Preliminary identification

Tiffany & Co. Brass Atlas Table Clock

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

An elegant Swiss-made brass desk or table clock featuring the iconic Atlas design motif. The clock face showcases a brushed gold-tone dial with a date window, surrounded by a wide bezel deeply incised with polished Roman numerals. Marked 'Tiffany & Co.' and 'Swiss Made,' it represents the peak of late-century executive luxury.

Story

In 1853, Charles Tiffany installed a nine-foot bronze statue of Atlas carrying a clock above his store. This bold public timepiece became a New York landmark, eventually inspiring the legendary Atlas collection of jewelry and home accessories.

Maker / Origin

Founded in New York City in 1837, Tiffany & Co. evolved from a 'stationery and fancy goods emporium' into the world's premier luxury house. Renowned for their silver, jewelry, and high-end timepieces, they partnered with elite Swiss watchmakers to produce their desk clocks, ensuring that the internal mechanics matched the beauty of the exterior design.

Condition & Value

The brass bezel and dial show light surface wear and minor oxidation consistent with age. The hands are intact, and the date wheel is aligned. Testing with a fresh battery is required to confirm the Swiss quartz movement is in working order; non-functioning movements reduce the value by about 50%.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.