Art Clock Collecting Top Ten Things To Do - By: Rick London

You have heard the value of collectible clocks and want to start a hobby. Or maybe you are a veteran clock collector. Antiques may be your thing or the latest trend of clocks with imprinted artwork. The more you know, the more you'll save when buying. Here is a list that may help:

1. Visit museums and websites that have exhibitions and inventories of clocks. Most museums hand out detailed brochures. Most new clock sellers will be able to explain the history of the artist whose work appears on the clock and where he/she stands in the marketplace.

2. Shop the Internet for clock dealers and collectors. More likely than not, they share your enthusiasm and will be glad to share information.

3.If you are unsure of of the clock's value, look up comparable clocks and what price they have sold for in the past. This will be of great help.

4. It's often better to pay a little more for a guarantee or a store that offers one on all its products. In the old days, a reproduction was a no-no and still stands firm in the traditional clock collections. But the neuvo-art clocks are fine as reproductions. They still gain in value and usually are reproduction and manufactured in a factory. This is a different animal of a clock and not as often collected by the old traditional antique clock collectors though many are starting to jump on the bandwagon.

5. It doesn't hurt if the clock has a signature on it from the creator; or, if it contains artwork, a signature is on the art. This gives it more value.

6. Consider the additional costs such as transportation or shipping fees, restoration, cleaning, lubrication etc. (this is mainly for older clocks). When buying a new art clock, you will not run into these issues (until they, too, become antiques).

7. Beware of crooks. There are not a lot in the clock-dealing community but they do exist as in any business. Ask around and see who has gotten good deals from whom. This can help.

8. Purchase your clock dealer or someone who sells more than a few. Most antique clock dealers will concentrate on clocks. When buying newer artsy clocks, the vendor may sell other items, but has more than a few clocks in stock. In other words, the vendor is familiar with the clock and the artist. It is fine if the neuvo-vendor does not sell only clocks, as long as he/she is familiar with the artist whose work appears on it and their position in the arts or cartoon community.

9. If the clock is an antique or old, it should be oiled by a professional at least every five years, and overhauled once a decade.

10. If care and instructions of the clock are not mentioned on the website (if buying online) enquire to the vendor on care of the clock.

You have heard the value of collectible clocks and want to start a hobby. Or maybe you are a veteran clock collector. Antiques may be your thing or the latest trend of clocks with imprinted artwork. The more you know, the more you'll save when buying. Here is a list that may help:

A new sort of clock collecting has evolved; art licensed wall and desk clocks by Rick London who founded LT Superstore and Londons Times Cartoons Rare Cartoon Desk and Wall Clocks By Rick London, and http://www.londonstimes.us.