Clocks

Why a wall clock still

Although everyone has the time on their phone, the wall clock survives for one reason: you see it without doing anything. In a kitchen with messy hands, in a meeting room, a classroom or a child’s room, that matters.

In a child’s room it has a second role: an analogue clock with clear hands is how a child learns to tell the time.

And in an office, a visible wall clock keeps meeting time without anyone glancing at a phone — which is not only practical but a matter of impression.

What to check

The ticking of the second hand. It is the number one complaint, and it always emerges after you have hung it. In a bedroom, ask explicitly for a silent movement — so-called sweep movements glide continuously instead of stepping.

Size relative to distance. A 20-centimetre clock cannot be read from the far end of a living room. A practical rule: the larger the space, the larger the diameter.

Hand contrast. Slim silver hands on a silver dial are beautiful and unreadable. For a kitchen or office, clear contrast beats aesthetics.

Temperature and humidity display. Many models have it and it is more useful than it looks — particularly if you are watching humidity in a room prone to mould.

Practical notes on mounting

Eye level or slightly higher. Too high means you raise your head every time.

Not opposite a window. Reflection on a glass dial makes it unreadable during the brightest hours.

Remove the battery if you store it. It is the classic way a movement gets corroded by a forgotten alkaline cell.

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