'No Time To Waste'

Ever since man invented the sun dial some 5,500 years ago, mankind has always had the desire to know what time it was.

And with time, man has gotten better at telling it.

What began as sundials soon evolved into water clocks, then into the pendulum clocks of the 1500’s. Vintage clocks, dating from the 1920’s, used quartz crystals for precision in timekeeping. With the discovery of microwaves came the arrival of the atomic clock. Its accuracy, affordability and low use of power make the atomic clock the most popular choice.

From catching the nearest train to paying bills, time is of essence. This is perhaps why there is always a clock in practically every room of the house.

Kit Kat Klock

With its eyes and tail darting back and forth in tick-tock harmony, the Kit Kat vintage clock (shown left) brings me back to memories of my mother bent over the stove with a pot of steaming rice and the scent of roasting chicken coming from the oven. Hanging on the kitchen wall above my mother’s head would be the Kit Kat clock.

The vintage clock is a personal favorite and has been since the Great Depression, when down-and-out families appreciated its cheerful Cheshire-cat grin and wagging tail. Looking a lot like ‘Felix the Cat,’ the retro clock can still be found today.

Granddaddy of Clocks

Classic. Traditional. A grandfather clock complete with a swinging pendulum, chimes and tolls, and a golden face with Arabic numerals is one of the most treasured heirlooms. Stately and proud, the grandfather clock is its own piece of furniture, complimenting almost every style of décor.

Victor, Victorian

There is no need to head to the nearest ‘Antique Roadshow’ for a selection of antique pendulum clocks or a freestanding grandfather clock. A Victorian mantel clock (below right) crafted from wrought iron is far more reliable than the real thing. Pairing well with dark Victorian tables and tufted chairs, the iron arabesques and the intricate design running along the face gives the clock a strong, but softened character.

Gone Cuckoo

Don’t like the annoying buzzing sound of an alarm? A lot of people go cuckoo for cuckoo clocks. The cuckoo clock uses small pipes and a wire gong to imitate the sound of the well-known bird. But if a cuckoo bird jumping out of a trap door doesn’t strike your fancy, there is always the option of having a group of Bavarian dancers, a watermill, woodcutter, or animals. Variety is the spice of life.

With choices like these, you’ll never be late for anything again.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.wayfaring.info.com; KitKat.com; Decor Innovation; site.mycuckooclocks.com