Our upcycled clocks take lots of forms. Some are simply modern mass-produced clock given a new, enhanced lease of life through modification, to make them more interesting and unique. Some are modern clocks damaged to the point that full refurbishment isn’t possible, and that damage gives the opportunity to experiment and have a little fun. Some aren’t even clocks at all, but other objects given a new life through adaption. Finally there are just some of our madder experiments. We hope you like this little selection of examples!
These two examples, above and to the right, are simply retro clocks that had damage sufficient to require more than just refurbishment. In each case here metal elements of the cases were corroded and discoloured, so a simple application of paint was applied, while the brass features were restored.
With this example, on the other hand, we leaned into the damage. The patina on the brass of this clock was very pleasing. It had, however, lost its handle on top, so we added this old brass camel figurine, which complimented the style perfectly. The camel had lost his reigns, so we added a nice new chain.
Again, this one was quite badly corroded, being a cheap modern mass-produced bracket style clock. We leaned into the damage, and decided to go for a shabby-style finish, which turned out quite well.
This wall clock was a more radical transformation. The old paper dial was peeling away, while the wooden board below was chipped and in no good state. So we transformed it, using a black base with brand new decorative elements.
This one was a hard one to salvage. The plastic parts were in a terrible state and the handle on top was so cheap it simply broken when disassembled. We went for a mild pink finish on this one.
This clock started out life as a lamp, but had lost its entire top half. It was unsalvageable as a lamp, but easily adapted into a striking, if very usual statement clock.
We salvaged this circuit board from a piece of 1990s hardware than was being thrown out. Having a lot of character, we added a mahogany frame, a dial and a simple mechanism.
Probably our favourite upcycled clock, this was an old frame to which we added the supports in a Mackintosh style, a salvaged dial and a brand-new pendulum mechanism.
Steampunk Clocks
One of the more enjoyable ways of using up spare parts is to compose steampunk style clocks. We never plan these, but take the time to fashion together interesting shapes and items. Adding digital mechanism to carriage clock shells (in each case here where the dial and mechanism were unsalvageable) always gives us some pleasure!
