Lighthouse Clock
1825–30
White pine, mahogany veneer, enamel, brass, and gilt and silver mounts
74.9 × 26 cm (29.5 × 10.2 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
In 1819 Simon Willard applied for and received a patent for the first American alarm clock. He intended for the clocks to be portable so that one could use them around the house or while traveling. Patented by Willard under the name “alarm timepiece,” clocks like this one are now referred to as lighthouse clocks for their marked similarity to the Eddystone lighthouse in the English Channel off Plymouth, England. This particular clock descended in the family of Simon Willard’s brother Aaron.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More like this
Thomas Hughes — Tall Case Clock
John Wood Jr. — Tall Case Clock
Switzerland — Watch
Jean- Baptiste Baillon — Watch
Jean Baptiste Daniel Dupuis — Watch
England — Watch
Johannes Pieter Kroese — Horloge met Christus en de Samarita
Paris, France — Watch and Key
Jan Marc Juntès — Horloge met de aanbidding van de herd
Vulliamy Family — Barometer
Daniel Quare — Bracket Clock
Thomas Monkhouse — Bracket Clock