Tick Tock: Practical Desk Decor

Rather than simply telling time, the unique clocks in this collection add a personal touch to any desk

Courtesy of Howard Miller, Pendulux, Chelsea Clocks, Frankenmuth Clocks, Bulova

Keeping track of the time is an important part of every day, but these distinctive clocks manage to accomplish a mundane task with style and panache.

Courtesy of Frankenmuth Clocks

The Tower of Time

Leyton Table Clock

$558

Clocks with visible mechanisms are a form of performance art, as proven by this unique example. Protected by a case-shaped glass cover and set on a beautifully finished burlwood mahogany base, the eight-day skeleton mechanism is vertically oriented, allowing a great view of the gears moving from all angles. The swinging pendulum provides a soothing effect, and a striker rings the bell located at the top of the mechanism on the hour.

Courtesy of Chelsea Clocks

A Gift of Time

Chelsea Boardroom Clock in Brass

$425

Styled after ships’ clocks, which were treasured by captains, this presentation-grade clock would make an ideal gift for a friend or an award for a much-appreciated co-worker. It comes with a brass plaque that can be personalized for a fee of $25 and inset into the lid.

Protected by a solid wood box, the precision quartz movement resides in a solid brass case that can be angled for the best view of the current time, clearly displayed on the three-inch dial.

Courtesy of Pendulux

Time Traveler

Pendulux Steamboat Table Clock

$399

Time doesn’t stand still, but this clever desk accessory will take your imagination on voyages while making sure you don’t miss important meetings—making it much more practical than a traditional ship-in-a-bottle accessory. To spark creativity, the piston at the ship’s stern can be hand-operated to see the propeller in action. The highly polished marble base and brass hardware make this a welcome addition to any office desk or boardroom.

Courtesy of Howard Miller

Time in Motion

Howard Miller Soloman Tabletop Clock

$164

Howard Miller is well known for desks, so it’s no wonder that it makes great desk accessories. This piece of functional art combines highly polished brass and a rosewood-finished base with felt lining. The skeleton quartz movement is on full display from the front and rear, powered by a battery to always display accurate time. The hands and hour marks are easy to see, while the clock itself can be swiveled or set at different angles.

Courtesy of Bulova

Classic Elegance

Bulova Gentry Quartz Mantel Clock

$295

Made by a firm whose name is associated with timepieces, this classically styled mantel clock would be a welcome addition to any office. The quartz movement ensures accuracy, while the pendulum revolves in a tranquil manner. Accented by a mahogany-stained, piano-finished solid wood case top and base, the curved glass front and rear acrylic panels allow an unobstructed view while preventing an unsightly buildup of dust. The provided 3 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch engraving plate allows it to be personalized or to commemorate an accomplishment.