1. Go online and even to museums and see what is out there, the prices, and how they look. Most websites will describe the clock and a museum may even have a detailed brochure. Online is more for newer licensed art clock buying which also generally rise in value along with the artist whose art is on the clock. 2. Shop with more than one dealer. Talk to many and collectors as well. Most of them are generous and will share your enthusiasm. Check online and see what has sold in the past and at what price. Buy prudently but with confidence.

4. Pay more money now 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 today’s artsy clocks ok 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. The clock’s creator or artist’s signature gives it added value. 6. Think about 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 bad apples, that is crooked vendors. 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. Buy from a clock dealer or someone who sells more than one or two clocks. Most antique clock dealers will focus 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. 9. If the clock is an antique or old, it should be lubricated by a professional at least every five years, and overhauled every ten years. 10. If care and instructions of the clock are not mentioned on the website (if buying online) ask the vendor for them, or how care should be taken.