Can you still get an antique clock at the right price? With the falling stock markets and house prices around the world more and more people are seeing their wealth they have amassed deteriorate before their very eyes. Smart investors are cashing in their stocks and bonds and buying tangible assets.

Assets they can actually see and touch that will increase in value and edge against inflation. One of these desirable assets is antique clocks and with the vast and varied amount on the market and places to buy them, from General Antique Shops, Auctions, and Classified Advertisements to name a few This article will aim to help you decide where you will buy your clocks from.

Classified Advertisements. There are two main points to remember when scanning through the local or national classified ads.

1. There are, as in all trades and types of business unscrupulous people that place small ads without declaring that they are 'trade' unlike bona fide clock dealers, they are not knowledgeable horologists and sell through the classified section in the belief there will be no comeback, when you later discover on closer inspection your clock is not as advertised. Beware of the lovely retired old couple selling a clock that has been in the family since Noah built the ark and had just stopped running as you walked in the front door.

2. Take note of the traveling distance. I have wasted many hours and gallons of fuel viewing clocks that have been over exaggerated by enthusiastic sellers on initial telephone conversations. Despite these drawbacks, there are bargains to be had right now as the credit crunch takes hold and people need cash. Always remember the golden rule. Make sure the clock the seller is selling is theirs to sell before parting with any money. Always get a signed receipt, which ideally should include a good description of the clock, clearly stating any identifying marks, particularly maker's name on the dial or identifying marks on the movement.

General Antique Shops. It seems there is at least one antique shop in every town you go to. These range from the smart up market antique shops which are well respectable establishments usually selling high quality restored clocks for which they expect top prices. At the other end of the spectrum there is the downmarket back street bric-a-brac shop, they may have clocks for sale but inevitably will be of low quality, the clocks may be working but you will find these traders do not offer much of a guarantee. This can only be viewed as a lack of belief in the reliability of the clocks they have to offer.

Auctions. If you check out your local directory you will find any number of auction rooms and auctioneers and valuers listed. Some of the larger firms could have specialist sales for clocks two or three times a year, all will have some sort of antique auction at least once a month and general sales and house-clearance weekly.

All the auctions will have one or two viewing days before the start and most publish some sort of catalogue giving you a little time to check things out. Each lot is sold as seen with all descriptions given in good faith. Sole responsibility is on you the bidder to satisfy him/her self that all is well before bidding. To make a bid on any lot you will be required to register and will receive a numbered card or paddle with which you will indicate your willingness to make a bid for your chosen lot to the auctioneer If you are unknown to the auctioneers they will insist on clearing your cheque before allowing you to take the clock you have successfully won a bid for. So if you are unfamiliar with the auction environment take cash with you, up to the limit you are prepared to pay for the clock.

The golden rule when bidding at any auction is to write down the maximum amount you are prepared to pay for each lot on your catalogue at the days viewing before the auction If any particular lot reaches one penny more than your maximum amount written down, then walk away before you find yourself in a bidding frenzy and tempted to pay more than you had intended. Accept that the clock was not meant for you.

There are more places offering opportunities for buying good clocks like antique and clock fairs. Wherever you buy remember the choice is yours, always be thorough and ask questions regarding any repair or restoration work.

Don't overlook transport; everybody doesn't have a vehicle that can carry a longcase. Only buy a clock if you really like it and you will be able to live with a clock you love.