Marble Portico Clock, Late 1970s

Portico clocks were popular and often particularly imposing timepieces in the 19th century. This clock, however, dates from the late 1970s and takes up the characteristic form of these historical predecessors. The classical arrangement of slender columns supporting the clock case above was reinterpreted in the design language of its own era, resulting in a distinctly more modern and restrained appearance. Light-coloured marble, slender columns and gold-coloured details make this an unusual clock that invites a second look.

It certainly does not need a traditionally furnished setting. Whether displayed as a mantel clock on a mantelpiece, on a simple sideboard or on an old chest of drawers, its distinctive form comes beautifully into its own. Surprisingly, it also works very well alongside modern furniture. A few books, a picture or a single beautiful object beside it are quite enough. This is a clock that can happily be the one object in the room that stands a little apart from the rest.

Inside is not simply a decorative clock, but a solid mechanical movement by Urgos. The UW 6/36 is a classic eight-day movement. Once wound, the clock will run for around a week before it needs winding again.

The movement incorporates a mechanical striking mechanism with a double strike on two bells. At the half-hour, it sounds one double strike. On the hour, the number of double strikes corresponds to the hour. So alongside the visible movement, the characteristic sound of a mechanical clock is very much part of this piece.

You can see the clock in operation and hear its striking mechanism in our video.

Watch the video with sound on YouTube

In Our Workshop

When this portico clock came to us, its best years initially seemed to be behind it. But clocks like this are precisely one of the reasons AntiguoShop exists. A well-made mechanical clock does not need to be discarded simply because the decades have left their mark or because its movement no longer runs reliably.

For its restoration, the clock was completely dismantled. The Urgos movement was removed and fully disassembled. The individual components were cleaned and inspected before the movement was reassembled. It was properly oiled, then adjusted and monitored over an extended period.

The case was also completely dismantled and carefully cleaned. Our aim was not to make an almost fifty-year-old clock look as though it were new. Its history should remain visible. Instead, we wanted to bring out the clock's original character once again and ensure that its mechanism can continue to operate reliably for years to come.

The photographs from our workshop show some of these stages of the work. It is important to us not simply to describe a clock as restored, but also to show what restoration means to us.

A Clock for a New Home

This clock is now ready for its next journey through time. It is looking forward to a new home and to fulfilling its purpose once again – perhaps soon in yours.

At a Glance

Type of clock: mechanical portico clock / mantel clock
Period: late 1970s
Case: light-coloured marble with gold-coloured details
Movement: Urgos UW 6/36 mechanical eight-day movement
Striking mechanism: double strike on two bells; one double strike at the half-hour, and the corresponding number of double strikes on the hour
Running time: approx. 8 days

Condition

Case: completely dismantled, carefully cleaned and restored
Movement: fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected, properly oiled, reassembled and adjusted
Function: runs reliably and was tested over an extended period following restoration

This clock is in very good original condition for its age. As an original vintage item, it may show age-related signs of use. The photographs form part of the description.

Our Philosophy

We are Lenka and Thomas, and we love old clocks. Not only for their mechanics, but for the stories they tell. Every clock that leaves our workshop has been restored by us with patience, care and craftsmanship, and great respect for its history. At AntiguoShop, we believe that exceptional objects deserve another chance. That is why we give historical clocks another life – so that they can continue to inspire people and enrich their homes for years to come.