Those who are experts in the field of antique clocks will perhaps refer to a specific type of clock by different name if it is in a different area and people may sometimes be bamboozled by this. For instance in the UK something that would be familiar to people as a 'bracket clock' might be known as a 'mantle clock' by an antique dealer in the United States.

The primary categories of antique clocks can be further divided into secondary and tertiary subcategories. For example, within the wide classification of beehive clocks, one will also find classifications like ripple beehive and gothic beehive. As another example, the wide classification of drop trunk clocks can be further divided into subcategories like tavern clocks, hexagon clocks, schoolhouse clocks, and so on.

Advertising clocks is the collective term for clocks used for promotional purposes that display advertising somewhere on the clock dial or case. The clock might also be used as part of the advertising, as when a clock is incorporated into a larger sign. Most commonly found as wall clocks or shelf clocks; more rarely as Long-case or 'Grandfather' clocks. These are great antique wall clocks.

Human beings are fascinated by time, and the passage of time. It is that deep interest that has led to seemingly mundane inventions such as the alarm clock. People's need to measure time and use time have led to technological advances over 6 millenia.

Invented in the latter part of the thirteenth century, most likely by monks living in central Europe, the earliest mechanical clocks had no pendulums and were situated inside churches. They sounded bells hourly but did not have dials or hands.

Clocks were originally placed in the church belfry to utilize the church bell. These iron clocks were created by local blacksmiths and were very heavy and large. It took more than a century before a clock as we know it was invented, one with hands and dials. By early in the fifteen century, small clocks for home use became available which were likely fashioned by gunsmiths or locksmiths. These early antique clocks are very valuable.