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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 main categories of antique clocks can also be further broken down into subcategories. For instance, within the broad category of "Beehive" clocks there may also be found subcategories such as a "Gothic" beehive or a "Ripple" beehive. Some may the subdivide the broad category of "Drop trunk" clocks into finer distinctions, such as "Schoolhouse" clocks, "Act of Parliament" clocks, "Wall regulators", "Tavern" clocks, "Short drop", "Octagon drop", and so forth.

Collectors call clocks produced for promotional purposes 'advertising clocks'. These clocks typically display advertising messages on the clock's dial or case. These clocks sometimes appeared as part of larger marketing campaign, for example on a billboard. Usually found on a shelf, on the wall, or as large grandfather clocks, these clocks make great antique wall clocks for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Humanity has long recognized time passing, and long ago endeavored to measure and track that passage. The clock on your wrist, on the wall, or beside your bed wouldn't be here at all if people hadn't spent the past thousands of years crafting timepieces.

The very first early mechanical clocks, which didn't have pendulums, were developed in the last half of the thirteenth century, probably by monks from central Europe, and were placed within the church. They did not have dials or hands and only struck bells on the hour.

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.