What is commonly used to date most clocks?

The practice of dating clocks often relies on the maker's name because clockmakers traditionally inscribed their names on the clock face, movement, or case. This information can be pivotal in determining the age of a clock, as many manufacturers have specific time frames during which they produced their work, allowing collectors and historians to trace back the production period associated with the specific maker. Additionally, certain makers are known for particular styles, materials, or technologies, which can provide further context for dating the clock accurately.

While the manufacturer's warranty might indicate when a product was sold or guaranteed to function, it does not provide definitive information about the clock's manufacturing date or design. Similarly, the type of material used in the clock's construction can inform about its quality and origin, but it does not inherently indicate when the clock was made. The design style of a clock can provide clues about the time period in which it was created, but this is often a secondary consideration and can overlap among different makers, making it less reliable for precise dating. Thus, the maker's name remains the most reliable source for establishing a clock's age.