Investing in Timepieces
Most of our clients are primarily motivated by the emotional thrill of collecting with thoughts of any potential gains or losses superseded by more immediate questions such as ‘will it look good in our home’ or ‘does it fit into my collection’. While the answers to these questions are certainly important, the most important questions from an investing stand point should be ‘is it an honest clock’ and ‘how does it equate to other comparable pieces’.
Knowledgeable collectors understand that unlike stocks or bonds no two antique clocks are the same – even if they are remarkably similar to the untrained eye. The skill of the craftsmen, the strength and popularity of the design and the results of a distinctive history, frequently including at least one restoration, make each piece unique and recognizing and appreciating these differences is essential.
That is why either educating yourself or acquiring pieces from a trusted source such as Sundial Farm is so important. Doing so might not provide giant profits, but it is the best way to avoid certain loss. Buying a ‘look’ without any insight into the many factors that determine its value is an unnecessary and avoidable gamble.
While no one can predict the future and what the market might favor, nearly 45 years’ experience has shown that, on whole, properly restored and accurately vetted rare and unusual antique clocks have always outperformed average or compromised pieces, no matter the prevailing economic climate.