According to French and English horologists, modern carriage clocks, also known as traveling clocks, first came into existence in 1798. A.L. Breguet was responsible for the construction, as well as the sale of this first clock. It was sold to Napoleon in that same year in Paris, France. It is also said that Napoleon required his soldiers to carry these type of clocks so they would never be late for battle.

Traveling clocks were initially designed for travelers to use as a time piece while traveling in carriages drawn by horses. It was essentially a portable clock. The design of the original version of this particular clock was a spring driven mechanism that was encased with a metal frame and a glass setting. For ease in carrying, there was a handle located on the top of the clocks. The clocks had to be wound with a key about once every eight days.

The original clocks were spring-driven and contained in a metal case with a glass window in order for the owner to be able to view the clock face. A top mounted handle provided a way for anyone to easily carry the clock. Owners simply had to wind the clock with the key that was provided, and the clock would run for approximately eight days. Some had chimes or music that played to mark the hour. Others contained a bell that rang loudly to mark the passage of time.

Antique collectors seem to have a fondness for any of the original carriage clocks that may still exist, as well as the authentic reproductions. France, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium all produce these collectible clocks. The most elaborate of the clocks hails from France. They are often purchased for decoration, rather than utility.

Companies have been making and/or restoring carriage clocks for many decades. These companies include L’Epee, Roderick Antique Clocks and Montpellier Clocks. Roderick and Montpellier are restorers of these types of clocks. They purchase high quality, antique carriage clocks that are in restorable condition. They then restore them and resell them to buyers who are interested in owning a unique and timeless piece of history. Proportions, style, color and original design all play into whether or not these companies will choose to restore a particular clock.

In 1975, the Roderick Antique Clocks Company was founded. The types of clocks they purchase, restore and resell include English, German and French made carriage clocks, longcases, skeleton, brackets, wall clocks, decorative French mantel clocks and even barometers. A collector can expect to find clocks made by Dent, Lenzkirch, Marti, Marc, Le Roy, Brocot, Jacot, Japy Freres, Drocourt, Hoffmier and Winterhalder, as well as many clock makers of English origin.

Montpellier Clocks came into existence in 1958. They are widely known for their skill in the restoration of authentic antique clocks. Only the highest quality clocks are chosen by this company for complete and careful restoration. They have clocks for sale that were made by Windmills and Whitehurst, William Dutton, George Graham, E.J. Dent, John Ellicott, Edward East, Charles Frodsham, Henry Hindley and countless other clock makers.

There is one company that has been in business much longer than Montpellier or Roderick. It is called L’Epee, and it came into existence in nineteenth century France, in 1839. Their original purpose was making movements, then escapements. Then, Carriage Clocks in their entirety were made in the L’Epee workshop. In 1999, the workshop was relocated to England as a result of being purchased by London clockmakers, F. A. Gluck. Currently, L’Epee continues to produce quality and precise carriage clocks that have the advantage of modern technology on their side.