Most collectors fancy 18th and 19th Century clocks that chime or strike. Their movemonts are regulated by pendulums and powered by weights or springs. Many of these clocks are in wood cases of great beauty. Some colectors like bedside alarms and novelties of the 20th Century.

Some of the finest and most expensive clocks were handmade in Europe and are very desireable. To many Americans the most interesting collectibles are the mass produced clocks of the 1800s. Especially the ones made by Connecticut clockmakers such as Ansonia Clock Co., William L. Gilbert Clock Co., E. Howard & Co., E. Ingraham, Joseph Ives, Chauncey Jerome, New Haven Clock Co., Sessions Clock Co., Eli Terry, Seth Thmas, Waterbury Clock Co. and E. N. Welch Mfg. Co.