almost all carriage clocks chime to mark the hour. Some can play a range of notes or chords.
• The distinctive look of antique carriage clocks. Since these clocks have a wonderful history behind them many people like to use these clocks to decorate their antiqued home as mantle piece above a fireplace or somewhere alongside a nice table.

Carriage Clocks Now: Antique Design with Modern Clockwork

Current day carriage clocks use quartz movements to tell the time instead of the traditional spring driven mechanics. Today, the convenience and affordable cost of quartz has become popular in carriage clocks. For some, the beauty and elegance of a spring driven clock is meant to be displayed. Carriage clocks can be split open to reveal the inner workings of the clock.