In this insightful article, patrick_y, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, explores unique horological gift ideas beyond traditional wristwatches. He highlights two distinct desk clocks: the minimalist Around Five Clock and the retro-futuristic Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock. patrick_y's personal experiences and detailed reviews offer valuable perspectives for collectors seeking distinctive time-telling devices.
Need a last minute gift to treat yourself? Want to get a cool clock for the office (potential tax write off)? Got an empty bookshelf and a clock would go well on it? Well... Here are some great ideas!
FOR YOUR BEACH HOUSE OR LAKE HOUSE: The Around Five Clock...
A supremely elegant expression of time, this battery powered cordless clock (batteries last a very long time, mine is two years old) conveys the time in a wave. Made of billet aluminum, it's heavy, impressive, and extremely pleasing to the eye.
A RETRO MODERN OPTION: The Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock 6 Tube
Cold War history meets style. Nixie tubes! They have a lot of life to them! Many of our members have acquired one. My favorite part is how the Nixie tubes scramble their digits every few minutes to "clean the tube." Definitely a cool clock (check out the video below to see the scrambling and to hear a short explanation why it's necessary). These tubes by Dalibor Farny have a 10 year warranty too!
It's fully programmable on a phone app. Photo Credit: DaliborFarny.com m
A Dalibor Farny and Frank Buchwald Collaboration: the Nixie Machine II which was retailed by Max Busser's MB&F M.A.D. Art Gallery. Photo credit: M.A.D. Gallery
A MECHANICAL OPTION: Miki Eleta Clocks
Need something mechanical? A Huge Clock... Want something especially large? Miki Eleta... At 70 years young, Miki Eleta has only made about 40 clocks in his career. Generally averaging less than two clocks a year... Out of those 40 clocks, several pieces are in the hands of royalty - where they tick in palaces. I discovered Miki Eleta at Dubai Watch Week in 2021 and I was astounded. So astounded that I flew to Zurich to visit his atelier twice. Wow. Just wow. Pictures don't really convey the scale and impressiveness of his pieces. I do hope that you get to see it in person one day. I'm still in awe.
This work is titled "Svemir" which is the word "Universe" in Croatian or Bosnian. Svemir is an amazing clock that belongs in a museum!
Close up detail of Svemir.
If Svemir is a bit too big, Miki Eleta has made smaller clocks, this is "Hammock Clock" and features a six-tone chiming system.
Key Points from the Discussion
The author, patrick_y, expands on his initial post by showcasing a Reuge music box shaped like a spaceship, suggesting that unique mechanical objects, not just clocks, can be compelling additions to a collection.
Another contributor shares a series of images featuring various L'Epée clocks, including their unique designs like the 'Turtle' and 'Octopus' models, demonstrating the brand's innovative approach to horological art.
patrick_y shares his direct experience with the Around Five and Dalibor Farny clocks, and Miki Eleta's workshop, noting that while he appreciates Atmos clocks, he has heard mixed reviews regarding their reliability and sensitivity to environmental factors like vibration and air vents.
patrick_y advises on choosing between the 4-tube and 6-tube Dalibor Farny Nixie clocks, recommending the 6-tube for its constantly changing seconds digit, which gives the clock a more 'alive' appearance, suitable for an office setting, while the 4-tube might be better for a bedroom where less motion is desired.
patrick_y expresses his admiration for specific Reuge music box designs, particularly the 'Music Machine 3' resembling a Tie Fighter and the 'tortoise with the bird' model, despite the latter being beyond his budget.
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The Discussion
MY
myles721
Dec 23, 2022
The Miki Eleta
I’d have to buy an office for my clock! 😆😂🤣
PA
patrick_y
Dec 23, 2022
Good deal if you can get a tax write-off!
That's an AMAZING clock. The pictures really don't do it justice.
AM
amanico
Dec 24, 2022
Wonderful idea. I would go for an Atmos. ;)
BO
borisundercover
Dec 24, 2022
+1 for an atmos, or a pair of them ))
AM
amanico
Dec 24, 2022
A pair even better. ;)
PA
patrick_y
Dec 24, 2022
Hmm... I don't own an Atmos yet!
They certainly are very cool! I have direct experience with the Around5 and the Dalibor Farny. And I've been to Miki Eleta's workshop twice and have gotten some experience with his clocks. I have seen an Atmos clock and I've even visited the JLC factory (although didn't see the Atmos part of the factory). Gotta find the space for an Atmos someday. I've heard mixed things about Atmos clock reliability - they're very sensitive to vibration, to put them against a wall, and to not put it near an air
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