I admit it, not only am I a fan of cool and funky wall clocks, but I am also a huge fan of clock that use an alternative forms of keeping time. I guess that is why I was doomed from the start to love the Catena Wall Clock designed by Andreas Dober. This cool retro steam-punk style wall clock was designed for the German Anthologie Quartett, a gallery and luxury store started in the early 80′s which features a collection of unique art, design and architectural items.
The Catena Wall Clock is a type pf timepiece called a hanging chain clock which is a very simple looking but extremely innovative type of mechanical clock that uses a very simple motor to turns a small, single, external sprocket. Hanging from the sprocket is a simple bicycle-style timing chain. In fact, the word “Catena” comes from the Latin word for chain. At the bottom a second, free-floating sprocket keeps the chain taut and rotating with precision.
As the hours tick by, the chain turns drawing the copper digits towards the top to designate the time. When each number reaches the top of the chain the Catena Wall Clock chimes out the hour. Reading the minutes can get a bit dodgy buy like most alternative timepieces, you get the hang of it after a while. If you are one of those that must have a second hand, forget about it, you wont hear any tick-tock coming from this smooth running mechanical clock.
The mechanical style of this functional work of art is very retro looking yet it somehow seems contemporary at the same time making it a bit hard to classify. That may be another reason I love this clock, it almost always grabs attention and astonishment when people see it for the first time. Be ready for the inevitable questions ranging from “what is it?” to “how do you read it?”.
The Catena Wall Clock is not cheap though, this sculptural yet practical kinetic sculpture/timepiece costs around $2,564.00 and is available from UnicaHome.com.