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Going analogue: 9 clocks that’ll make you want to ditch your phone

Pia Seidel
14-2-2025
Translation: Katherine Martin

Beautiful timepieces can rekindle the appeal of simplicity. If you ask me, these nine statement clocks will stop you from checking your phone quite so often.

If you’re trying to use your phone less often, one of the clocks listed here might be a good alternative to the one on your display. Having scrolled through our range of wall clocks, alarm clocks and table clocks, I’ve landed on nine timepieces that I consider well designed. I haven’t personally tried them all yet, but I’d still like to show them to you.

1. Pleated pattern

The fan-like design of this ultra-quiet quartz clock could well be inspired by pleated looks in the fashion world. Either way, it’s a real eye-catcher that creates an illusion of depth. Its minimalist style makes it the perfect addition to a kitchen, living room or office, and you can clearly see the time on its analogue display.

2. Organic shape

The Vienna wall clock from Danish brand House Nordic impresses with its irregular edges. The shape really helps to break up a room’s rigid right angles. With its curves and soft, off-white cement shade, it’s attention-grabbing and matches a number of interior styles. Most importantly, the manufacturer says it doesn’t make any sound.

Vienna’s gentle curves are a fabulous fit for this wall.
Vienna’s gentle curves are a fabulous fit for this wall.
Source: House Nordic

3. A whiff of nostalgia

This table clock, affectionately named «Grandma», has a special twist to it. Although its design exudes nostalgic charm, it’s also cool and understated. It’s totally free of numbers or any kind of embellishment, relying instead on a single material: porcelain. This is pretty unusual in the world of clocks, and it’s certainly made this one into eye candy.

With its silver hands, this Dutch-made clock is both a timepiece and a decorative accessory.
With its silver hands, this Dutch-made clock is both a timepiece and a decorative accessory.
Source: Zuiver

4. An injection of movement

With its retro-style flip mechanism, Karlsson’s Data Flip alarm clock shakes things up a bit – and oozes nostalgic charm. Although there are clear upsides to its minimalist style and fun clock face, the retro mechanism might feel a little unusual if you’re into digital displays. Nevertheless, it’s this very feature that makes you want to tell the time in a new (or should I say an old?) way.

This design combines a classic look with functionality.
This design combines a classic look with functionality.
Source: Karlsson

5. Ahead of the curve

Designer Dieter Rams lives by the motto «less, but better». In 1984, he designed his first analogue travel alarm clock for Braun: the AB 2 clock. With its smart simplicity, the clock really epitomises that sentiment. The battery-operated alarm clock is compact, lightweight and ideal for travel. It’s inspired new, adapted models such as the BC22G clock, which has a rounded top instead of an angular one. Soft shapes like this tend to be more inviting than sharp edges. Plus, the clean, simple dial coupled with contrasting hands and brightly coloured tips mean it’s still easy to read the time.

6. A touch of nature

Wood immediately injects warmth and cosiness into a room, so you’ll always hit the jackpot by incorporating it into your interior. The Tokei alarm clock designed by Danish brand Oyoy does exactly that. By dispensing with numbers, the designers have emphasised the clock’s wooden structure. And the stylish gold hands are the cherry on top.

The Tokei is a successful blend of retro charm and natural elegance.
The Tokei is a successful blend of retro charm and natural elegance.
Source: Oyoy

7. Taking «edgy» to a new level

This clock is anything but samey. With its rectangular, number-free face, it has a minimalist aesthetic that stands out from the usual clocks you’d find on the market. You’ll also find it in a handy square shape à la Ritter Sport chocolate.

By doing away with numbers and going for a rectangular shape, the designers have created a clear, contemporary look.
By doing away with numbers and going for a rectangular shape, the designers have created a clear, contemporary look.
Source: Beliani

8. A new take on a classic

This Fisura cuckoo clock combines tradition with contemporary design. The Spanish brand has put a new spin on the original model, which dates back to 1629. Ideal for anyone who loves subtle design, but doesn’t want to sacrifice traditional elements. The cuckoo clock is available in many colours, monochrome versions, multicoloured versions and even as an alarm clock.

Fisura’s contemporary take on the cuckoo clock.
Fisura’s contemporary take on the cuckoo clock.
Source: Fisura

9. A nod to the infinity symbol

With its no-frills look and silver colour, Karlsson’s Duo Cuckoo clock is a perfect fit for modern living spaces. It’s shaped like a figure of eight or an infinity symbol, so it might have a calming effect. That being said, that calm might be occasionally disturbed by the built-in cuckoo. But hey, at least you can turn down the volume. Since the clock runs on batteries, it can easily be moved from one room to another. It comes in black, white, gold, grey and green.

Duo Cuckoo serves as both decor and a timepiece.
Duo Cuckoo serves as both decor and a timepiece.
Source: Karlsson

What kind of clocks do you have at home? Feel free to share your favourite timepieces in the comments.

Header image: Woood

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