Clocks

‘I once discovered a wonderful Swiss-English clock made for the Chinese market in a very small mountain village in Switzerland. It sold for almost £2 million.’ Jonathan Hills

What sort of clocks sell?
Olympia Auctions sells all kinds of antique clocks and horological items from early lantern clocks through to 18th and 19th century mantel, library, table and bracket clocks, as well as carriage and boudoir clocks.

Eighteenth century and earlier English and Continental clocks are particularly sought after and 19th century French clocks, can fetch good prices if they are decorative or have unusual movements. Stylish clocks from the 1950s by well-known names like Jaeger LeCoultre are in demand as they look particularly good in minimalist contemporary interiors.

‘My great love is discovering a previously unrecorded clock from the end the 17th and early 18th century, the golden age of English clockmaking. It still happens!’ Jonathan Hills

Could my clock be valuable?
Most homes have at least one clock and as long as your clock is mechanical rather than digital or electric, we will be pleased to give you a free valuation.

‘I am sometimes invited to visit a house that’s being sold after someone’s father or grandfather has died. I walk in and there’s a clock in every room. Clock collecting was popular with that generation, so it’s not uncommon.’ Jonathan Hills

Jonathan Hills
Jonathan is the sixth generation in his family to engage in horology and spent 36 years at Sotheby’s including as director and senior clocks specialist until 2024. Despite his impressive career and world-class expertise, Jonathan is happy to see any clock you wish to show him. He’ll always make time for you!

‘The important thing is, if you’re not sure, come and ask.’ Jonathan Hills