Well-Timed Designs: A Guide to Modern Clock Designs

Art forms that tell time.That describes those modern clocks where it is design as well as time that is of the essence. The unorthodox and unexpected clock designs can stretch the imagination or provide a topic for conversation.

Such designer clocks have become particularly freewheeling in concept in the last two decades, ever since the development of the quartz movement (which utilizes long lasting batteries) has eliminated electric cords and given more flexibility to design approach. Some of these time pieces, have no hands, at all. Many have hands but no numerals. Some of the avant garde clock designs resemble pixilated pickup sticks, strange shapes from outer space, and the doodlings of abstract artists. These modern clocks make strong decorative statements within them selves, but then contemporary shapes may not always be for conservative people.

New clocks can also be sleek, slim, and streamlined, with all the sumptuousness of hand-blown glass, the glitter of gold, and the see through elegance of clear Lucite. Charles Kriete, general manager for Seiko Time Corporation, points out that the use of quartz movements has enabled designers to fashion clocks with ultra-thin cases sometimes less than half an inch thick.

Timepieces give us the opportunity to break out of standar d clock shapes and to explore the more interesting mixture of industrial design and graphic art. George Kovacs, describes his own three year-old line of clocks as fun and functional. "I find that people are more open now to a breath of fresh air in clock design," remarks Los Angeles craftsman Chris Brightman who with his wife, Isabella, designs and makes clocks, utilizing many of the same craft techniques that they use in their hand-fitted jewelry. The Brightmans' clocks are completely handmade in then studio and sell for between $50 and $80 in museum stores and specialty outlets. The two artisans work with anodized aluminum in bright colors.

Umbra, a Canadian company, carries high fashion clocks in bright hot colors as well as black and white mixtures and soft pastels. Shohei Mihara of Japan designed the Tropical collection, which is not for the timorous says Paul Rowan the firm's art director, although he does refer to the far out models as "modern classics" that would fit into any décor

Modern clock design actually took off at the Chicago World's Fair in 1953 says Ron Weaver vice president of the Howard Miller Clock Company. That year marked a turning point in design and manufacturers began to look forward instead of backward. The clock designed by Gilbert Rohde, introduced by the Miller Company at the fair was reintroduced a few years back as part of the company's 60th anniversary celebration. In the last half century, this company has called on the talents of many leading designers including the late George Nelson, who two years ago startled his fans with the vibrant colors and eccentric shapes of his Tempo clocks based on the Memphis collection of modern Italian designs Anthony Rodriguez. I guess the vice president of Bulova's clock division was right when he said that clocks have be come a fashion accessory.

Source: Landes, David S. Revolution in Time: Clocks and the Making of the Modern World, Revised and Enlarged Edition 2000