Funnily enough, retro clocks are timeless. Whatever generation you are in, fashion trends tend to come full circle. Whether you love the 50’s, 60’s or 80’s, you can find a bold and iconic clock to decorate your space.
Genuine or replica – how much can you afford to spend? Real retro clocks that once graced diners and milk bars when you were a kid can be pricey, and for most mere mortals a replica retro clock is the only choice.
The popular Sunburst retro clock design of the 70's
Clock design is really important when you are choosing a wall clock for your home. Modern technology has helped change how modern clocks look and function. Today, large wall clocks are considered an integral part of any interior decoration, especially for our homes. So why do people WANT old or retro clocks?
Retro clocks are incredibly popular today, and some genuine articles can fetch enormous prices. A retro clock looks bold, daring, beautifully handcrafted, and often is huge in size. The theme of course is from previous decades, and in particular people seem to love retro clocks featuring icons from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. Elvis, Ford hot-rods, Marilyn Monroe and old-school Coca Cola emblems seem to find their way onto the clock dials of retro clocks.
Maybe it’s good memories for you from the era of the old clock, or maybe you just love all old things. Whichever it is, these features create a very cool atmosphere anywhere you put them, and many people love to decorate their living spaces, workshops, and sometimes entertainment/ gaming rooms with these retro clocks.
If you are interested in giving your home a retro feel, like that of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, choose an oversized retro clock. While the design of the classic wall clock was basically invented by George Nelson, the father of American Modernism, retro clocks are often distinguished by being oversized, with large and bold numerals and graphics.
Consider Nelson’s sunburst wall clock. This clock has a clean look with very dramatic but minimalist accents. Nelson used silver steel, brass, and wood to produce a variety of this magnificent clock design. The sunburst clock is literally huge with oversized clock hands. The clock resembles that of a sun and the centre is the clock dial. Although the rays look spiky end edgy, the lines are uncluttered.
Chev and Ford feature on many retro clocks
Nelson also created the ball wall clock. The design is very intriguing because from afar it looks like a scientific design or figure for a laboratory. The only evidence that it is a clock and not an atomic figure is the clock hands. Since the turn of the century, this clock gained a lot of popularity especially from teenage girls because many companies used candy-colored balls to give the clock a kind of modern-retro look.
Another creation Nelson is known for is the starburst clock. Now, you may think that sunburst and starburst clocks are the same but the truth is they are not. In fact, starburst clocks look more futuristic and most of the designs resemble a snowflake. Starburst clocks have more geometric designs and a minimalist impact.
The most whimsical creation Nelson ever introduced would be the asterisk wall clock. This clock can be made of wood, plastic or metal. Like any other retro clock, asterisk clocks have oversized hands but with contrasting definitions. If you want a sophisticated-looking clock, the asterisk retro clock is perfect for you. If you want a modern take on classic retro-themes, maybe a Karlsson Clock would be ideal for you. These very cool clocks draw on inspiration from bygone decades, with modern materials and construction techniques.
For the boldest design Nelson ever created, the eye clock is every retro clock-lover’s must have. This clock, by its name, is shaped like an eye.
If you’re looking for a way to accentuate and individualise your home and its general appeal try hanging a retro wall clock and see for yourself the difference.
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