Irresistible Gifts for Clock Lovers: 3 Simple Ideas

Searching for a gift for a clock aficionado can be a daunting task. Their knowledge of clocks likely exceeds yours and it can feel paralysing to get something while unsure if they already have a similar timepiece or if it’s even something they will like. Below, we go through some ideas that are nearly fool-proof for the clock enthusiast in your life. Classic timepieces and  amazing innovations are ideal spots to start your search for the perfect gift.

1. Wrist Watches

Image Source: Mr. Jones Watches

Watches are a wonderful gift for someone passionate about clocks because you’re likely providing a necessary accessory or adding to their collection rather than giving something redundant. To make it even more meaningful, you can inscribe a watch with a personal and thoughtful sentiment so that it’s truly meant only for the recipient. 

Watch-wearers with a collection tend to rotate their watches, picking out what they’re going to wear that day with insight on how well it matches with their outfit and what symbolic meaning they’ve attached to the watch that they want to embody that day. In gifting a watch, you bolster their collection and give them more choices for the day, which is a good problem for a watch-lover!

The part that you may be struggling with is what kind of watch to get. There are choices like the Rolex, a luxury Swiss watch that doesn’t depreciate in value and has a strong history of impeccable craftsmanship. Breitling, though slightly more affordable, is also a formidable contender as a luxe gift with many models that are likely to suit the watch connoisseur in your life. Tudor is another watch brand to consider, and is quality made to the same standards as a Rolex, as a sister brand to the iconic watch company. Well-known brands are preferable, but classic pieces don’t need to come with a huge price tag if you’re wanting to get something that is just as functional and unique.

You can also consider Mr. Jones Watches which make make unusual watches which tell a story, start a conversation or simply make people smile.

In considering brands, you may find it fruitful to consider something vintage. A vintage Breitling will often still cost around the same as a new model, but it’ll have a lot of history and character behind it that watch-lovers seek out in a timepiece. You might want to consider getting the same model watch as someone that your recipient admires, building upon the connection that they have to their inspirational figure. 

2. Wall Clocks

As an essential part of decor, wall clocks are a wonderful way to express style and keep track of important events in your life. There are a lot of options when you’re thinking about buying a wall clock for someone in your life, so it may help to narrow down some criteria in order to make a good selection.

Think about their style and their current decor. Would they want something minimal or ornate? Something modern or classic? New or vintage? A unique, one-of-a-kind idea is to create your own clock. You can do it from scratch with a wood or metal base, and then add numbers and the clock hands with a mechanism from a craft or clock store. You can then decorate it to your recipient’s taste or purchase an old clock and refurbish it in their style.

However, if you’re short on time and want to get something that is well-crafted but has the same handmade charm, consider Bramwell Brown Weather Clock. Their clocks dual as a weather predictor, so while featuring an easy-to-read face, the clock also has whimsical weather graphics that slide into a viewing window to let you know what kind of weather to expect for the day.

3. Vintage Timepieces

One of the allures of timepieces for a collector is the history behind a piece, and the story that it tells. A grandfather clock is an ideal example of this--a keeper of time and a record of history. The origin of grandfather clocks trace back to the late 1500s and early 1600s when Galileo’s eye caught sight of a swinging chandelier in a cathedral, and his mind started ticking with the idea of making a pendulum clock. Though ultimately not successful, it laid the groundwork for astronomer Christian Huygens who was able to divide the previous 15-minute intervalled day to 1-minute increments with a pendulum clock. 

From here, we have incredibly talented artisans and engineers that take the reins to make the beautiful grandfather longcase clocks that we have today. Knowing this background, it’s easy to see how a clock aficionado falls in love with these timepieces. Grandfather clocks are also a sign of accumulated wealth and history, as generations would have to be in the same place over time in order to keep a clock in a family since these particular clocks would not have travelled well.

A smaller piece of history is reflected in the pocket watch. Its creation dates back to 1510, and was adopted by many people for its ability to be worn and carried around so that you can check the time as you go. It has a rich history in the railroad and train industry, being a crucial device for conductors to be on time; not only to serve passengers and deliver freight but also to avoid accidents as trains used the same lines and were only separated by different moments in time. 

An heirloom item like a pocket watch is a perfect gift for your recipient who is on the go. It’s better than referring to a smartphone because it won’t distract you from simply reading the time. You might be inclined to get a pocket watch that has ties to an important person or moment in history that your recipient would love.

Handpicked Recommended Reading: What the Gift of a Clock Means

4. Bramwell Brown Cycling Weather Clock

This clock is sure to bring memories of childhood stories and fun times cycling through familiar neighbourhoods. The characters whizz to life on their bikes zipping around the city as the weather forecast changes (or when you press the “mechanimate” button to show off for dazzled spectators). Watch a speed racer soar through a pounding downpour and children ambling back home from school.

Inside this limited edition Bramwell Brown clock is the same fine engineering that powers all of the Weather Clocks. Be sure to keep the clock in a place where it won’t be affected by temperature, such as hanging it away from a radiator or chilly backdoor, and the clock is likely to last you a lifetime or more! Bramwell Brown’s quality products and service deliver beyond putting a lovely artisan timepiece in your hands--they will also repair and maintain your clock so that it sticks around to become beloved by generations more.

5. Collage Clock

Creating your own clock is the perfect way to ensure that the clock meets all of your criteria, and can be a great way to build memories and have fun with your gift recipient. With a DIY clock set that includes the hand mechanism and numbers (or not), you can craft a one-of-a-kind clock with magazine, newspaper or book clippings of favourite things to feature. 

Pick a base for the face, typically a thin circle of metal or wood at a craft store and ensure that there is a hole in the centre for your clock’s hand mechanism to slide through. Use a glossy sealant to set the face and make the clock shiny with the colours of your collage. Part of the fun of this clock is creating it together, so sit down in some old clothes and make an activity of going through materials to select the right clippings to be featured in your clock.

6. Bramwell Brown Into the Wild Weather Clock

This dark and gloomy clock is a prime example of Josh Patterson’s best work in this collaboration. The mechanimated scenes are straight from a Grimm fairytale and showcase tall pines, mountains and a cosy cabin nestled in the deep backwoods of North America. See the glory of untamed wilderness and incredible landscapes as the scenes whizz back and forth in order to forecast the weather. This is a wonderful clock for any nature and camping lover, bringing back warm memories from late night campfires.

Like the rest of Bramwell Brown’s lineup, this clock is meticulously crafted and can be further personalised with a custom printing on the face of the clock, just above the window or with a hidden message at the back with a plaque that is secreted from view, so only the recipient knows it’s there.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas Cuckoo Clock

This twisted cuckoo clock pays homage to Tim Burton’s classic Halloween (or Christmas?) film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack Skellington, Sally, his ghost dog Zero and other beloved characters surround the clock that is a nightmarish rendition of Halloweentown and Jack’s Tower. The clock chimes play “This is Halloween” on the hour. This is a tall clock, at 53cm, and is best suited in a home where it can take full stage regarding decor.

Like any classic cuckoo clock, Zero pops out to announce the time and the clock lights up and whirs into motion. Celebrate that awkward time between Halloween and Christmas every day of the year with Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas sculptural cuckoo clock.

8. Inner Workings Clock

Clocks with exposed gears that show off the moving parts to explain how the mechanics work are truly unique pieces. Most clocks focus on the face or the frame to draw in attention, but clocks with exposed gears make a statement with glass and windows to view the delicate gears spinning around as they work to keep accurate time.

These clocks make wonderful additions to any home, and are specifically great gifts for those who like to tinker and who are curious about how things work. Gifting a clock that shows how it functions can send the message of “I see you, I support your interests,” and really thrill your recipient when they discover the lovely clock that is now in their possession.

9. DIY Wooden Mechanical Clock

For those who are handy and enjoy a good project, consider the wooden mechanical clock. It’s a gorgeous sculptural piece that contains laser-cut gears that you put together to create a wooden pendulum clock. It also showcases the workings of the clock as all the gears are out in the open after you create it. It is a wonderful model to build either on your own or together and can be hung on the wall as both a functional clock and a unique art piece.

There are various styles, so consider one that really grabs your attention (and fits your wall, as some pieces are quite large!). You might want to get a kit that contains everything you need right out of the box, but if you have tools like a razor saw and wood glue around, you can get a better deal for just materials and instructions. Be sure that you’re well-prepared to start this project as it can be quite involved and losing momentum halfway might mean an unfinished clock that sits around until you’re motivated again.

When it comes to picking out an irresistible gift for someone, consider their interests first and base your choices on what they love and what’s in their current decor. If your recipient is a maximalist in style, probably an extravagant cuckoo clock is the way to go. Remember that even though it’s the thought that counts, giving a gift that someone truly loves means knowing what they like, and what fits with their personal style at home. Ask questions about what they’d like, and keep in mind that it’s better to get them something they’d love rather than be surprised.

A fantastic addition to any room: take a look at our Weather Clocks