Round dial wall clock overview
The first round dial wall clocks appeared in the early 18th century form the 1720s onwards. Most English round dial wall clocks are timepieces (that is they do not strike the hour). Whilst there are round dial wall clocks that strike the hour these were made in much lower numbers and hence command a premium over a similar aged timepiece.
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Early versions of round dial wall clocks had silvered dials with moulded mahogany dial surrounds. As time progressed the dials tended to be painted and were convex with a convex glass mounted in a cast brass bezel. As the 19th century progressed there was a wider need for accurate time keeping and wall clocks became a feature of most public spaces and offices. The later clocks tended to have a flat dial and glass mounted in a spun bezel. These clocks were often made by a ‘manufacturer’ and sold through a ‘retailer’. The dials often bore the name of the retailer and location of the shop.
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Round dial wall clocks typically have a mahogany case and dial however, Walnut, Oak and Ebonised wood examples are all available. Most of these clocks have an 8 day spring driven mechanism.
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In many ways these clocks are nice way to get started with mechanical clock familiarisation and on to a potential collection. They are available from relatively inexpensive through to higher cost/value, usually reliable and require minimum space and maintenance. At he same time they give the satisfaction of owning a mechanical clock and having a reassuring tick in the background.
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