TIME is running out to see a treasure-trove of timepieces in York.

Hundreds of rare clocks by world-renowned craftsmen of the 18th and 19th centuries today went on show at the Antiques Centre in Stonebow.

The centrepiece of the show is the stunning Harrods longcase clock - specifically made for the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the only one of its kind in the world. Experts say it is, quite literally, priceless.

Another star piece is the Verge wallclock, engineered by Joseph Newman of London back in 1730.

"This is an excellent opportunity to see museum-quality pieces. Visitors will be able to meet expert horologists who will be attending the event," said centre manager Liz Robson.

The exhibition is organised by Martin Davies, clock collector and member of the British Horological Institute. Mr Davies, who has been involved in horology for almost 40 years, said: "It is fascinating to be able to go back in history for two or three centuries to find out the origins of a clock, who engineered it and who was associated with it."

The clocks are fully-working - but have not been wound up, to avoid startling visitors at the top of the hour. With the exception of the Harrods clock, all are for sale.