The Author Clock is a (literally) novel way to read time

Zach Blass

Mechanical analog timepieces are loved due to their romanticism and emotion, holding  connection to a tradecraft and art form centuries old. Digital timekeepers often lack that level of emotion. With traditional timekeepers, certain rules have to be followed – hands and indices or numerals conveying the time. It is hard to deviate from such tradition, and this of course is where a digital readout can have an advantage. Recently a novel way to read the time has been created, which leverages quotes from various novels to indicate the current time. This is the Author Clock.

The Author Clock tells the time by a screen that refreshes each minute, displaying one of over 2,000 quotes to indicate the current time. The quote appears on the e-ink screen, with the excerpt that reveals the time bolded. It leverages literary culture spanning over six centuries to function as a desk clock. You can customise the appearance of the text, with various font options such as Berlin and Georgia at your disposal. If you are concerned about younger children reading the excerpts found on the clock, there is even a profanity filter at your disposal as well.

The Author Clock finds itself in a classy white oak encasing with a recycled plastic bezel that frames the e-reader screen. It has a brass base to keep it steady on a table, and a right-sided knurled brass crown can be used to set and adjust the time as needed.

It can be purchased in various sizes, small and large, depending on your preference. One key difference between them though, besides the size of course, is that only the large can be hung on a wall. The small version is limited to standing on a flat surface. The other key difference is battery life. Both are charged via provided USB-C cables, but the small must be charged every three weeks while the large must be charged every two months.

Ultimately, the Author Clock is a fun and cultured means of displaying the time. Whether a horology or literary lover, there is a lot to make you smile and it could be a fun way to discover new books to read. While the quote bank is already quite expansive at over 2000, the company behind the Author Clock allows owners to submit new quotes as well to add to their existing database after being vetted. So, it sounds like you will rarely see the same quote often.

Author Clock pricing and availability:

The Author Clock can currently be purchased through indiegogo. Price: Starting at $149 USD