Through the years, clocks and watches have gone through major innovations. The time-telling designs today don’t just simply tell the time, they also perform a whole bunch of other functionalities and activities for you, while also managing to look super cool and sleek. If you’re someone who geeks out on cool watches and clocks, then you’ve hit the right spot. We’ve curated a collection of unique, functional, and aesthetically interesting time-telling pieces for you. From a moon-inspired clock for your bedside table to a retro-inspired watch amped with the rare Nixie VFD tubes – these time-telling designs are a far cry from the typical products you see on the market.
1. NIXOID NEXT
Designed by Nixiod, the steampunk-inspired NIXIOD NEXT features the rare Nixie VFD lamps that were discovered 25 years ago. The uber-cool watch design merges retro and futurism, combining the tech of retro tubes with the appeal of a modern wristwatch avatar. The design is the best of both worlds – the past and the present.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NIXIOD NEXT integrates an accelerometer which illuminates the VFD tubes when moved toward the user. The tubes were discovered in a warehouse, from the time of the USSR, establishing it as a historic limited-edition collectible.
What we like
- Equipped with charging points on the back, so it is quite easy to charge
- Amped with a scratch-resistant sapphire case
What we dislike
- When the watch changes from hours to minutes, there is a 1.5-second pause, during which the hour and minute cannot be seen together
2. Moon Rocket Wall Clock
Called the Moon Rocket Wall Clock, this unique-looking clock adds the allure of outer space to your home. The clock is made from specially polished stainless steel, and it features a circular shape that perfectly captures the beauty of the moon. Numbers float around the edges of the clock. The clock has a minimal form that merges perfectly with your home.
Why is it noteworthy?
The numbers on the clock are much like the moon, they wax and wane, creating a stunning effect. The lovely clock helps you tell time and gently reminds you to live life freely and dynamically, adopting the spirit of adventure, the way a rocket ship does when it moves towards the moon.
What we like
- The numbers float around the edges, merging with the moon
- The clock’s second-hand features a small rocket, adding a lovely little touch
What we dislike
- If the clock is wall-mounted, it may be tough to read the floating numbers
3. Rolling World Clock
Dubbed the Rolling World Clock, this one-hand device is a great choice if you work on international time, and have to deal with different clients in different timezones. The Rolling World Clock has a minimal and sleek ethos, so besides telling the time, it also makes a visually interesting addition to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
With the Rolling World Clock, you can access different timezones through a one-handed movement. You can move the clock until you reach the city, which is the time you need to check. The watch hand adjusts to the correct timezone automatically.
2What we like
- Cuts down the need to use a screen to check on multiple timezones
- It makes time-telling a simple affair
What we dislike
- The clock showcases only 12 cities, so you will need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface
4. Jewelry Display Clock
Say hello to the Jewelry Display Clock – a versatile product that lets you safely store your precious jewelry while also showing you the time. You can also display your earrings as a pendulum. This innovative design tells the time for you, while also helping you securely store your personal belongings, and offering easy accessibility to them.
Why is it noteworthy?
The multifunctional product will make a beautiful addition to your dressing or bedside table. It neatly organizes your accessories and belongings for you, while also letting you swiftly tell the time.
What we like
- Classy and clean design amped with a quartz movement for precision
- Built from bioplastic which includes rice husks
What we dislike
- The space for storing jewelry isn’t much, you can only store 3-4 pieces easily
5. Author Clock
This innovative device is called the Author Clock, and it really is a novel new way to tell the time. This one-of-a-kind contemporary clock displays the time using interesting literary quotes every minute. The clock transforms time-telling into a unique and playful event, allowing you to read important moments in literature and writing history.
Why is it noteworthy?
The clock contains thousands of different quotes from a wide range of authors. The Author Clock is a truly whimsical and creative way to check and tell the time. It is a must-have for the bibliophiles out there, who love reading and collecting books.
What we like
- Contains a collection of 2000 quotes from authors spanning six centuries
What we dislike
- In comparison to other lightning-fast gadgets, the response time is quite slow