Where should I place a heavy slate clock?

Due to their substantial weight, these clocks require a sturdy, level surface such as a heavy wooden desk, a sideboard, or a strong mantelpiece. Placing them on an uneven base can cause the pendulum to bind and the clock to stop ticking. Ensure the furniture can support the dense marble or slate construction safely without sagging.

How do I tell a Victorian clock from an Art Deco one?

Victorian clocks are typically constructed from heavy black slate, marble, or ebonised wood, featuring classical architectural details, columns, or bronze mounts. They project a sense of nineteenth-century solidity and historical revival. Art Deco clocks, by contrast, utilise modern materials like chrome, bakelite, and vitrolite with streamlined geometric shapes and minimal ornamentation.

Do these clocks keep accurate time?

Mechanical clocks from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries can keep reasonable time when properly serviced and adjusted. However, variations in temperature and wear in the gear train mean they rarely match modern quartz precision. Regular cleaning and oiling by a professional horologist are necessary to maintain their timing accuracy.