"I don't like things that are highly decorative," Lum says. "I like things that are highly mechanical." He displays his collection of old clocks (most of which don't function) atop a Ming Dynasty cabinet from the 1500s. "In Chinese culture, looking at nonworking clocks is considered very bad luck; I don't believe in that," he notes. The artwork above is a collage by Dennis McNulty.
My husband has a thing for old clock and watch parts, so, by proxy, I also think they're neat. Clocks don't always have to be functional; small antique clocks displayed together quickly morph into an impromptu mantle vignette.
Furniture surfaces. Any unused furniture surface could work for your collection. This chest features an assortment of old alarm clocks. The larger ones are towards the back so they don't block the smaller ones. Notice that this collector sneaked in a few black figurines that tie into the art work above.