Baroque clocks: longcase, wall and mantel clocks in the baroque style
A baroque clock is far more than a way of telling the time. It is a piece of furniture with a presence of its own, one that brings order and calm to a room. The steady swing of a pendulum and a richly decorated dial already defined the grand salons of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Barockgrosshandel offers baroque clocks in three main forms: the tall longcase clock, the wall clock and the mantel clock. Alongside these come pieces of furniture with a built-in clock, such as a secretary desk or a coffee table. We supply retailers, hotels, interior designers and private customers. Pieces from the Casa Padrino brand range in price from around €600 to just under €10,000.
Hallmarks of a baroque style clock
A baroque clock is recognisable by its lively outline. Cases curve outwards, pediments end in scrolls, and feet take the form of paws or volutes. Acanthus leaves, shells and rocaille work run along the edges and crowns.
Deep wood tones, ivory and white dominate the palette, always paired with gold. Some models feature bold finishes such as malachite green or multicoloured floral painting. The dial usually carries Roman numerals and finely worked hands. Together they create the opulent look people associate with the baroque.
Unlike later styles, the case of a baroque clock carries as much weight as the movement. The cabinetmaker and the gilder shape the piece just as much as the clockmaker. That is why a baroque clock is often planned like a piece of furniture rather than an accessory.
The baroque longcase clock as the centrepiece of a room
The baroque longcase clock, often called a grandfather clock, is the most imposing form. It stands roughly 185 to over 200 cm tall and is placed against a wall. A glazed trunk reveals the swinging pendulum. The case is usually solid wood, and a few models are made of wrought iron with silver and gold.
Give a baroque longcase clock a calm stretch of wall with nothing competing for attention. It looks its best beside a fireplace, in a stairwell or at the end of a corridor. Make sure the floor is level so the pendulum swings evenly. The current range is in the luxury clocks category.
Colour and finish decide the overall effect. A brown longcase clock with gold suits dark parquet and wood panelling. Ivory, beige or white with gold feels lighter and blends into rooms with pale walls and plasterwork. A malachite green finish, on the other hand, adds a strong splash of colour.
Baroque wall clocks: grandeur on a small footprint
A baroque style wall clock brings the pendulum motif into rooms with no space for a longcase clock. Hand-carved cases in brown and gold look like a framed work of art. They suit a hallway, a study or a dining room.
Hang a baroque wall clock so that the dial sits roughly at eye level. Above a console table or a sideboard it creates a clear axis. It pairs well with baroque wall lights on either side. More models are in the baroque wall clocks category.
A wall clock can also be combined with pictures. Framed paintings or a mirror in the same shade of gold create a cohesive wall. Leave enough space, though, so the clock still reads as a piece in its own right.
Mantel clocks in bronze, porcelain and ceramic
The mantel clock is the jewel for a mantelpiece, desk or console. The range includes handmade bronze clocks in gold, porcelain clocks finished in pale green and purple, and ceramic clocks with floral decoration. Heights range from about 28 cm to around 84 cm.
A large baroque mantel clock needs a deep surface and enough distance from vases or candlesticks. Smaller porcelain clocks work well on a side table or a bookshelf. The full selection is under baroque style mantel clocks.
The mantelpiece is the classic spot for a mantel clock. Flanked symmetrically by two candlesticks or vases, it forms the typical baroque arrangement. On a desk it should stand where it does not get in the way of the working surface.
Furniture with a built-in clock
A special feature are pieces of furniture with a clock set into them. A secretary desk with a clock in its top section combines a writing place with a timepiece. A coffee table with a clock beneath its top becomes the focal point of a seating area.
Pieces like these suit rooms where every item of furniture should serve a purpose. They complement baroque desks in a study just as well as the furnishings of a salon. That way the clock remains part of the room rather than mere decoration.
Furniture with a clock needs the same care as any other baroque furniture. Gilded surfaces are cleaned dry, and glass is cleaned with a mild glass cleaner applied to the cloth, never sprayed directly onto the piece.
Baroque clocks for hotels, restaurants and commercial projects
In lobbies, reception areas and restaurants, a longcase clock creates a fixed point of reference. Guests orient themselves by it, and it conveys a sense of permanence. In suites or corridors, a wall clock or a mantel clock on a console is often enough.
For contract projects, match the wood tone and amount of gold on the clock to the rest of the furniture. The baroque hotel furniture page gives an overview of suitable furnishings. We are happy to advise interior designers and hotels on quantities and combinations.
Repetition also counts in commercial interiors. Several mantel clocks from the same line in rooms or suites create a consistent look. In a restaurant, a baroque style wall clock can mark the transition between bar and dining area.
Care and placement
Clean gilded and carved surfaces with a soft, dry brush or cloth. Water and harsh cleaning agents damage gold leaf and lacquer. Porcelain and ceramic can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
Keep clocks out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Changes in temperature and humidity put strain on both wood and mechanism. Once set up, a pendulum clock should not be moved again. If you would like to furnish the room further, our baroque furniture provides the ideal foundation.
When setting up a pendulum clock, first make sure it stands perfectly level. Then give the pendulum an even push. An irregular tick usually points to a slight tilt, which can be corrected with shims.
Matching pieces from our range
View all items in Luxury Clocks
Frequently asked questions
What types of baroque clocks are there?
The three main forms are the longcase clock, the wall clock and the mantel clock. There is also furniture with a built-in clock, such as secretary desks or coffee tables. Each form suits a different room layout.
How tall is a baroque longcase clock?
The longcase clocks in the range stand about 185 to over 200 cm tall. Check the ceiling height and the free wall space before ordering. A gap of a few centimetres to the ceiling shows off the crown to better effect.
What materials are the clocks made of?
Longcase and wall clocks are mostly made of solid wood with carving and gilding. A few longcase clocks are made of wrought iron. Mantel clocks come in bronze, porcelain and ceramic.
Where does a baroque style wall clock look best?
Hallways, stairwells, dining rooms and studies are all well suited. Above a console table or a sideboard it creates a calm axis. The dial should sit roughly at eye level.
Does a baroque clock work in a modern home?
Yes, as a deliberate contrast. A gold mantel clock or a white longcase clock with gold stands out particularly well against plain walls. What matters is that the clock has enough space around it.
Does a pendulum clock need to be wound regularly?
That depends on the movement fitted and is stated in each product description. Check this before buying if the clock is going into a building without daily attention. That way you avoid stopped hands in the reception area or dining room.
What price range do the clocks cover?
Prices range from around €600 for mantel clocks to just under €10,000 for large longcase clocks in solid wood. The price depends on size, material and the amount of handwork involved.
Do you also supply hotels and retailers?
Yes. Barockgrosshandel supplies retailers, hotels, restaurants and interior designers as well as private customers. For contract projects we are happy to agree the selection and quantities with you.