The Best Wall Clock

Buying Guide

Although people today have cell phones that can tell time, it’s still handy to be able to quickly glance up at a wall clock to check the hour. This is especially true when in an office or school setting where cell phone use is restricted to emergencies. Of course, wall clocks can also provide a decorative touch to any room, and if you’re in the market for a new one, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Decide where you’d like to place the wall clock. If it’s sitting just above your desk, a basic clock will do. Hanging a wall clock on the opposite side of the room, however, would require a model with large numbers that are easy to read at a distance, like the Plumeet Wall Clock.

Check to see if the wall clock has a glass covering that keeps dust from getting in the gears. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to be okay with scheduling regular dustings.

Many wall clocks produce a ticking noise as the minute hand moves around the clock. If you plan on installing the clock in a bedroom, look for a model that  features a non-ticking mechanism to keep the environment as peaceful as possible.

Determine how hands-free you want the clock to be. For example, the La Crosse Technology Atomic Wall Clock sets and updates the time all by itself after connecting to the nearest radio signal. All you have to do is select your time zone.

Browse more sophisticated styles if you’re looking to update a space within your home, and the basic black-and-white models just won’t do. Some models offer a traditional schoolhouse design and come with a mesmerizing gold pendulum, as well as a chime that goes off hourly.

• Wall clocks, just like other surfaces in your home, collect dust. It’s a good idea to dust the clocks once a month. If the clock has a glass covering, you can use a lint-free paper towel and a little glass cleaner. Clocks that chime should be oiled every three years.
• Most wall clocks require an AA battery.  Lithium batteries last longer and are a better choice than alkaline. Alkaline batteries would be best for items that don’t run continuously, like a child’s toy. You’ll need to decide how often you’d like to replace the clock’s battery. You can wait until you notice the clock is no longer keeping time, replace it around Daylight Savings Time or replace it every three months when you replace the batteries in your smoke detector.
• If the wall clock comes with a warranty, make sure you know the length of time the warranty is good for and what the warranty exactly covers. Wall clocks typically have a short-term warranty, many of which expire within a year of the purchase date.
• When it comes to pricing, you’ll need to take features and style into consideration. Basic clocks are naturally the cheapest. Since the Plumeet Wall Clock has larger numbers and the La Crosse Technology Atomic Wall Clock automatically updates the time, they fall in the middle price range. Models with a dazzling schoolhouse design, shiny gold pendulum and sweet-sounding chime will naturally cost the most.