Sundial Farm Antique Clocks Ltd. was established in 1971 by Lawrence and Maria Thompson who, in 1988, were joined by their son Steven. We provide fine antique clocks and barometers with noted emphasis placed on originality and condition.

Our clients include institutions, collectors, decorators, designers and even at times other dealers. Our extensive inventory typically includes a large selection of 17th century through the early 20th century European clocks and barometers with examples ranging from the most grandiose 19th century tallcase clocks to the simplest miniature carriage clocks.

We are always interested in both forging new relationships and in strengthening existing ones so whether you are an established customer in the midst of building a distinguished collection or someone who is interested in a single decorative element it is our commitment to satisfy your particular needs.

Originality

We understand that our clients are always concerned with originality and it is our ability to accurately recognize the good, restorable merchandise that keeps our inventory consistent and allows us to offer only the finest examples to our customers.

Unlike many other decorative items the clock is the combination of form and function, a complex spring driven movement housed in a decorative case. It was usually the product of a clockmaker who choreographed the production of all the different specialists including the bronzers, handmakers, movement makers, case makers, etc.to produce a decorative object that was both aesthetically pleasing and kept time.

There are a seemingly infinite amount of variations in horology and since each piece has numerous parts there is always a chance that something was lost or replaced. There is also a likelihood, considering their age, that they have undergone at least one restoration. While some of the restorations might have been made by unscrupulous dealers trying to inflate the value of the piece and others are by unskilled or ill-equipped back yard mechanics, many are merely the products of skilled restorers in the course of normal maintenance.

Condition

Each clock is sold as a working timepiece in excellent condition. The movements are serviced and the cases are always properly restored.

We understand the subtleties of the restoration process and recognize both the benefits of a good restoration and the ramifications of a bad one.

While the value of period French clocks are severely compromised by regilding, it is often both required and accepted for many late 19th century gilt-bronze clocks. There is always a concerted effort to preserve originality, but when refinishing is absolutely necessary we try to make it look as original as possible.

We feel a good restoration makes the piece look as though it was well-cared for through the centuries and that small dents, dings and worn areas are not imperfections that need to be fixed, but the marks of history and an affirmation of age.

Values

With over thirty years experience actively trading and an extensive horological library that includes books, pamphlets and catalogues from around the world, we feel we can accurately evaluate each piece and our prices represent the fair market value for some of the finest clocks available on the open market.

Since there are no accurate price guides for antique clocks and the values of these pieces are often considerable, we expect our clients to be cautious.

Rarity, condition, quality, provenance, demand, and originality are some of the things considered when establishing the fair market value. While all are important, special consideration is placed upon originality and condition since these are the two things that are most often damaged by inexperienced or corrupt dealers and collectors.

Sometimes most of the value is in the case, sometimes in the accuracy of the movement and sometimes it is the combination of the two. Sometimes a piece is not particularly rare, but there is a great demand such as the French model 'La Liseuse' and sometimes it is just the best example we've seen with great castings and exceptional finishing work.

Investment

Our experience has illustrated that better quality, honest clocks appreciate the most in good economic times and decline the least in bad economic times.

There are no five-year rates of return charts published for clocks. Although antiques have been a very good investment for some, it is not an investment vehicle with guaranteed returns such as CDs. The antique market is extremely diverse and price movements in one sector do not necessarily affect another. Even within horology small segments of the market can become very popular while others either remain stagnant or decrease in price.

The antique market, bolstered by expendable cash, always appreciates in good economic times. As demand increases and people spend, even the worst merchandise appreciates. In bad economic times, however, there are no longer any buyers for the ordinary or 'problemed' merchandise. Those still spending, generally the collectors, are much more selective and want good, honest and unusual examples at a fair price. The value on these pieces might decrease slightly, but generally there is still a demand.

Although most of our clients are primarily motivated by the emotional thrill of collecting, it is still important that the appreciation potential of each piece is not negatively impacted by misinformation or a bad restoration.

Our clients can be completely confident that all our pieces are as represented and that any information provided or restoration completed will only positively affect the value of each piece.

Guarantees

All our pieces are guaranteed to be as represented and are guaranteed mechanically for two years.

This guarantee covers all parts and labor and, since most of the movements are easy to remove from the cases, require the movement to be returned to our restoration facility. We will, however, arrange for servicing when we consider the return of the movement impractical. This guarantee does not cover any problems caused by neglect or carelessness.

Shipping

Since the majority of our clients reside outside our immediate area, we routinely arrange shipping.

All charges are settled prior to shipping. A full list of set-up instructions accompanies each piece and we are always available for telephone consultations.

Contact List

If you are searching for clocks within a particular area of horology or just want to be notified whenever new things appear on this web site please do not hesitate to e-mail us and let us know.

We will only notify you according to your preferences.

Purchases

Our desire to fulfill our clients' needs means we are always interested in the purchase of additional pieces either singularly or as a collection.

Some clocks are easy to appraise long distance while others need to be taken to pieces to ensure authenticity. A quick description generally will tell us what we need to see on a particular piece, but generally detailed photographs of the case and movement are necessary.

Unlike many of our competitors, we can provide immediate payment and all inquiries and transactions are, of course, promptly and discreetly handled.

References are always available.

Locations

The pieces on this web site are only a representative selection of our available inventory. Our entire restored inventory can be viewed at our convenient New York City location: Sundial NYC, 1050 Second Avenue, Gallery 54, New York, NY 10022.

If you have any additional questions about anything on this site or Time Gallery we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Lawrence and Maria Thompson
Steven Thompson

Members NAWCC and Antiquarian Horological Society