What Is a Mora Clock? A Complete Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Mora Clock?
If you’ve come across the term Mora clock and aren’t quite sure what it means, don’t worry — this guide starts from the very beginning and walks you through everything you need to know before buying one.
antique mora clock
Tell me about a Mora Clock?
A Mora clock is a tall, freestanding longcase clock that originally comes from Sweden. It’s best known for its elegant shape, soft curves, and painted wooden finish.
Unlike traditional English grandfather clocks, Mora clocks look lighter, more decorative, and more furniture-like — which is why they work so well in modern interiors as well as classic homes.
They typically:
Stand between 6 and 8 feet tall
Are made from wood, not metal
Originally had a pendulum-driven mechanical movement
Feature a painted or softly distressed surface
See our Antique Swedish Mora Clock stock here
Where Do Mora Clocks Come From?
Mora clocks originated in the Dalarna region of Sweden in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Farmers built them during the winter months when farming work slowed down.
Because materials were limited, they used:
Local pine or birch wood
Hand-painted finishes instead of expensive veneers
This handmade origin is a big part of their charm — no two antique Mora clocks are exactly the same.
View our current Mora clocks for sale
What Makes a Mora Clock Different From a Grandfather Clock?
Many people assume Mora clocks are just another type of grandfather clock, but there are some important differences.
Mora clocks usually have:
Softer, more curved silhouettes
Slimmer bodies that feel less imposing
Painted finishes rather than dark wood
A more decorative, Scandinavian look
Traditional grandfather clocks tend to be:
Boxier and heavier in appearance
Made from dark oak or mahogany
More formal and symmetrical
If you like classic clocks but want something warmer and more relaxed, a Mora clock is often the better fit
See our collection of Swedish Mora clocks
Swedish mora clock
Are Mora Clocks Antique or New?
You can buy both antique and modern Mora clocks but why buy reproduction when you can have the real thing
Antique Mora Clocks
Typically date from 1770–1850
Often show signs of age and wear
May have original hand-painted details
Are valuable collector’s pieces
Do Mora Clocks Actually Keep Time?
Yes — most Mora clocks can be fully functional.
They usually:
Run on a mechanical movement or have a battery professional mechanism which is what we supply with out clocks
The original mechs need winding every 7–8 days but can be difficult to keep going and usually require a professional clean and repair prior to a professional set up – this can be both time consuming and expensive compared to installing a professional battery mechanism
Some modern versions may include updated mechanisms for improved accuracy, while antiques may be slightly less precise but still perfectly usable.
View Mora clocks currently available in the UK and USA
Where Should You Place a Mora Clock?
Mora clocks are surprisingly versatile.
They work especially well in:
Hallways and entrance halls
Living rooms
Dining rooms
Open-plan spaces
Because of their curved shape and painted finish, they don’t dominate a room in the way darker grandfather clocks often do.
View Mora clocks currently available in the UK and USA
How Much Does a Mora Clock Cost?
Prices vary depending on age, condition, and craftsmanship.
Antique Mora clocks: £2,000–£15,000+
Always check whether the clock is:
Fully working or fitted with a professional battery mechanism
Professionally restored (for antiques)
Original or later paint
What to Look for When Buying a Mora Clock
If you’re considering a purchase, keep these basics in mind:
Movement: Is it mechanical and serviced or battery?
Finish: Hand-painted details add value
Proportions: Slimmer clocks suit smaller homes
Authenticity: Ask about age and origin
View Mora clocks currently available in the UK and USA
Is a Mora Clock Worth Buying?
If you want:
A statement piece with history
Scandinavian elegance rather than formality
A clock that feels like art as well as furniture
Then a Mora clock is absolutely worth considering.
